April 26th, 2004- This weekend has been the longest roughest most tiring weekend for me. Our mom cat "Boots" started to go in labor Friday afternoon April 23rd, 2005. She was in labor from 3 p.m. until 1 a.m. when she delivered the first baby. He didn't make it. At 1:35 a.m. the second little guy arrived, I was able to save him, I cleaned him up cut the cord and washed him down because she wasn't paying any attention to him. She just delivered while walking and kept walking like nothing happened. She continued in labor all night long (morning) and at 10 a.m. I told Paul there's a baby in there yet. I just know there is. She hasn't lost her weight and nothing followed the delivery. She still looked preg. I called the vet and they had me bring her in at 5 p.m. to check her out because she was bleeding and still contracting. I wrap the baby up and took him with us because I am bottle feeding this little guy every hour.

It was a long day and night for the little guy. Sure wasn't planning on him being out that long and I was determined to keep him warm and safe and I also have to watch over mom because she's having big time troubles. Get to the vet, they agree with me there's still a baby. They give her shots to induce harder labor to try and get this little one out of there. By 8 p.m. nothing was happening and they said A.S.A.P. Emergency C section or she won't make it before the day light tomorrow morning. But the vet don't do the surgery. We have to take Boots to Watsontown for emergency surgery. She was already in labor for over a day and a half, one baby saved, one not. She's having trouble breathing and everything. I was so scared for her. At this point I don't care what it's going to cost and I'm praying they are able to save her. Nothing else mattered to me.

We arrive in Watsontown at around 10:40 p.m. and they have emergencies coming in from all over the place. We sat there from 10:45 p.m. until 1 a.m. now I've been up for 24 hours. I am wiped out. They tell us she's going in for surgery as soon as we leave. They'd call us when she was out or we could call in the morning. I chose to call them. I was beat and knew when I got home I had this little guy to take care of every hour. I ended up sleeping on the floor next to his box so I could hear him cry. I put a small heating pad inside the box with a little fuzzy towel on top to keep him warm. Got up that morning (not that I really slept or anything, because I was up every hour, hour and half feeding him) and called the vet. They said Bootsy got through the surgery, there was a baby and they tried to save him to send him home, but he didn't make it because he was in the birth channel too long. She's having a hard time right now, weak, not responsive and not eating. They want to keep her until they see if she's going to eat or drink. Called back around noon. At noon they said they were keeping her. I really start worrying then and sent the prayers out. At 5 p.m. doc calls us and tells us it's the strangest thing. They just checked on her and hour ago and she wasn't showing any signs of improvement and then all the sudden she's yelling and scratching at the door to get out of that cage. Said she ate something and seems to be doing good, you can come and get her.

Paul went to get her for me because I didn't think the baby could handle another long trip outside, so I stayed home and cared for him (or her?) Paul pulled in around 9:30 p.m. with Boots and I went out to meet them. She heard moms voice and started yelling and screaming. She was so excited to see mom. I took her upstairs in the same room I have the baby in and to my surprise she wanted her baby. She can't feed him but it sure helps me, she's washing him and keeping him warm.

This morning though she was crying and shaking because she's in pain. Have to run for pain medication. They didn't give her any. I am so upset about that. Gave her antibiotics but no pain medication. Poor thing isn't comfortable at all. I was going to give her and aspirin glad I didn't, come to find out there's something in them that can kill cats. OH GREAT I am thinking. I just spent $900 on my cat to save her life, and I was going to give her an aspirin to help the pain that might have killed her anyway. Geez ... wouldn't that of been great! Killing my cat after all that I've been through. From Friday on it's been crazy around here.

The baby is doing good. Today is day 3 for him. Well he won't officially be three days until 1:35 a.m. in the morning. The first 7 are the hardest to get the babies through. If I can get him to day 7 we have a good chance of survival. I went through this last year when my kitty "Trouble" had kittens and I worked so hard to make it through those days and nights. No sleep, sleeping next to them etc. One died on the 5th day and the other died on the 7th day. This little guy is strong and seems very active and healthy but that could all change at any time so PLEASE IF YOU COULD .... SAY A LITTLE PRAYER FOR MY LITTLE GUY!

