Good bye 2023!

Comparatively speaking, I would say 2023 is a relatively calm year for our family. Being a lone ranger, I no longer have to worry about my parents, though I still miss them both dearly at times! I took up volunteer work for 2 mornings per week, mainly assuming some clerical jobs. Its boring at times, but at least could keep my "brain" (if there's any) functioning and come in touch with more people. 

Overall, the cats are in "decent" conditions:

- Betty, though unfortunately had been diagnosed with IBD and pancreatitis in 7/23. There were some teething problem with medications during the first month but by and large, she was sailing pretty smoothly.  She had already recovered from pancreatitis and just another step before her gastro system could be claimed returning to normal. 

Being a very obedient and understanding child, she compiled with the straight ID diet throughout the day and runs until now. Though at times, she might play "loss of appetite" when comes to eating dry food, just a grain of Bonito would make her open up and start eating. Don't know whether its she who could be easily fooled, or that I'm the one being fooled? Anyway, keeping happy and gaining weight (4.4kg - her record high and 15% higher than when she first fall sick) is good enough.

Just hope that Betty will continue to recover and could return to her low phosphorous meals in 2024!

                                                 

- Felix, though there were some minor hiccups, had at least been staying OUT of hospital for the whole year for a change! Felix eats well, and had gained weight this year. We are now working hard to control his body weight as he had loose interest in exercising since taking Steroid. 

I just pray that Felix would live a happy "normal" life henceforth. 

- Stella, grew up fast. She's very energetic, but when you hold her, she's like a HEAVY caterpillar - soft and wiggly..... haha. She had comfortably master all those trades from her "siblings". These include manoeuvring up and down the cat tree at ease, hunting (sneak behind and jump onto the prey), the golden handshake and "catch and fetch". You might wonder whether she's dog instead of a cat?

She had her maiden cat show and the result far exceeded our expectations. Though she was tense when in the rings, she was pretty relaxed behind the scene - able to eat and sleep. She seemed to enjoy the limelight, especially when having her pictures taken. 

In the coming year, Stella still have a lot to learn and improve discipline wise, for the very least, as I hope she can over time be transformed into a "real lady" rather than be a tomboy?! 

We would like to sincerely wish all our friends and their loved ones, 

Happy Festive Season & Joyous 2024!

Can you spot Felix's broad range of expressions from the above 3 photos? Haha

Stella's maiden cat show

Stella made her debut in the FFF (Feline Fanciers' Federation) Cat Show in Emax on 19th November 2023. Its an eye opening experience for her. As expected, the bright and noisy surrounding made her a bit tense. However, her daring and curious character enabled her to adapt well - not afraid of being put in cages, being examined by strangers, big wandering eyes busily taking note of the surrounding. 

Her efforts paid off handsomely, ending the day with a total of 13 rosettes:

Ring 1: All Breed - 4th Best Premier

             Long Hair Premier - Best Champion

             All Breed Premier - 2nd Best Champion

Ring 2: All Breed - 2nd Best Premier

             Long Hair Premier - Best Champion

             All Breed Premier - Best Champion

Ring 3: All Breed - 3rd Best Premier

             Long Hair Premier - Best Champion

             All Breed Premier - 2nd Best Champion

Ring 4: Long Hair Best Premier

             Long Hair Premier - Best Champion

 Overall - Best Head

              - Highest Scoring Premier

Stella also earned the title of Grand Premier in one show. 

Official results as follows:

Despite the serious competition, behind the scene, Stella seemed pretty at home. She took a few brief nap, ate some dry food and enjoyed a massage later in the day.

Overall, is Stella happy with her achievements?

We were thrilled to meet Ellie, Stella's younger sister (10 months younger, same father and mother).

Ellie staged a remarkable performance, as she was crowned FFF Queen for this event. i.e. she is the highest scoring female cat. She also earned the tile of Grand Kitten in one show as well. 

For 2023 as a whole, despite having only joined one competition, Stella was the 10th Regional Winner.

Goldie, the 2 year old angel

 Goldie, my loving daughter:

Though you are a 2 year old angel today, memories of your final moments are still very clear and fresh in my mind. Though there are no more running tears, the heart still ache and I would occasionally call your name by mistake. 

Unfortunately I have not met you in my dreams, but Auntie R has. She said you came back in a pet stroller. When you reached our door, you just jumped out lightly and took a leisurely tour around the house. When auntie told me that, she had pride and joy in her face!

Also, during a recent animal communication session, Betty was asked about your visit. Betty said you came back and told her to be good and listen to our advise. But naughty Betty was a bit hesitant, as she wants to do it her way and be happy.... haha

Goldie dear, just continue with your current mission and enjoy! Do drop by whenever you feel like it for our door is always open! Miss you and love you now and forever!

