About Cats Picture of the Week

Hunter

Hunter, Photo © Kathleen Yuskaitis

Our Maine Coon cat, Blue Hunter. His father is a grand champion. His mother is now retired. Hunter (as we call him) was bought from a great breeder 10 years ago as a pet. He is a beautiful blue/gray coloring. He now weighs 26.4 lbs., which is the highest weight a cat has attained in his line as far as I know.

Unfortunately my beautiful boy was diagnosed a year ago with Diabetes. After lots of vet visits, diet management and insulin injections 2X a day, he is doing quite well. He does have neuropathy in his hind legs, thus he accommodates by walking low on his hocks instead of up on his toes. He cannot climb stairs or jump onto couch, etc. without help. He summons our help by clawing rug and we give him a boost up! It's amazing to see how our pets are able to adapt to their disabilities. I am trying a shot in the dark by dosing him on vitamin B12 tablets 4x a day. For the first time since he was diagnosed, this week he has jumped onto the couch four times.He is also walking a bit higher in his hind quarters. Hopefully this is a good sign.

He is a gentle giant,v ery alert, smart and lovable. He has three housemates, two sisters and one brother.
© Kathleen Yuskaitis

Cats Pictures of the Week are selected from general photo submittals. (I do not accept photos submitted specifically for "Cat Picture of the Week.") Hunter's picture was submitted as a general photo submittal, and will later be added to both the Maine Coon and the Senior cats galleries. I was drawn, not only by his story, but by the determined, brave look on Hunter's face.

You may send your own photo, using the guidelines on the Photo Submittal page. Be sure to write a paragraph or so about the cat, at least two or three sentences. Our galleries have space for 2500 characters, including spaces, so don't be afraid to tell us about your cat within those parameters.

Remember that not only the quality of the picture, but the care you take in describing your cat may make the difference in its being chosen as Cat of the Week!