May 3rd, 2004 - Today I took buddy to vet to get fixed, Bootsy got her staples out today and I dropped Spunky off to be sent out. Spunky was the baby. She didn't make it. I lost her on 4/28/04. I was so heart broken over that. She was doing great. Bootsy wanted to care for her but she got a cold I guess (I didn't notice because she got it through the night while in with the baby) when I went in, in the morning Boots was sneezing. I made her get out of the room within one hour "Spunky" (the baby) was going down hill. Couldn't get her to the vet so I put her in the truck and headed to Watsontown again. Joey and I had just pulled off the exit to the vet when we lost her. By the time we got a mile down the road, we lost her. I had to drive all the way home. Well to shorten this I didn't have the heart to bury her so I decided to have her cremated and keep her with me. She was the sweestest little thing too. She slept with me at night to stay warm and she purred (yes, she purred), she loved me and couldn't even see me. So much spunk!

Bootsy is depressed because I won't let her in the room where Spunky was. She would have been a great mommy if she hadn't had so many problems with her preg. and had the surgery. But she got a cold and everything went down hill from then.

Buddy is being neutered. have one more cat who's due to have babies anytime. They just didn't give an appointment soon enough for "Buddy" and that's what happened. "Muffins" ended up pregnant around the time "Bootsy" did. Yes, "Buddy" was the daddy of "Boots" babies too. I was going to abort "Muffins" babies because it's just ripping my heart out watching these babies go through so much. I get up faithfully every hour to feed and fight for them and it just tares me up when I lose the battle. So I was going to abort "Muffins" babies and not deal with it. I called had an appointment and everything, but within 24 hours I had a change of heart. I decided I have plenty more tears left inside me and I'll do what I can with prayers and my fingers crossed when the time comes. I'm going to let "Muffins" carry them full term and deal with what ever will be. I have to call tomorrow around 2 p.m. to check on Buddy and when I should pick him up. Felt awful leaving him behind. He gave me those sad kitty eyes (frown).

May 6th, 2004 - It's me ... Giving you another update on my cats. Buddy is doing good. brought him home the day before around 5 p.m., he's fine and still in love with "Spitfire". He doesn't have a clue what happened to him. He still thinks he's macho and cool *LOL* and he is (smile).

But the news is not all good "sorry"; my Bootsy took a turn for the worse over night. She's in the hospital in Intensive Care. I got up this morning and my Bootsy was burning up. She had her tongue sticking out and just didn't look good at all. If she pulls through she will be our $1400.00 cat ... It's iffy to be honest. I keep calling and checking in on her and she's stable, but not much change in her.

I gave her, her medicine yesterday and she would keep throwing it up. I was concerned then, but decided to hold off on it until this morning. When this morning rolled around it was a whole different story. She was sick all through the night. I called the vet and they said get her there a.s.a.p. I told them she felt like she was burning up. I had her in a room over night to see if she was eating and drinking and she hadn't. A cat's temp. You probably know is normal 101. 103 vets get concerned because it's a danger zone. When I got my Bootsy to the vet they rushed her into a room examined her, did emergency feline test for cancer or leukemia. Test was negative. Bootsy temp was 106.8 almost 107. I checked on her this evening. They got it down to 105 but it's not dropping quickly for them. She is being feed IV and getting her Antibiotics that way also. 2 different Antibiotics. Liquids etc. through the IV. She's resting. Her eyes were dry from Dehydration, her mouth was dry. Her fur was falling out and so were her whiskers. It wasn't pretty and I am really worried. They gave her something to help her rest and to keep her calm. There's a whole list of things they were doing. I don't have it here with me, it's at the vet and I signed the paper. My baby has had a really rough night and day.

They said they will call me about 10 p.m. and give me an update on her. My fingers are crossed that the fever is down. At 8 p.m. they said it appears to be a inner infection from the surgery and that would be because she wasn't taking the Antibiotics well. Sad news is that she probably had this the week the baby was trying to nurse and this is why Spunky lost his battle. Not "Boots" fault, but it's a shame. All she wanted to do was be a mommy and it didn't turn out so well for her. She never showed any signs she was having any problems until the other day when she got the staples removed. Then it was all down hill. The vet loves her. The staff loves her. Says she's so gentle and kind and doesn't even try to hurt any of them. That's unusuall with cats most times. Said all my cats that they've met so far are so gentle and well mannered.

