Planning on taking Purrcy camping..

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~Purrcy ~- Meohmy

I AM- MARSHMELLOW CAT!

Purred: Fri Jun 24, '11 3:12pm PST


	As some of you know, Purrcy has chronic fibrosing cholangiohepatitis. He is an almost 2 year survivor of this ugly disease and is now 14 yrs old. My family and I go camping every year and I have boarded the cats at a cat's only facility. Last year, because of Purrcy's need for close observation, I boarded him at my vet's. When I got him home, I noticed that he had missed a few doses of his medication - one of the reasons I boarded him at the vet's. I was upset, but didn't make a big deal out of it, he was in good health - but I am uncomfortable about leaving him there again. Since last year, Purrcy's overall health has improved because we have connected with a very smart internal specialist. But he needs his medications given daily and there are some that absolutely can not be missed. So my plan is to take him camping with me for a week. I have purchased a new station wagon so I will set up a kennel with a litterbox and bed for him. The ride will take about 4 hours. Purrcy handles the ride to the vet (about a 2 hour round trip ok), but I worry about a longer ride. Any advice? We have a 20 ft camper and he will be able to be with us at night inside and I will take 2 kennels so he can be outside and safe during the day in camp. And I will take his stroller so we can take some walks with him. I also got him a cat holster so I can let him walk on a leash, if he wants to. I will bring all of the medical supplies I would need for any problems and can treat him with SQ fluids if needed. I found a vet in the town near where we camp and I was thinking of contacting them with Purrcy's medical history and asking them if they would be willing to care for him if I should need help - they could could certainly consult with my internal specialist, if needed. I feel like I am being a bit anal, but then again planning ahead is good too. i honestly think he would be less stressed by the ride than being boarded away from me for a whole week. Any thoughts, ideas, or camping experiences with a chronically ill cat out there?? Should I take him? Or should I board him at the vet's? I plan on using a pet sitter for the other 3 cats.They will be much happier at home instead of boarding. Purrcy needs more care than someone coming in twice daily. When he gets sick, he needs immediate care. Thanks for any help!

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Tully

The Tullster

Purred: Sat Jun 25, '11 11:16am PST


	I'm sorry to hear about Purrcy's illness and can certainly understand your hesitation to leave him at home or at a boarding facility, especially with him needing daily medication. Our two older cats hate to be left home alone, even with a pet sitter coming by everyday to feed them, so when my husband and I started camping in our RV, we took the cats along with us. They do amazingly well and even though they are not thrilled about the driving part, once we are parked at the campsite, they kick back and seem to enjoy the new sights and sounds. I bring some of their cat furniture and toys along so it feels like home to them. There are quite a few cats I have come across who do very well with RV camping, even a few who sleep in tents. If you think Purrcy would be happier and less stressed being with you than being left at home, I would say take him with you. It sounds like driving in a car is not too stressful for him and he'd be safe inside a camper at night and during the day. Plus you'd have the peace of mind knowing that he is getting his daily medication. Best of luck!

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~Purrcy ~- Meohmy

I AM- MARSHMELLOW CAT!

Purred: Mon Jun 27, '11 2:39pm PST


	Purrcy saw his internal specialist today and had some labs done. She will call tomorrow with results and probably revise out medications. She said she thought it was a great idea to take Purrcy camping - she said the stress of the ride would be negated by him being with his family for the week instead of being locked in a cage for the week. So - it looks like we'll go ahead! (so long as he is still feeling good when it is time to leave). I'm so excited!!! ( and a little nervous!)

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Orange - Ruffy

The Baboo Kitty- has Spoken!

Purred: Tue Jun 28, '11 5:38am PST


	I went with my mom and dad two years ago to a state park in NY and they rented a cabin and I loved it! I stayed inside, but it was still fun, it had a huge screened porch and I could sit and watch out the window. and it was big so I got to run and play alot, and I was the only one with them at the time. I would just say about the kennel at the campsite....that I might not like. What if some wild animal came along and tried to get in? Will someone always be with Purrcy? It sounds interesting!

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~Purrcy ~- Meohmy

I AM- MARSHMELLOW CAT!

Purred: Tue Jun 28, '11 5:39pm PST


	wow! Orange Ruffy! that must have been lot's of fun fur you!! Mumma's plan is to let me out in the kennel during the day, but only when she is around - if she has to go out of camp I will go into the campurr - with the door locked. Or she might take me fur a walk in my stroller! At night I will be in the campurr so I can sleep with mumma! No wild animals will get me!! (although I am hoping to see some chipmunks)

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Tully

The Tullster

Purred: Wed Jun 29, '11 7:45pm PST


	Yay Purrcy! So happy to hear that you get to go camping The best part is that you still get to spend quality time with your Mom, snuggle with Mom, and enjoy all the new sights and sounds. I love to watch chipmunks and birds from the window of our RV when we go camping. Have fun!

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Orange - Ruffy

The Baboo Kitty- has Spoken!

Purred: Fri Jul 1, '11 6:23am PST


	My momma and daddy hope someday to be able to afford an RV for just this reason, though daddy jokes it will have to be a pretty big one to keep Natalie seperate and have room for all of us!

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~Purrcy ~- Meohmy

I AM- MARSHMELLOW CAT!

Purred: Thu Jul 7, '11 6:11pm PST


	We saw our regular vet earlier today and he concurs! He thinks it's a great idea to take me camping!! I'm gonna catch him a big fat trout!!

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Maizy

I may meow to- you if you're- worthy

Purred: Mon Jul 11, '11 1:52pm PST


	Not sure if this will be an issue where you are going, but be aware of ticks. Last year when we went camping, they were crawling all over, and we were a good distance from the tall grass. They were dog ticks, so no worries for lyme, but still...they creep me out! Have a good time, and I am sure that he will enjoy some special one on one time with you!