3 CAT TALES: The Escapades of My Three Felines: Gus's Medical Needs .

My Love of Cats: "Cat Therapy"

Pets are wonderful therapy ... they bring comfort when there is pain, peace and calm when things feel too chaotic, and much needed laughter when life feels far from humorous. I have always loved animals, particularly the feline variety. I have three cats, and they are without a doubt, my "children." They are highly independent, full of life and energy, agile and graceful, and of course, call all the shots! They bring so much love, beauty and joy into my life ... and their many purrsonalities and "cat escapades" are too hilarious and precious not to be shared with anyone who holds a special place in their heart for our furry friends ... My hope is that by sharing these "kitty tales," their "escapades" may bring a little light and a few laughs to someone's day!

Please take a moment to meet my three furry children!

My Mr. Gus has been struggling with chronic respiratory issues since late 2010. I adopted Gus, and his littermate Oliver, from the Humane Society as tiny kittens in 2003. Upon adoption, both had intestinal and upper respiratory infections, which were likely contracted while in close proximity to other felines at the pound. Being so young and small, they were more susceptible to illness. While Oliver was certainly the runt of his litter, Gus had more health problems, including a higher likelihood of future respiratory issues. They are now 8 years old and Gus has endured coughing attacks and other breathing problems. In the middle of the night one day in January of 2011, his breathing became rapid and extremely shallow. I cradled him in my arms and thought he was going to die. Thankfully, Gus did not die, and the treatments provided by the vet helped him return to his normal loving, playful, and ornery self. Luckily, Gus did not have congestive heart failure as the vet first feared, but he did appear to have fluid around his lungs. We started with heavy duty shots of new antibiotics (he had been sick with two other infections the month prior) and steroids, in addition to bronchial dilator pills. He has a chronic problem which has to be monitored and may soon require an inhaler. Yes, I said inhaler. Can you imagine?!? I am having a hard time wrapping my head around it myself! Apparently there are specially fitted masks for kitty snouts for this exact purpose. The vet bills have been high, and at this point in time, my disability income is very limited. I have sought out various cat and pet related charities but quickly found that just like other resources in this poor economy, few have any funds right now. If you have any money which you chose to donate, I would encourage you to donate to a charity which helps pets and their owners get the proper care for both emergent and non emergent needs. I find this type of charity a wonderful place to invest in, as it helps both the pet owner and the pet itself. Most of these charities were created to help those who could not otherwise get their animals the proper care they need, and prevent a cat or dog from losing their home. Pet's are wonderful companions, and offer so much unconditional love, support, healing, and laughter to their respective humans. If you are interested in supporting Gus and his medical needs please donate below. Otherwise, if you'd like to donate to a charity of your choosing (which helps cats obtain treatment during times of illness when the owner is unable) this page includes a list of the various online programs I am aware of. Thank you for your time, kindness and generosity!