They know she (Boots) has claws and she's never even put them out on them. They just brag about her when they call me. They are all rooting for her. It's comforting to know how important animals are to them. Some vets are so cold, but these girls treat my babies like they are their own and it really is nice and comforting to me. They were wonderful with "Shaylee" (my 12 yr. old puppy - Shaylee passed away 2-18-06, she had mini strokes and had lost her battle) when she was so sick that time too. I'm so lucky to have such good doctors and staff members to care for my babies. None of my cats have ever used their claws as defense with anyone in this house. They are all that way. Now they can do serious work to a scratching post and coffee table, but they've never hurt anyone in this house ever. Guess it's because they all feel safe and secure and know, knowone is going to hurt them. I would hurt anyone who tried to hurt them.

I'll keep you posted on how she's doing. I won't sleep too good tonight worrying about her. She's been through so much. The surgery, losing all her babies and now this. She's just a tiny little thing 5 pds. 8 oz., and it's hard watching her go through so much. But I know she's in good hands. That helps. At least there's a chance since I was paying attention. Doc even said that. If I wouldn't have called when I did the out come could of been much much worse by tomorrow. Said she won't spell it out, but I understood what she ment. Bootsy isn't in the clear. Alot could still happen until all this takes and she shows some serious changes over night. If she doesn't they are keeping her all weekend. This is like one of my kids, but at least with my kids I can sit by their side and comfort them. I can't with my kitty's.

Sorry for the bad news, but I thought you'd want to know since I told you the day before she seemed to be doing good, but was depressed. Maybe the depression caused some of this? Have to ask doc tomorrow. Probably not, but it might of made it harder for her to fight anything that was wrong. Maybe she was giving up on me because of "Spunky ???" Oh goodness what the mind thinks of when you are alone huh ...... I've had a rough three weeks with cats I'll tell ya, but I'll keep going for them just like I would for one of my kids .... Buddy is fine and all the other cats seem fine. Just pray everything turns out for my "Bootsy".

May 7th, 2005 - I won't call anyone right now because I choke up from time to time. Just let me get through the weekend here to see what happens and then I'll call okay. For now I will send updates as I get them. Joey's school work will be short and sweet today because I'm not focus and he's not focused either. We are both worried about her. He said last night, what a rotten Mother's Day for you mom. And he hugged me. Paul was going to take me out tomorrow but now I'm not going any where until the vet calls. They are keeping her again. So I will stay home and wait for the phone call.

I did hear from them last night around 10:30. At that time there was little change. This morning they called and it seems things are taking a turn for the worse. She's vomiting all the time. They gave her more stuff to calm her stomach. They sent her blood out to be tested because they think she might be suffering with Kidney Failure because of that high fever she had. I guess a fever that high start to shut things down. But they won't know until the blood work comes back tomorrow. Mom this is the hardest thing for me to say, but if that's the case she won't have a chance and I think I will ask for her to be put down if she has kidney failure. I'm not going to let her suffer anymore then she has if that's what's happening. That is so hard for me to say but she's been through so much. My fingers are crossed that's not what it is and it might just take more antibiotics to get her on her feet again. I'm in a neutral zone right now. Hoping she's okay, but preparing for the worse.

They believe that she might have gotten an infection when she had the surgery (not from the surgery, but from the baby that didn't come out). The one baby was stuck and the infection might have gone farther than we all thought. They sent blood work off to have it tested, but it won't be back until tomorrow. They are keeping her over night tonight because she's still dehydrating because she vomits so much. I can't blame anyone for this. The vet who did the surgery gave her antibiotics when he sent her home. I gave them to her and if she had this infection there is no way anyone could have seen it or known it. Maybe the antibiotics just weren't strong enough, but doc gave her what he knew should of worked. That was the vet in Watsontown. Very nice people. 24 hrs. round the clock on the weekend. I was so glad they were there that night when Boots was having so much trouble. But they did their job and I can't blame them. This is part of nature I guess and there's nothing much more they could have done at that time.

What bothers me is that "Spunky" got sick because his mommy was sick and I think it goes back that far because it wasn't until she tried to nurse that she took a turn for the worse. So she (Boots) might of had this all along but didn't show signs until the other day. It also bothers me she is going through so much right now. She's such a gentle baby and she doesn't have a clue what's happening to her. Makes me cry because I know she's confused right now.

