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Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Is it just my imagination?

Or do I actually have a target printed on my back.

My boy in healthier days.
This morning started off with Cookie, my large sweetie-pie 14 y/o cat, projectile vomiting blood.  It was scary.  I managed to get the basic chores done, called my vet, rolled Cookie in a towel like a burrito and slipped him into his carrier.  Then shot off to the vet's office a half hour away.

The vet just called me to tell me that he is one sick boy.  No surprise there.  But what was a complete surprise was the cause - he has, in layman's terms, the equivalent of cat malaria.  And a very serious case of it.  Malaria?  Really?  He is an indoor only cat - as are all three.

Even more odd is that my vet has seen two other cases besides Cookie.  Which is alarming, in that I have two other cats.  Although he said it has not been a 'familial' occurence in the other cases, there is that big target on my back.

Excuse me while I go check the balance on my credit card....

21 comments:

The Dancing Donkey said...

That is very interesting, my cat has been having similar symptoms and no one has been able to figure it out. A new tick borne disease would certainly explain it. She is still hanging in, but I'm not sure how she will do. I sure know how that target feels. Good luck with your kitty, I hope he gets well.

Michelle said...

Oh no; oh dear. Wish I could offer some advice or solace....

Sandy Livesay said...

Susan,

I believe the malaria virus can given to a indoor cat from ticks. A tick will attach itself to a dog, or a human pant leg then he is in the house and you don't know it. I'm hoping the vet is able to cure your kitty.

jaz@octoberfarm said...

this is so awful. i never heard of this before. i hope he gets better!

Susan said...

DD - I am tempted to seal all seven of us in hazmat suits until winter. Even though the dogs are protected, they may have transported the evil insect into the house. Sending good thoughts to your kitty as well.

Susan said...

Michelle - It's always something, isn't it? I am hoping that he pulls through. I am extremely fond of him.

Susan said...

Sandy - There are so many ticks in our area, I am not surprised. I just hope they are able to undo the damage. He is pretty sick.

Susan said...

Jaz - Thanks. I am happy that I have such a good vet. I know he'll do everything possible.

tpals said...

We used to have a terrible tick problem, but after I brought in the chickens I haven't seen a single one (3 years now). Good luck for your kitty.

MrsDuncanMahogany said...

New follower here! Sorry to read of this! We have 4 lovelies at our house - all are precious. I hope he gets better quick!!

Tyche's Minder said...

Wow. Have never heard of that, but this is the year for parasites. No question about that. First time I've ever prayed for cold. Hope your boy pulls through.

Tombstone Livestock said...

Such a pretty kitty, hope he responds to treatment. I have had an enormous tick problem last two years, just read in Tractor Supply's Out There about keeping bird feeders way from your house and walkways ........ I have bird feeders in the tree on the lawn, on pole outside dining window, have had hundreds of finches, sparrows and juncos hang out in the tree, guess I will not fill the feeders this year and see if my tick problem decreases.

small farm girl said...

Wow.....

Sue said...

Oh Susan, so sorry to hear this. Hope he'll be ok.

Michelle said...

I never heard of that. WOW .I am so sorry to hear your kitty is sick. I have two cats that go outside, I will be keeping a close eye on them. Hope your cat gets better soon.

Judi said...

Sending you good vibes....

Florida Farm Girl said...

Oh, poor girl, and especially poor baby boy!!!! Wish I could give both of you hugs.

Unknown said...

Ahh, hope all will be well. I just lost a hen yesterday...

Fiona said...

Sigh....I do hope your poor boy gets better. I had no idea there was Cat Malaria. Thinking of you and saying Prayers to St. Francis.

Carolyn said...

OMG! I'm sooooo sorry to hear about Cookie! We have our (more than) fair share of ticks here, and even with the tick-stuff on the animals, they still get them. I'm sending Cookie, you and the crew good, healing kitty vibes and I hope the vet can get him fixed up soon.

Susan said...

So sorry to hear about Cookie. Will be thinking of him and you every time I look at my cat-which is a lot.