Lock-down Day 395

Early morning, thanks to my Mew-larm!

The vet called quite early, as well, to let me know that Ziva is doing very well! She's eating well, and no sign of any vomiting!

He called again some time later, to let me know that they've run more tests - just to be on the safe side, as her hydration levels were a little below expected. They suspect that she is developing kidney problems. To be certain, would require more testing - which is also expensive. As her condition is good, he doesn't think it is essential, now. If she starts vomiting again, however, then further testing to be really certain of the cause, would be highly recommended.

However, I should change her diet. No more salt (so, in future, if I share my food with Ziva, it must be unsalted) and Whiskas also contains a lot of salt. There are also special renal dietary foods available, starting her on one of those would keep the onset of kidney problems a long, long way away.

She's only five! Not even a senior cat!

Anyway, I'm already looking into getting her special treats - wet food. And I'll put her bowl on a different counter, so that Mewthos doesn't bob his head into her special (and more expensive) food. Also: the vet DID ask about how I feed them, and mentioned that the situation MAY be stressing Ziva. I didn't think so at first, but he does have a point. Ziva finds Mewthos' habit of bobbing into her bowl upsetting ... Feeding Ziva separately should help. Mewthos IS quite stressing - not just for me. I think that's why Ziva sometimes hides away in the wardrobe - and closes the door behind her!

In the meantime, I'm looking for the special diet she will need from here on ... Renal Adult. It's not in the standard lists, but I found it hidden in one of the online stores ... but I need a prescription to buy it! Hmmm ...

Mini caught a huge mousebird! Sigh ... I finally manage to get it away from her, shut it in the bathroom, open the window to the laundry, go to the laundry when the bird finally found the window, shut the window, open the back door, go out and wait. Birdie doesn't want to use the door, sticks to the window he's found ... back in I go, open that window - with mippies all exited behind the door!

As they were all inside, though early, I took advantage and shut the door and windows. I left around half past three to fetch Ziva.

I asked for a script or prescription for her diet - but I'm told that wholesalers are not allowed to sell the food she needs. I must buy it at a vet's! Weird!? Why shouldn't wholesalers be allowed to sell it? I mean, they don't sell it without a prescription, so what's the difference?

Well, I've sent mail to my usual supplier, attached the Discharge Information, which gives the vet's name AND the diet specifications - let's see if they can help. If not, the other place has it on their website, provided I send them a prescription. But they are usually more expensive, so I'll try Zuki first.

For starters, though, I had better get back to Onderstepoort tomorrow, to buy some there - regardless of their price. The sooner I can start her on her special diet, the better!

First place she went! Food! It is so good to see her eating again!

I'm a little confused, though. They fed her Royal Canin Instinctive with gravy - the same I have here, yet they gave me 4 tins of Hills Sensitive for the next 3-4 days? She doesn't like Hills, I'll have to see if I can exchange it tomorrow for Royal Canin Sensitive.

At least the final bill was much less than I feared! Much, much less! And, since they have found the cause, no additional exorbitant bill - apart from the new food.

But now comes the hard part: getting Ziva used to eating her special food, and not eat so much of the other food. How the heck am I going to do the latter? I can't lock up the Iams & Fit 32?

What a weekend, though, eh? Poor Ziva!

Well, I'm also knackered. Emotionally drained ... early night ...