Ralph (in memory of)


Domestic Shorthair
Picture of Ralph (in memory of), a male Domestic Shorthair

Photo Comments Sex: Male   Weight: 13 lbs.

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Photo Comments


Catster stats for Ralph (in memory of)
Corralled:1 time  Friends:64  Views: 1095

Stars:
The Catster Cat
Beenie 1992-2008
   Leave a treat for Ralph (in memory of)

Nicknames:
Ralphie, Ralphie Fuzz Butt, Miracle Man

Kitty Complexion:
 Activeness 
sleepyvery active
 
 Intelligence 
sillygenius
 
 Curiosity 
not curiousvery curious
 
 Friendliness 
timidaffectionate
 
 Vocal 
not vocalvery vocal
 

Quick Bio:
-mixed breed-cat rescue

Coloration:
Tabby and White

Likes:
sitting in laps, cuddling/grooming other cats, watching birds out the window

Pet-Peeves:
being picked up, being manhandled

Favorite Toy:
dufus dog, wand toys

Favorite Nap Spot:
on the bed or on the cat tree

Favorite Food:
canned or raw or freeze-dried treats

Skills:
can find a bag of freeze-dried tuna flakes in a pantry, on a shelf, and eat them all

Dwells:
indoors

Arrival Story:
I adopted Ralph on December 2, 2004. He'd been at the shelter since November 1998, when he was admitted at around age 3. That made him around 9 years old when I took him home. Ralph suffered from IBD and anemia. The anemia caused a heart murmur. One of the medications he took caused liver damage. The other suppressed his immune system, so he was constantly catching viruses and fungi, such as ringworm, getting infections, and it had induced diabetes. In fact, he spent much of his time at the shelter in ringworm isolation. At the time I adopted him, he'd spent 26 months of the last 3 years in the ringworm ward. Because of the ringworm, he had to reside in my bathtub (with shower doors closed) so as not to expose my other cats. When we moved to our new house, December 27, 2004, he lived in a room in the basement. I was determined to try another form of treatment for his problem. I changed his diet to a wholesome grain-free wet food, and supplemented with vitamin B12 injections weekly. I also got him off both the medications he was on. Ralph is my "poster boy" for illustrating what a HUGE difference the proper diet can make. Cats are carnivores and should not be eating foods loaded with grains. Read more at www.catinfo.org and www.catnutrition.org. The information there saved Ralph's life. As of his vet visit on April 22, 2005, Ralphie was ringworm *and* anemia free! Yay! He got a complete work-up in September 2005, and his heart murmur was gone and all blood values (including liver and blood glucose) were normal. No anemia, no infection - all clean! Only thing necessary was a dental, which he got. Subsequent bloodwork panels have shown some elevated white blood cell counts and globulin levels, and low potassium levels - nothing alarming.

Bio:
You may notice Ralph's cloudy eye in the pictures. A veterinary opthamologist examined him and feels the cloudy eye was caused by a birth defect. That's actually good news, as it means it's unlikely to worsen over time. She thought he still had vision in both eyes, but the sight was most likely better in the clearer eye.

Forums Motto:
Lap time!

The Last Forum I Posted In:
Wet Food vs. Dry Food

I've Been On Catster Since:
June 20th 2007 More than 2 years!

Rosette, Star and Special Gift History

Catster Id:
568085

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