Betty - IBD and pancreatitis

 

Time flies, Kitty will be a 10-year-old angel on 6^th October. Still occasionally thinks of you, as you are our special baby – you are R & J’s wedding present from Tony and you join us when you are 5 years old. You have been a great elder sister to Goldie, moulding her into a wonderful role model which continues till now. Kitty dear, miss you and love you forever! Just continue to enjoy your life!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is to document Betty’s IBD footprint

18^th July : Betty had soft poo. I stopped all snacks and gave her steam chicken. The situation seemed to initially improved for a few days and she started to vomit in the morning and with fur. In the past, she would have recovered by day 5. But this time, the progress seemed unstable.

24^th July: First vet visit. Dr V examined her, did blood test and urine test. Gave her Pro-Kolin thinking its just minor gastro issue as she didn’t show any sign of discomfort during examination. Looks a bit tired. The blood test did show relatively low NEU and that the pancreas is abnormal. Her situation seemed to improved for a few days, and then daily vomiting and soft poo resumed.

28^th July: Ultrasound by Dr TT found that the pancreas looks normal in size, but the right side appeared darker than normal (ie infection). The intestine looks normal. She was given Metronidazole and started to take RC gastro diet.  After taking the medication, her situation improved till a few days before the revisit on 17/8 she vomited during early morning hours.

17^th August: Her weight dropped from 4.02kg to 3.83kg. Blood test readings all return to normal. Via ultrasound, Dr TT found that her situation has actually worsened, especially in the small intestine area. Selected areas of her intestine had thickened to 0.45cm (normal 0.3cm), and the very thin black lining in between has thickened considerably, making it look like a “hamburger”. The conclusion was (1) Metronidazole doesn’t work. Need to try another anti-biotics. (2) She has either IBD or Lymphoma. If want to know what is it, need to do open up surgery and take a part of the intestine for lab test. Medical treatment is the same for both sickness. (3) Can start treatment with antibiotics, if doesn’t work, try steroid. If still doesn’t work try Chemo drugs. However, if started with antibiotics, need to bear in mind that culture test would be affected. If go for steroid, then wont go for surgery.

Since the lowest risk option is the medical route but it might take longer due to trial and error along the way, Dr TT changed the medication to Tylosin and Betty has to be straightly on I/D diet. So the treatment started on 17/8.

31^st August: Blood test readings and GI panel should pancreas has return to normal and her body weight improved marginally to 3.87kg. Betty is a very good kid. She took her medicine on time and tolerate with the sole I/D meals.

30^th September: ultrasound by Dr TT showed that the black intestinal lining has reduced in size and the intestine looks more normal. Parts of the small intestine has shrunk as well. Vet’s conclusion is that she got IBD and not lymphoma. Tylosin was reduced from 3x daily to 2x daily and revisit in a month. However, must still adhere with the straight I/D diet. Her body weight further improved to 4.14kg. During this period, her poo looks normal and in good shape. Her lifestyle has gradually return to normal.

To be updated.......

Betty is a very understanding child and a tough fighter. Keep on fighting and Wish you Speedy Full Recovery!

 Oh! Those bitter medicine

Feeling better lately!

 

Happy MId-Autumn Festival

 中秋節快樂🎑

This year, the kids experienced for themselves what is lantern and having their photos taken largely in darkness. They were not afraid and managed to stay put for a while. Thanks to Cat Lam for the rainbow color Rabbit.

As an aside, 2 interesting scenes arise during the photo taking sessions:

Stella performed 「常餓」奔🌕

Typhoon Saola

Typhoon Saola came in strong, but with lots of warning and preparation by the current government, Hong Kong is lucky to suffer limited damages.

Because typhoon signal #8 was hoisted in early Friday (1st Sept), I had the chance to really see for myself how things changed throughout the day. Before arrival of the eye of the storm, the weather was fairly pleasant - light breeze, cloudy, occasional light shower. The change took place in the evening. It turned windy at around 6pm for which the typhoon signal was changed to #9. Raised to #10 at around 8.30pm, when the storm changed its direction. Rain poured, wind was very forceful and bang against the window, ventilators were churning wild. Within 15minutes, the windmill in the balcony was broken and fell to the street. We let the cats go out individually for a walk in the balcony to experience the occasion. By around mid-night, things turned quiet and peaceful again. 

Below are videos for a laugh

Medley

 No special theme for this month.

Sleeping beauties

Hiding?

What's this?

Summer Palaces

Each kid has their own taste and liking:

Betty

Felix

Stella

Stella really knows how to play "Fetch and Drop". This video is a bit long as its a complete record of various short recordings.

 

Stella turns One today!

 Time flies! Stella is one year old today!

(Apologies that this video is a bit shaky).

Stella has 3 sisters living in Hong Kong and 1 sister living abroad. We wish them all Happy Birthday! Good health, Great Joy and Happiness in the days ahead!

