Hello, Dear Friends of Shifty!

In what has turned out to be an odd turn of events, Shifty is now among the diabetic residents of Tabby’s Place.  We are accustomed to dealing with diabetes at Tabby’s Place, so that expertise came in handy as we tried to figure out the saga of this development.

At one time, Shifty was diabetic. This was most likely due to his treatment for his severe stomatitis (severe inflammation of the oral cavity) when he first came to Tabby’s Place.  Steroids are what brought our fine fellow healing and relief from pain, but steroids often have the unfortunate side-effect with long-term use of producing a diabetic state.  Shifty was being served a diabetic diet in his suite, but the suite was gradually transitioned back to a normal diet, as test results at that time indicated there was not really a need for this specialized diet (except for one cat; beautiful Farrah).  It turns out that this specialized diabetic diet was probably keeping Shifty’s diabetes under control.

Shifty now takes a very low level of insulin on a daily basis (which was true when he needed insulin in the past).  His suite-mate Samantha has also become diabetic, likely for the very same reason as Shifty — stomatitis leading to long-term steroid treatments.  Farrah had been the only diabetic in his suite prior to this incident.  The staff is very happy to report that Shifty is a champ for his insulin these days. The last time he needing injections, there was a constant chase around the lounge with lots of furniture moving until he was cornered. Now they are able to just walk right up, pet his lovely head, and do a quick poke.

On a personal note, I had the pleasure of the company of Tabby’s Place alumnus Fuzzy (also known as “The Fuzzman” or “Fabulous Fuzzy” while at Tabby’s Place) for many years in my home, as his adopter.  Fuzzy, too, was afflicted with diabetes while at Tabby’s Place, and also received insulin on a daily basis.  He later no longer needed it; blessed to be in a remissive state.  Strict dietary control made a big difference for him at Tabby’s Place, a protocol I continued here at my home.  Regular check-ups for this and other issues with which he struggled were imperative to keeping him in good health.  Like our Shifty, he liked to eat; like our Shifty, he was a big hunk of svelte cat that loved people.  Similar to Shifty, they both went in and out of diabetic remission.  I remain grateful to my personal veterinarian and the Tabby’s Place veterinary team and staff for always helping to guide me with this issue.

Shifty is happy to watch all the new construction activity from his perch on the cat tree near the big picture windows.  From that vantage point, he can see everything that is going on out front. “Curiosity gets the cat” on most mornings, as the arrival of the construction crew wakes him from his siesta and he sits up and watches.  Many afternoons, I found him in his favorite spot under the sofa, where the floor probably feels cool without blankets and he can stretch out that big body.

I remain grateful for the consistent support of Shifty’s needs from you, and know that if there is any reason for concern, you will be the first to know!  He thrives under the medical care and emotional support he receives from our wonderful staff and volunteers.  I know if he could speak, he would thank you himself for your love and concern.

Your Correspondent,
Kim