Daily Photo: We Passed Our Exams
“So we get gold medals for this stuff? What are we supposed to do with gold medals?” I don’t want to tell them they are only rabies tags.
Today was the day for our annual whole house exam with our house call veterinarian who has taken care of my feline family for 20 years. Below, six of the seven in the household–Mimi hopped to the floor before I could get all seven–mill around and inspect the exam area: the cabinet with the light above and the enamel table, transformed into a clinic.
We even had an impromptu waiting area! Bean is first in line! I always move the chairs away from the table so my vet and her tech can move around more easily.
Giuseppe was the clinic supervisor for most of the time, sitting on the cabinet and making sure our veterinarian did everything according to procedure. Mewsette is next in line. The Five each had exams and rabies shots and were very well-behaved, hanging around to watch their siblings get examined. All teeth are good and everyone has dropped a little of the excess weight we’ve been trying to lose, probably from chasing kittens–interestingly, three siblings, Mewsette, Sunshine and Bean were all the same weight, 11 lb. 14 oz. We know the scale was working because Giuseppe weighed 13 lb. and Mimi weighed 7 lb. 4 oz.
Giuseppe decided to take his turn in there somewhere, and this photo is blurry just because you don’t need to see exactly what is happening. Or actually because Mlle. Daisy Emerald Marguerite, should she ever see this, really doesn’t need to see exactly what is happening. Because Giuseppe has had a little irritation and inflammation in his throat for about a month he also had his temperature taken just as further diagnostics. I’m always concerned about any impairment to their immune system that might be related to FIP, and they all passed something around a couple of weeks ago that involved a sore throat. Giuseppe had it first, then each of the others, and it still seems to flare up with him. I will keep watch and am working up a few immune system boosters.
After Giuseppe decided to take his turn Mimi became clinic supervisor. Mr. Sunshine is ready to step up on the scale.
Mr. Sunshine knows the drill–get in the middle of the scale and hold still. He’s reviewing the paperwork the tech is holding for him.
Bella had a mini exam and an FVRCP booster, Smokie got pets and encouragement. Because Bella was so frightened they ahd t o use the big gloves during her nail trim, but after that was over we could all take the time to quietly pet and praise her for her good behavior until she relaxed, then I picked her up for a hug before I put her on the floor so we could clean up.
Wonderful for the little ones to meet the veterinarian and technician on home turf, hear the sounds and smell the smells and see five other cats actually enjoy the experience. Both of them skedaddled early on, then Smokie came back in the room, then Bella did. Neither seemed particularly frightened of the strangers or the process, and Smokie actually hopped up on the table during the exams, though Bella had an appointment to watch birds in the other room. They both stayed in the room after Bella’s treatment and got pets and praise. Hopefully a visit to the vet won’t be so frightening later in life.
Then the best part–treats! I usually have freeze-dried real meat treats on hand for times like this or when I just feel like giving out treats, but exam day calls for a little more. Actually, I opened a sample bag of dry cat food I’d gotten at the Expo to sprinkle a bit on the floor. I will just say that I have been blessed with the BEST.CATS.EVER!!!
Read about other Whole House Exams!
Browse some rescued cats and kittens!
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Weekly schedule of features: Sunday: Essays, Pet Loss, Poetry, The Artist’s Life
Monday: Adoptable Cats, TNR & Shelters
Tuesday: Rescue Stories
Wednesday: Commissioned Portrait or Featured Artwork
Thursday: New Merchandise
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And sometimes, I just throw my hands in the air and have fun!
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This is exactly the scene at our house once a year. Dad calls it the round-up. Sure is easier than trying to drag us all to the vet’s office. Glad to see you all got treats! XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
Kittiesblue, do all of you stick around to watch everyone else get poked? We loves to make faces at each other!
Wonderful news kitties..looks like you were all so good..That is how I give out treats here with my 6 also Bernadette..there is never a morsel left..lol
Bluemoonalone, I usually hand out my treats individually, but the two young ones have less patience, and exam day is special!
I see..I do it with my gang because they lose patience and all want to grab from my hand at the same time..