I have to call back at noon to check on her. I am going to ask them if I can come see her. Maybe it'll give her hope? She might think I've abandoned her and she's not fighting hard enough. But if it is kidney failure I know nothing can fix that but prayers, maybe. "Boots" is four years old and she's never been away from home except for the surgery she had. She's probably so scared right now. Fever was still 105 this morning. That's not good either.

No babies yet. Muffins is bigger then the house. Told Joey I bet on 4-5 in this bunch. I have to keep a close eye on her too. Bloomers was from her first litter. But no babies yet. Won't be long looking at her. She's laying around and you can tell she's uncomfortable. Told Joey last week we better think of names because we're running out of names here. If they make it we are naming one Nellie/Nelly and one Lee/Leah depends on if boy or girls. That's the reason for different spellings. We are sure on at least two babies and possibly a third if there are three we are naming ARE YOU READY? Baby Lou/Lew, that's boy or girl. Joey and I take this baby naming stuff seriously. Can't you tell (smile).

Okay why the names? Okay Nellie is one of Joey's favorite singers, Nelly to me is gram. Lee Joey loves Bruce Lee movies, me I think of Pappy. Lou/Lew is because we think of you and dad and we are hoping to name one of the grand babies after my mom and dad (smile) Okay so people will think we're nuts but who cares?

We'll be fine with the medical bills for "Boots". They work with us and let us make payments. We are blessed to have such caring, understanding doctor's. I wouldn't trade them for anything.

May 8th, 2004 - Wanted to give you an update on "Boots". We went to the vet this morning around 11 a.m., test results were in and it was good news except that she's still foaming at the mouth and she isn't eating. No organ damage at all. All the organs are fine, which the doc was really surprised by.

The vet isn't opened on the weekend but they came in just for me and "Boots". They were curious what I was going to do. I think they thought I'd put her down, and I guess most would, but I can't do that. I just can't do that. I told Paul last night maybe she just needs her mommy (me), to hear my voice etc. When I walked in I thought I would see the worst because she was being difficult for them. She still isn't eating though. Had she looked worse then she did I might of let her go, her eyes were sad, but they were still bright. She was excited to see me. Hadn't moved from the corner for two days unless they pulled her out. This morning she stood and came to see me. I got her carrier for her and sat it on the floor. She walked right to her carrier and wanted to go home.

Don't be mislead. "Boots" is in bad condition and she smells awful from the infection she has. Her mouth foams and she just lays there. They taught me how to give her her shots and add fluid to her under the skin to hydrate her. It's rough, but I have to fight for her. I'll do what I have to, to try and get her through this. Maybe we can win this battle. It's hard work, she fights me all the way when I try to give her anything, but I wrap her in a towel and force her to do what needs to be done.

The reason I am doing this is because they gave me a choice, take her to the Watsontown ER center, or try this on my own. Monday she can go back to the vet locally, or she can go there or home. I chose to take a chance and try this on my own. That hospital is so expensive and we already owe them $900.00. If for any reason there are any problems I can run her up there right away. It's not that she's not worth it, but goodness the cost are awful. I now owe my regular vet $524.00 for her being there and $924.00 to the other vet for her sugery. She's worth it. All my pets are worth it. I'll do everything I can to save her life. I'd do this for any of them.

She seems content being home. Won't sleep unless I am there with her (which means tonight I will be sleeping with my kitty - Poor Paul) ..... Got her home around 1 p.m. at 4:00 p.m. I gave her chicken broth. Great news though she held something down finally which is going to be helpful. I just hope it continues throughout the night into tomorrow. If she gets sick I have to quit feeding her for a while. She goes back Monday afternoon to see the vet. I hope we make that.

I'm trying to be upbeat about it, but it's touch and go. The good thing is her organs are all fine. Maybe if I can get some food into her we can get this infection moving out of her. I sure hope so. Yesterday they tried feeding her and she just couldn't hold anything down. So this little 1/2 spoon of chicken broth is a big deal right now. I'll be doing that through-out the night. I'll fight with her and for her. She seems strong enough to fight me, but not to move around. Guess that's a plus also.

