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JACK'S JOURNALS

I had to go to the V E T S !!!!

I noticed last week that Jack was drinking more water than usual (he's always been a big drinker from being a kitten) and that he was very lethargic. At first I put it down to the heatwave and abnormally high temperatures. He didn't even want to be brushed, which he adores!

I decided to take him to the vets for his annual check up 3 months early and I'm so glad I did.

He had a good physical examination and Terry, our vet, said one of his kidneys didn't feel too good and he was breathing quicker than he should, even allowing for the stress of being at the vets.

Terry said he was almost 100% sure that he had chronic renal failure and did I have pet insurance? I don't have any of my cats insured 'cos with 13 it makes more sense to put money away weekly than pay approx. £130 per month for insurance, which I try to do!

He said that if I'd had insurance he would have taken blood tests, x-rays, ultrasound scans etc. but felt sure that Jack would do well on medication instead. Jack's been prescribed with Fortekor tablets (1 per day) which will take the stress off Jack's kidneys and heart and I'll take him back in 2 weeks for another check up and then if Terry feels it necessary I'll have the tests done. The tests etc. will cost £400 plus, but, as all cat lovers know, we always manage to find the money somehow!

After taking the tablets for 7 days Jack seems so much better. He has more energy, his coat is starting to shine again and he's back to jumping on the scratching post and shouting at me to hurry up and brush him!!

I've never had any of my cats on Fortekor or with crf at such a young age (Jack's 13 but I don't consider it old) and would appreciate any advice anyone can give me.

Jennifer (Jack's mum)

It's my 13th Birthday today and my Mum Forgot!!!!

I got up this morning, really excited because I'm a teenager today and waited for mum to give me a hug and wish me Happy Birthday.

She just said "Morning sweethearts" - which she says to us all every morning - and then re-filled our dishes with Hills and put the kettle on for her morning cuppa. She then put her coat on and went to see her human mum and make breakfast for her.

About an hour later she came back - still no "Happy Birthday Jack". I felt so neglected so I went for a walk in the garden.

After about 10 minutes she came into the garden and carried me inside, gave me a big hug and a kiss and wished me Happy Birthday. I was so happy then and jumped on top of the scratching post and asked her to give me a brush. She brushed me for ages and then told me she had just logged into her computer and there was a message from Catster wishing me a Happy Birthday, with a lovely cake, treats and 5 paws for my page!!!

I've forgiven her now 'cos we had the usual special Birthday tea in my honour - tuna in spring water or gourmet chicken cat food. I chose the tuna! yum yum.

Please no gifts for my page 'cos we're a big family and there always seems to be one of us celebrating a birthday or Bridge anniversary and mum always give us a diamond or emerald for our birthdays or Bridge dates.

Love & purrs
A very contented Jack
xxxx

MY FIRST DIARY - I'VE BEEN TAGGED!

At long last mum is starting me a diary - whoopee - and it's because I've been tagged by my doggie friend Greta to play with her - (thankyou Greta)!

4 things I like to do:-

1. I like to sleep on mum's bed at night and I have to touch her arm with my right paw.

2. I like to play inside the cat house in the garden. It's like a children's log cabin with carpet in, beds, scratching post and toys, especially in summer when the windows are open.

3. I like my sister Guinevere - she's very timid and never goes out to play but I keep her company and sleep by her bed sometimes.

4. I like to chase Tigger up the stairs and into the back bedroom and wish he'd just stay there. I just love my mum to comb and brush me and jump on the cat tree and shout at mum, or any visitors I know, to do the deed and now Tigger wants to be combed at the same time and it really annoys me - so that's why I have to chase him and get him out of the way!
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4 places I'd love to be:-

1. On the cat tree being combed and brushed every hour!

2. In a tuna canning factory - but not for too long!

3. In a clean bed every night - I love it when mum changes her bedlinen and sniff at it before I get into bed!

4. I can't really think of anywhere else - I just love my home.
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4 things I love to eat:-

1. Hill's Science Diet Chicken flavour.

2. Tuna in spring water.

3. Purina Salmon & Rice.

4. A morsel of cheese occasionally.

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I'd now like to tag 4 of my friends and hope they'll play the game with me. I'll pawmail them and ask them.

They are:-

Micini # 651358
Flash # 275444
Sammy # 580770
Zorilla # 155436