PAW Prints: Imprinting on Human and Pet Lives

Pawtraits: Leaving an Impression

• Hello My Darlings:

I have just been away on an extended trip.  This time it was for family reasons, my twin sibling Jenni has passed away after a lengthy illness.  Although we lives in different cities, we were so connected often using our 'cat intuition'.  I received lots of emails on this matter, so I thought I would write a gentle post.

I know this topic doesn't come up very often, in human and cat culture we don't often speak comfortably about death; passing, moving on into "Cat Heaven". Here we can discuss these matters, this is is a safe place we call cat sanctuary.

Cats and humans are not unlike, all of us leave a "paw prints" when we are born.... imprinting on our relationships, this continues as we journey along the road map of life.  Babies and kittens are born, they grow in body, size and develop into wonderful companions we call family.  The "Paw Prints" become memories, photo's, video's stored in our hearts for eternity...this I share from PURSONAL experience.  I'm sure you have your own.

Making a connection!!

The cycle of life is rich, with many journeys shared with humans, animals alike. We are inextricably 'connected' from the moments we meet through 'adoption', 'birth' the bonding begins at a very early age. We call this 'chemistry', the bonding begins the relationship is formed often for a long time.

Always remembering!!

Losing a loved one is very difficult, painful, as deep as any physical wound (I have counselled many human and cat parents on this matter).  Time is often the best healer.

Health in both human and the animal communities can be affected by age and disease, the best we can do is to reply on our Veterinary and Physicians for their advice and quality of care.



Aspects of Imprinting : Human    and Feline                                     

Cat Prints

Human Foot Print

Here is a list of steps to help with the grieving process (there is no right or wrong in this):
1). Recognize that 'grief' is real, honour the mourning stage, recognizing it is both emotional and physical;
2) Veterinarians ,Humans physicians and Clergy can provide - bereavement counselling. Thank you various clergy and to Downtown Animal Hospital http://www.downtownanimalhospital.ca/  and Eden Counselling for their invaluable help and advise http://edencounselling.ca 
 3) Seek support from 'other furry friends'  and 'humans';

4) Be kind to yourself during this time;
5) There is often a need to fill the broken heart, to fill in that space that is missing;
6) Express yourself the best way you can: Do something creative as you move though the process: write, listen to music, you will know at the time;
7) Honour your beloved "pet"  that is appropriate for you;
8) Everyone will will have their own way of coping and moving on
9) Fill your heart with memories;
10) Time is the best healer

A great friend of mine J.P. McLean http://www.jpmclean.net/a well known Canadian author sent me a note, which is a lovely thought:
"Pets when they die take a little piece of us when they go; this is so that THEY can find US
later".

Other resources
http://www.gatewaypetmemorial.com/memorial.php

We know that there is often that unspoken 'connection'
intuition that animals and humans often share.

 

We hope these resources will help you (thank you to my intern "Cali" for her assistance in using her young paws in gathering this information).

Kalamazoo (Cali) Intern at Large

Do remember the connection, the imprint of paws that each
one of us carries with us from the time we are born. Whether feline, canine or human the leave their signature where ever they have been in the world, city, shall dwell especially that place we call home.

 See you next time on the Diva Paws.....

Dear Diva: What To Do About Cat Breath - Halitosis

Friday March 30, 2012

Dear Diva:

I would like to thank our feline reader "Miss Lily" to this weeks contribution.
     "My veterinarian says that I have "cat breath".  How can I make my breath smell fresher for the sake of my human? Miss Lily".

Before I begin, I thought I'd share something with you.  If you really want to drive your human mad breath on him or her first thing in the morning, after you have eaten a tin of sardines.  Better than their "morning coffee". It is sure to get them out of bed and respond to your needs!

This is what I do: My practice is to make sure I have regular check-ups with my Veterinarian, he or she is the best person determine the state of your overall health. When checking your Internet sources always be sure to look at credible sights and converse with your human companion:

After checking several of my sources, according Pet Education they advise as follows:  peteducation.com

How Can I Determine the Cause of My Cat's Bad Breath (Halitosis)?

Your veterinarian is the best person to pinpoint the cause. A physical examination may reveal the cause of your cat’s problem. If not, further tests will likely be recommended. Be ready to answer questions about your cat’s diet, oral hygiene, exercise habits and general attitude and behavior.

Don’t worry, your cat’s breath isn’t supposed to smell minty fresh-but if there’s an extremely strong, fetid odor, there could be an underlying medical problem.

Getting ready for my check-up

 "Bad breath, medically termed 'halitosis,' is a common problem reported by pet owners. The most common cause of halitosis is some sort of dental problem. Bacteria, saliva, and food particles can form plaque, which causes bad breath. This can further develop into gingivitis, or worse, periodontal disease, which will make the breath even more unpleasant or gum disease.


However, persistent bad breath can also indicate more serious medical problems such as abnormalities in the mouth, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, liver or kidneys. In all cases, halitosis is a red flag that should be investigated.
 
In addition to dental problems, other causes of bad breath (may) include:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Kidney disease
• Gastrointestinal disease, including cancers, obstructions, and certain infections
• Infections of areas around the mouth, such as the folds of the lips
• Respiratory disease, e.g.; some sinus infections
• Dietary "indiscretions," such as eating stool or spoiled garbage
• Other oral disease, such as tonsillitis, cancer, trauma, and some autoimmune diseases

Any pet with bad breath should be examined by a veterinarian, unless you know it is caused by something the pet ate. Some causes of bad breath can cause severe and even fatal complications, if not treated promptly.

 Summary check list:

Many people assume that bad breath in cats, especially at a certain age, is a “given”-but that’s not the case. In fact, being proactive about your pet’s oral health will not only make your life together more pleasant, it’s smart preventive medicine:

Regular home brushing with help prevent halitosis

• Bring your pet in for regular checkups to make sure he has no underlying medical issues that may cause halitosis.
• Make sure your vet monitors and tracks the state of your cat’s teeth and breath.
• Brush your cat’s teeth frequently-every day is ideal. (Please be sure to use toothpaste formulated for cats as human toothpaste can upset your pet’s stomach.)
• Discuss home-use oral health products with your veterinarian to see if there’s a type he or she recommends.
• Talk to your vet about feeding a diet that will help to prevent dental disease. Some feel that the abrasive action caused by chewing hard kibble can slow down the formation of plaque.

My most favorite kitty toothpaste is chicken flavor (what else would it be LOL). I prefer a soft baby brush or toddler size. The last time I got my teeth cleaned I destroyed the toilet roll and left the bathroom in chaos!

Miss Lily, please be sure to read this to your human companion.  Thank you.

Well, MY darlings, do send me your fan mail and questions :) divapaws4advise@gmail.com.

**Remember to have your questions in before Friday** Thank you - meow!