If I can get her through tonight and tomorrow I'll feel better. Not sure what direction this will all go in, but I can't put her to sleep without trying. Have to go feed her again here in a second, but I wanted to update you and let you know she's still with us because her mommy (me) is weak and can't do something like that when her eyes are so bright. Sad, but bright. She truely looks mad and fed up with everyone touching her. If she pulls through this, she'll understand it was for the best.

She can not be around the other cats at all. She's in a room upstairs alone so I am up there with her a bit. Don't want her feeling lonely or abandoned. But we're still not sure what caused this infection and what type it is. There are two types. One the cats would be okay, but the second one is extremly serious and could kill all my cats. I would go insane if that happened. So she's tucked away in a private room (bedroom) until we get this under control. Have to go feed her. Will keep you posted . Okay gotta go .... it's feeding time.

May 11th, 2004 - Thought I'd drop in and give you an update on Boots. Mother's Day was a rough Day she was taking a turn for the worse. I couldn't get any response out of her. So Monday I called the Vet, they had me talked into putting her down. I was talked into it, almost? I was to have her there at 11:30 a.m., but I stalled and debated with myself over it. Put her in the kitty carrier and everything...

Joey and I walked outside and I sat her on the porch to lock the door. I turned around and Joey looked at me without saying a word. I said Joey she's suffering and it's not fair to her to let it go on like this. It's been since May 4th she's been like this. She's dehydrated and she's not eating or anything. She's lost about 3 pounds and she looks awful. By now we're already going to be late. Joey and I sat on the porch with her and we talked. Joey and I were not taking this like champs at all. We both knew it might be for the best ... BUT!!! Guilt set in and I just couldn't bring myself to purposely take her down. I know I shouldn't let her suffer either. What to do ???? It's now 11:10 a.m. and it's a 40 minute drive to the vet. No doubt we'd be late. I screened my calls because I knew the vet would be calling me ... I didn't take their calls. Later in the day I called them.

I told Joey, I can't do this Joe! I think I can, but then I can't put my cat down without a good fight!. I told Joey here's the deal. It's going to be rough and she'll probably be really mad at me for this choice, but I am going to fight with all my might to try and save "Boots" or we'll let her pass by natural cause here at home. So I head off to the store ..... I buy cans of cat food (kinds I would never buy normally because it's to high priced), I went to the baby section and got pedialite (can't spell it) for dehydration. It's what doctor's recommend for babies when they are sick with fever. I got cotton balls, q-tips, baby spoons etc. We headed home. I decided to delute the cat food with the pedalite to make it thin and runny for her. I used a eye dropper to force feed her. Now I don't honestly know if it was a good idea or not, but they say cats are like babies so I followed my heart and my gut on this and did what I was doing for Joseph when he was a baby. In stead of milk I picked up cats milk for her.

I called the vet around 5 p.m. and said, I guess you can see I didn't do this. What I need from you if you would please is some liquid antibiotic for "Boots" ( I knew she still had infection so all I was planning wasn't going to help if I couldn't fight the infection to. Pills would be too much because the last pills she just threw up). I am going to battle this on my own. They thought I was nuts and thought she wouldn't have a chance, but they did give me liquid medication for her. Once I get something in her stomach it should stay there, but medication on an empty stomach isn't good. I take a 40 minute ride to the vet to pick up medication for her. Joey is with me. I've fed "Boots" a couple times already so she should be okay till I get back. Off we go! I flew because I was worried about her being home alone. I told the Vet ... what do I have to lose? Can't hurt to try!

I started off slow with her feedings. Just a couple drops for taste to see what she'd do. She choked and gagged and had a fit because I did that. I went up every single hour to force feed her. Stopped all the shots doc gave us (the day before) Mother's Day I stopped all shots. Couldn't bare giving her shots all the time and not seeing improvement. I figured why make her last moments so difficult if she isn't going to make it? Just couldn't do it anymore.

So from 11:30 a.m. yesterday I fed her every hour to one and half hours apart. She was not a happy camper. By afternoon around 5 p.m. she was mushing on her towel she layed on. When I walked in she at least picked her head up to see me and she'd give a couple of paw mushes to show she was happy I was there. I gave her a bath (wash cloth bath with warm water). I continued feeding her. I told Joey we might lose this battle, but at least I won't feel like I didn't try and I could of done more. Doc's ideas weren't working and what did I have to lose? Nothing but my cat! I wasn't giving up on her. So I continued feeding her every hour. And increasing by every two to three hours how much I put into her. She hadn't thrown up at all. Normally she was throwing up clear liquids and I believe maybe it was all the medicines and the empty stomach.

