Explorers
I’d gone downstairs this morning after checking in with Kefira and the Winter Gifts. Everybody was happy and well, but Kefira was out of food. So I came back a few minutes later with a container of food. When I looked into the closet, there was Keona halfway across the floor on a mission to explore the closet. Never mind that her eyes aren’t open yet. One can still explore a lot using the sense of smell.
I filled Kefira’s dish and she went over to have breakfast. While she was out of the bed, the kittens (I’d put Keona back with the others) were busily creeping around the entire area. A couple of them were getting up on their paws a bit rather than just scooting around on their tummies. Soon their eyes will be open (I can see them starting to open now) and they’ll be off to the races. Well, maybe not races quite yet, but certainly making the rounds in the closet.
If you haven’t already noticed, I posted one week photos of the babies last night. I was under the weather on Wednesday, so I was a day late. I was hit with a severe case of vertigo for an unknown reason. I was out in the stud room cleaning litter boxes and filling food dishes when all of the sudden the room started spinning. I finished what I was doing and went in the house to sit down. The spinning continued. After a little bit I decided to just go upstairs and lie down. I ran into the wall by the door, confirming that I shouldn’t be doing anything physical. And even though taking photos isn’t physically demanding, I was worried I might drop a kitten or fall. And focusing the camera with the room spinning isn’t all that easy! I felt better yesterday morning, although I was still a bit dizzy until mid-morning. Like I said, this was out of the blue and I have no idea what caused it. Had an episode — not as long lasting, though — a couple weeks ago, too. The next (if there is one) occurrence will result in a visit to the doctor if Ken has anything to say about it. He’s good at making me go for anything and everything — and terrible about going for himself. Men!
This weekend I’m downloading some new software and starting to learn a new way to do websites as our hosting company is discontinuing FrontPage extensions. Not surprising since MS support for FrontPage ended awhile back. I’ve just been too busy to spend much time learning something new. Now I have to. Initially, you shouldn’t see anything too different with the sites, but over time there will be changes. Brenda’s future site may be my test site for awhile since she doesn’t have her cattery registered yet and doesn’t need it available all the time.
In cat show news, those of you in the Denver area should stop by the Front Range Cat Fanciers show in Brighton at the Adams County Fairgrounds this Saturday and Sunday. Brenda, Sondra, and Heidi will be there showing off the fur kids. McCoy will be looking for some additional grand points after picking up 85 of the 200 he needs at the Loveland show. Danica will be there to get her winner’s ribbons. I will be there in spirit, but my next cat show in person will likely be in mid-March.
February 15th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Maybe you shouldn’t wait until another bout hits you to visit the doctor. I would rather you didn’t take any chances:))
The Gifts look wonderful.One week has made a considerable difference to their appearance.
February 17th, 2008 at 4:21 am
Hi Lisa,
I know exactly what you are going through with the vertigo. I had it many years ago and it was diagnosed as labrinthitis. It seems the semicircular canals (our balance system) becomes infected with a virus. The canals overfill with fluid (from inflamation perhaps) and make the fluid inside the canals move the opposite way than is typical. Hence, the extreme and sudden vertical occurs and often takes a day or two to go away. A prescription drug named ‘Antivert’ is helpful indeed, but you are still likely to feel pretty shaky the next day. Labrinthitis is a virus and will go away in its sweet time, but while it is scary and bizarre, it is truly not serious. It does eventually go away. We have had several friends over the years who have developed labryinthitis and have gotten through just fine. For me, the worst was the fear the first time or two when I was so dizzy that I cold only crawl across the floor and crawl into bed. Standing up and walking was out of the question. Needless to say, I had to take a sick day.
Please do check in with your doctor. He or she is the final authority. But labrinthitis is very common, and the good news is that it will go away. Antivert can help too. I had attacks off and on for about a year. All is fine now.
I hope this helps and I hope to some day have a loving, cuddly LostWoods wegie of my own.
Best regards,
Cathy
February 18th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Quick question. Every once in a while, I read all the older posts,just so I can re-live those moments.:)) In one post,you mention Peanut needing a grooming. And you said something about an anti-static spray. Now,I have searched for such a spray but all I found was a deodorising spray which also reduces static. Is there something that you would recommend?
February 19th, 2008 at 12:24 am
drier sheets!! smells like clean laundry and static is gone!!
February 19th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Those fabric softener sheets? That is great!
February 20th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
While a dryer sheet will work, what I use is a spray made for animals, so I know it’s safe for them to lick — ”cause you know they will.
BioGroom makes a spray with the easy to remember name — Anti-Stat. Sometimes available at pet shops, it’s fairly inexpensive as grooming products go. Here’s a link if you can’t find it in a store near you: http://www.double-s.com/shopping/product_info.php?products_id=320
We are now using — usually — a Chris Christensen product called Ice On Ice. It’s a little more expensive, but we like the overall results better. I’ve also used it on mats (spray, leave overnight, then comb) and had good results with the mat easily pulling out. I buy my CC products from http://www.cherrybrook.com
Another product — one intended for humans — that we’ve used and some people swear by is Integrity by Joico. It’s a leave-in condidtioner, but it’s not greasy like some leave-in sprays can be. Check beauty supply stores for it.
With any anti-static spray, you will see build up over time if you use it a lot. If you live in a dry climate where you need it often, try alternating the spray with a very light misting of water. Don’t soak your cat! Take a plant mister or a mister you’d use for your face (the aerosole cans of Evian water sold in beauty supply stores are expensive but work great for this) and spritz your cat. It will reactivate the anti-static product along with adding a bit of moisture to the coat.