Elder sister - Pat Pat

Stella

Younger sister - Momo

Despite having cats at home for ages, and most of them came as a kitten, this is the first time, that I experienced for myself what having a kitten is like. (In the past, my parents/helper would train the kitten while I focus on my career). 

Stella is a pretty energetic and smart girl. She's highly camera sensitive, not afraid of loud noise and water. She likes to interact with human and is keen to learn how to do the housework. At times, she would bring a toy, drop it near you, look at you with big wandering eyes, inviting you to play with her. She is a pretty observant girl, watching how her brother and sister moves along the cat tree, and brave and determined enough to challenge them step by step whenever her height and energy allow. She had dropped from the cat tree a few times, but her persistence is unremarkable.

She likes to tease her brother and sister. Surprisingly, Betty is more tolerant with her and sometimes they would end up chasing each other around the house. I suspect Felix is her mentor, as Felix is pretty firm on her and would hit and even bite her when he thinks she misbehave. So sometimes, she is a bit scared of Felix.

Looking ahead, we hope to teach Stella "hand hand". It will not too easy, as she is not crazy with food and she does not often sit up straight either. 

As an aside, shortly after the birthday party, Stella decided to give us a surprise in return. For the first time in our over 20 years of having cats at home, Stella made a breakthrough. Please see for yourself....

Of course, we celebrated this historic moment with lots of firearms (spanking) and fanfare (scolding and lecturing) and her look....

As an aside, amongst the photos taken during the birthday party, we found an interesting one.. What are they doing?

Betty, Stella: Yes, Your Highness?!

Continue to lead a normal life, my dear Felix

Today mark the first anniversary of Felix's third operation. 

Compared to the past years, last year could generally be described as fairly stable and peaceful, though the initial recovery process was comparable to walking on the tightrope. Felix's allergy to Penicillin made him being left with the choice of a "less than ideal drug" and he also started to take steroid for life. 

Luckily, under the diligent care and guidance of Dr Vera and Dr Tint, Felix was on the right path and his medication is being gradually reduced to the "minimal level". So far, he is eating well and is fairly heavy at 5.7kg (5.1kg in 6/22) - his new life record!

Does he look like a seal?

One thing that Felix never missed out is his tea time ....

From his recent photos and seeing the pattern of the fur on his front paws, made us very happy. We have not seen such beautiful sights for ages. Everyone worked hard to enable him to stay out of the hospital, giving time to allow his fur to grow back! The fur in the chest would take longer, as he revisits the vet on a bimonthly basis, with hope to soon extend it to quarterly.

He still continue with his weekly acupuncture as his "chi" is still weak. One of our major daily task is to pat his back (near the kidney area) to help improve the circulation. Normally, we would do this exercise twice daily, each time patting around 250 times. Betty also needs this exercise, so ideally, they both receive it at the same time.

When comes to playing games, Felix used to like laser pen, but not so since we call him "gor gor 哥哥 (elder brother). We suspect that with this new role as Stella's mentor, he needs to carry a fairly stern image?!

Overall, we are truly thankful for the current status quo and sincerely hope that it can continue forever!

Thanks be to God!

Medley

Nothing happier than being able to find a toy which they all like. However, I might have to get each of them one to avoid fighting?

Stella's inner self is "A Beauty and A Beast"?

Stella might have found herself a part time job? Anyone wants to be her agent?

Stella's big day! (updated)

 Stella was neutered on 30th March 2023. 

That morning, the atmosphere at home was pretty gloomy. The kids were pretty quiet and no one seemed to care about their second round of breakfast at 9am. Likely all 3 kids sensed that something is coming.

- Stella, though on empty stomach since 10pm on 29th March didn't asked for food. Instead, she kept a distance observing what's happening.

- Unlike his usual self, Felix was very quiet. He didn't asked for food (normally he would be chasing after auntie already). Instead, he wants company when eating.

- Betty was the one most at ease. She ate by herself, but didn't play with Stella.

Overall, Stella appeared confident that the surgery would be a success and that the future remains bright for her.

In her absence, both Betty and Felix took their usual afternoon nap. 

The surgery was completed by 3.15pm and we picked her up at 6pm. Everything went on smoothly - she woke up quickly; a few stitches on the right side to be removed in a fortnight. In addition, she had a pair of snow boots

Though still a bit tired, she ate a small dinner at 9pm

However, life for the next 2 weeks would be different for her.

- She has to wear the cushion collar most of the time to prevent her from jumping up and down.

- She has to wear a dress (modified by us) to prevent her from licking the wound. 

- All her favourite toys had disappeared to minimise chance of her becoming playful too soon.

Finally regained total freedom on 12th April 2023. Dr S. removed the 2 stitches and Stella graciously kissed her for all that she had done for her good!

Praying that all would go well!

After removing stitches

Before stitches were removed

For the record, her first heat came on 12th March 2023.