Now mind you my baby had no bowel movement since she had surgery and no one seemed concerned about that since she wasn't taking in food. She was taking food when she first came home from the surgery so why hadn't she gone? I was concerned, but I'm not the doctor. I trust doctor's and what they say. Well I stopped everything doc said and I did it my way! She had her own litter box so I knew if she was going or not. While she was in the hospital for two days she didn't go. Maybe feeding her wasn't a good idea, but I had to do something. So I kept feeding her. Around 10:30 last night (Excuse me this isn't nice okay) she had her first bowel movement and it was nasty nasty nasty!!!! We were down stairs and I said to Joey, what on earth is that smell? I searched all over downstairs to see what it was. Then I went upsatirs, the closer I got the that bedroom door the worse it was.

YUCK! Well Boots had a bowel movement. It wasn't pretty though it was all blood. All blood! I said, Oh boy this can't be good! I cleaned things up and washed her up and decided to not worry about it! I'll keep feeding her and taking care of her.

11:30 p.m. I do another feeding ... I noticed the fever was down, she was purring a little when I held her or pet her. This to me was and is positive improvement even though the bowel movement wasn't good. I fed her again at 12:30 a.m. and 1:30 a.m., but only liquids at the 1:30 feeding. I set the alarm and got up at 4 and 6 a.m. and I've been up since. It's been almost 24 hrs. and there is no vomitting, she went potty, she's purring, her coat is smoother and not oily or straw looking. She's walks a little, but she's weak so that's to be expected. A little is better then not at all. But at least she's walking, which she wasn't doing before. She's finally sleeping. Before she wouldn't sleep unless I stayed there petting her between the eyes or had my hand on her. Now she's resting a little better.

Her food and liquids have increased greatly. She's still not interested in eating on her own, but maybe in time she will? Maybe she won't even make it, but that would surprise me. I don't have my hopes real high right now. I know hope for the best, plan for the worst. But to me she's showing many positive signs I haven't seen in "Boots" since the baby died. I'm bullheaded and stubborn. She thinks she can out wit me with claws (which she never uses, she tries to intimidate me with them *LOL* and I tell her, go ahead scratch me if ya want baby, but I'm not leaving and I'm not giving up on you. You can give up on you, but I'm not. I hold her, rock her and talk to her. She seems to be a little bright eyed right now and some what content. I am going to see what happens with the next bowel movement or two and take it from there. BUT there is some positive news as far as I am concerned.

I called vet at 8:30 a.m. this morning. Gave them a update and they did seem surprised! Said it's great it's all working. I told them I keep a log of everything I do. Maybe what I am doing will help someone else in the future? Never know. They said the blood may not be anything to worry about since she had the high fever, no food, lots of medications, no bowel movement since surgery. I told 'em I wasn't worried. I'm fighting tooth or nail to save her. I just wanted to keep them posted on her progress and what's happening. Purring was a positive sign. They were happy to hear she's purring although sometimes purring can also be a negative because cats will purr when in pain. But she's purring, eating and keeping it down could be that's a sign of contentment.

So right now, I don't know if she will make it or not, but I am fighting for her and giving it all I have. If she's resting I do delay the feedings from time to time. Rest isn't something she's had much of in the past three weeks. I don't let her go long, but I am getting a lot of liquid into her so I don't think it will hurt her. She's needs to rest to or she can't fight with me.

I was so close to taking her yesterday but I sat on the porch and as bad as she looked I decided I have to do more. I can't give up on her and let it go like this. Time will tell. This is day two and things are still going good. She's still holding food and liquids down (a blessing), she's resting and she looks better with my baby care verses anything she was getting in four days with the vet. Just never give a cat asprin ever ... it'll kill 'em ... I know this now. So I couldn't even give her children's fever medication to help the fever, but last night it broke and we're hopefully on the road to recovery.

I am a little excited to see some positive coming out of mine and Joey's choice. Just hope I am not in for a big crash of heartache here. Told him it's going to be rough but we'll do everything we can do. He was so happy that I would try verses the opition the vet gave us.

