I originally published this post back in 2011. Am re-posting and have brought it up to date.
My special sweet girl.
Patches is my oldest (11 1/2) and she is very sweet and talks to me all the time. She is a silver and orange tabby. She is also one of two Exotics who share our household. She is doing very well now; although, it wasn’t always that way.
She had a chronic condition called feline lower urinary tract disease(FLUTD), and she hadn’t had a flare-up in a couple of years. Bob and I were so very grateful for that. She used to be on medication for it and also on special food. I wasn’t happy about that because the food was not a quality food; it had so much corn and poor protein.
The medication she was on was amitryptiline and it kept her so drugged that she had no will to play and she didn’t purr!! I finally weaned her off that, because she only wanted to eat the food that the others ate, and it was a big problem trying to keep her away from their bowls. I found that she did fine on the quality food the others were eating, so I just relaxed and let her enjoy.
Three days after the weaning from medication began, Bob and I heard her purr! It was the first time in 2 years! It was a miracle, and I am so glad I decided to wean her off all the “bad” things. Even while on the medication and the special diet food, she still had bouts of the urinary problem, so I decided not to continue with the special food and medication. It turned out to be a wise and happy decision. 🙂
Pussy Cats 3 
Wonderful picture! I enjoyed your blog & pics of your cats.
Reblogged this on Sunshinebright and commented:
Patches is my special, sweet girl. She has 2 pesky brothers that she tries her best to put up with. Please read about her.
Sometimes the experts really aren’t the experts (!) – we who know the cats and see them on a daily basis know what does and doesn’t WORK for them. Vets are fabulous and do a great job but sometimes – well……..let’s just say that those of us with cats have a bit of “vet” in us as well ! Your cats are gorgeous….I hope Patches stays healthy! Our Sam just began medication for hyperthyroidism – we’re hoping it works for him but I’m allowing my “inner vet” to monitor him closely.
Hugs, Pam (and Sam)
Pam, thanks so much for your comment. I just posted another one about Romeo and the Busy-Box. Patches is continuing to do well. You are right! No one knows our babies better than we do! Hope your Sam will do well on the medication. Has he been sluggish? Hugs back.
Yes he has been a bit more lethargic than usual…..but when he’s awake he seems just fine. If that’s the worst effect he has from the meds I’ll be happy! I’m hoping one pill will be enough – his vet is checking his blood in another week or so to see if it’s working – if not, we go to two pills. Thanks for asking!!!
Hugs, Pam
Thyroid problems are not uncommon. Pills are difficult to administer. Whenever possible, I just have the vet give an injection – usually if teeth have been extracted, and to take away the pain, and to prevent any possible infection. Patches has most of her teeth gone, now. Taking a lunch break now. Have a wonderful afternoon. Hugs. Carol
I’m so glad Patches is doing better. My Crystal has Inflammatory Bowel Disease these past few years. It was hell trying to get “the experts” to figure it out. (Yes, i ended up researching, educating myself, and diagnosing her.) Hugs to you and the kitties!
Sometimes it happens we have to do our own research on the internet. I’m lucky to have a wonderful animal hospital. I hope your Crystal’s problem will be solved; if not, at least she should be comfortable and relieved of symptoms. 🙂 Thanks for your comment!