May 12th 2004 - Here is an update on things around here. Today we lost Boots. She passed away around 2 p.m. It was all the sudden and without warning. I called the vet. Have to take her out. They will send her off to be cremated. I don't bury my cats. I have them all cremated and I have special curio for them all. It's a kitty memorial cabinet.

The bad news, worse news of all is I could lose all my cats. The vet thinks we have a epidemic. Vet said that it shows in the test that my kitty's probably have that Cat Aids Virus. It was probably brought in by "Buddy", but it had to be from an outsider or mom might carry it and it was pass down. I currently have another sick cat. "Baby Bear" is really sick. Took him to the vet today. It don't look good. I am falling apart here and will have to deal with this one cat at a time. I never was prepared for this information and news, but there was no reason to be until "Baby Bear" got sick and is acting the same way as "Boots" was. I don't think "Buddy" is the cause of this at all. In my gut I feel it's something "Boots" got while at the hospital having surgery. Everyone was fine until then. It didn't happen in this house. But I brought it home when I brought my kitty home.

I am heart sick. I could lose the remaining 11 cats because of this.

Baby Bear is really sick. He can't move. Can't even hold his own head up. His eyes are closed. I can tell he wants to open them, but he can't seem to do it and when he does get them open a little bit all I see is white. It's not good at all. He is getting pedialite and straight tuna fish. I am forcing him to eat. Vet tells me to just give up and let it go. She's ask me to put him down for his own good. I can't do it! I am going to fight this if it kills me right along with my babies. I can't just let them lay there thinking I don't care and I won't try. I got tuna in water. I finger feed him every hour.

He's acting just like "Boots" and I am very concerned. Is he ever mad at me for force feeding him. I wrap a towel around him just under his neck to tuck his paws in. He has claws and he's not real happy with me right now. He's never used his claws on me ever, but he's thrashing around and being a little snippy with me over this, so wrapped is better than being all scratched up and him not getting anything. I finger feed him the tuna. He spits it out if I don't get it in far enough so I have to put it way back in his mouth so he swallows it. I give him several large droppers full of the pedialite. I am also pumping him up with "Boots" antibiotics.

I am wiped out. Seems it will never end. Almost a month of caring for Boots and Little Spunky and now they are gone. Now my Baby Bear is sick. Will it ever end? ...... I don't think so. Seems it could be getting worse?

Other news ... "Muffins" had her babies this morning. Four cuties, but I am not getting near them. I have her and them in another bedroom and I'm not going near them because I have been handling infected cats. Even though I wash and change clothing all the time I am paranoid now.

May 15th, 2004 - Day three. I am still feeding "Baby Bear" and doing all the same things. His ears seem to be cooling down some. What ever they have causes a high fever and I notice it right away in their ears. Their ears are hot to the touch. I notice "Squirt" is just laying around. Oh no! Please tell me not her to. I rush over to touch her ears and sure enough they are hot to the touch. I scoop her up and head to the bedroom where "Baby Bear" is. Instantly pump her up with anitibiotic and pedialite. I go find her a box of her own to lay in. I will feed her at the same time I do "Baby Bear". He's sleeping when I go in. But today there is something new. He lifts his head and looks at me. He lets out a little meow ... this is a positive sign. "Squirt" isn't happy with me at all. I have to keep them in here for now. We have new babies and I don't need them getting sick.

I can't write much, but there is the update. I am sick to my stomache over this. Not just a comment or remark. I am litterally sick from this. This will be the end of cats in Brigette's family if this happens! Love you all bunches. Will talk to you later.

May 17th - 2004 Hurray! Baby Bear is up and walking around. I am going to see if he will eat on his own today. Squirt is doing good, but they are not coming out of the room for a few days I just don't trust it. I go into the bathroom and change my clothes, wash my hands and everything because I need to go check on Muffins babies. I change into one set to go into the bedroom for feedings and medicines, come out and change back into my regular clothes when I am done. I keep each set in a seperate bag so they do not touch each other. I am just so paranoid I will carry something through the house and make the other cats sick too.

I've washed up and I go check on the babies. Oh the news isn't good at all. They aren't going to make it. Just since last night, that quick they are sick. What in the Hell is going on here!?

I sit down on the floor where mom and them are. I feel mom's ears and her ears are a little hot. Oh great she's got it too. There is no way I can treat these babies. They are too young. I sit there on the floor and I cry my eyes out. I cried so long and so hard my eyes burned and felt like they were swollen. It's over and I know it is. I'm beat! These babies don't have a chance. I saw it coming within 30 minutes the first baby passed on. I am a blubbering fool. I am crying so hard I can't even get a clear focus on the other babies to see how they are doing. 45 minutes the second one passed away. 1 hr. and 20 minutes the third passed away and the fourth passed away only 15 minutes from the third. I pick Muffins up, hug her and cry telling her, I am so sorry. I felt horrible! She's confused and upset. I have to run down stairs and get something to put these babies in. I dump all the microwave popcorn boxes out. I need four of these little boxes. I get four clean dish clothes from the kitchen drawer to wrap each in. I go upstairs and wrap each one (crying my heart out). I place each one in a box. The hardest thing I ever had to do was place a cat in the freezer until I could get them to the vets office. I had to do that with "Bloom" (another sad story). This breaks my heart. Why couldn't the vet find anything? Why don't the vet know what I am up against? Pump 'em all with antibiotics. Baby Bear and Squirt will be ok for a little while. I seriously need to lay down and shut my eyes. Everything is a blur and I am a emotional wreck.

I laid down for three hours. I cried myself to sleep. I had nothing but visions of my cats and the kittens. Took the longest time for me to catch a few winks. I went in to check on "Baby Bear" and "Squirt", good news Bear is out of his box and he's walking around the room. And Squirts ears have cooled down also. Both look good, but they are staying in this room for a couple more days. Sorry guys. I went down stairs and got some can cat food to take up to them, a bowl of fresh cold water for them. Bear sniffs and walks away, Squirt does the same. I told them fine if that's how it's going to be then I guess I have to feed you. I gather Bear up first, wrap him with the towel and finger feed him tuna, give him droppers of pedialite. I do the same with Squirt. I left the cat food in the room. So we'll see what happens after a while.

Good news. Someone .... I don't know which or if it was both of them, but someone has been eating the kitty food. They are both perky and roaming around the room. Thank goodness. Maybe this mess will turn around after all. I'm giving them all antibiotics. I don't care if they need it or not. One or two doses can't hurt any of them. Maybe I can get this headed off before it goes any farther? I can hope .. right?

May 19th, 2005 - None of the kitty's are sick today. Squirt is doing good and the two babies are doing good. Shaylee (our puppy) is even doing better. I gave 'em all a shot of antibiotic wheather they needed it or not. I slept good last night. The first time I slept sound since Boots had babies and got sick ... Over three weeks ago. Slept till 9:30 a.m. I never sleep that late. 6-7 a.m. is usually wake-up call for me. I seldom get past 7 a.m. But I was wiped out from all that was happening around here. I might of finally knocked this stuff out of the cats? Time will tell.

I am happy to announce that through all this insanity. We lost no other cats. To date we have them all and everyone is doing great!

Today is 7/7/06 - We lost biscuit on 7-3-06. Biscuit was our disabled baby. Biscuit was 6 yrs. old. All she did was eat, sleep and use the litterbox. She wasn't playful or anything. When biscuit was a baby she was laid on by her mother. It took her oxygen away, caused her to go into a coma and she had damage to her ribs. We took her to the vet and all the vet told us is to take her home. If she don't come out of the coma in 72 hrs. then we should consider having her put down. On the 72nd hr. to be exact biscuit did wake up crying. I flew out of that bed at 3 a.m. with excitement. I kept her in a box next to my bed so I was close by. Her mommy wouldn't care for her because of the way she was. So I was the one feeding her (yes she'd still swallow even though she was out of it. I flew out of that bed so excited to hear that baby cry.

Biscuit was over weight because she didn't exercise and because of the damage to her when she was small. But she was happy. Loveable and loved attention. She loved having her neck scratched and she'd let you do it for hours if you wanted to. We didn't because it would have made her sore, but she would of let us. It was strange how it happened. No warning at all. Her system just shut down and it was over. I sat and held her and cried. But I knew this day would come, just didn't think doc was right when he made the prediction he did. The vet said if she did pull through we'd probably get to enjoy her for 2-3 years. We were blessed to have our Biscuit 6 years. You can see a picture of my Biscuit on my kitty page.