Cat's Name & Age:
Sand, almost 4 years old
Best Characteristics of White Cats
Although Sand's color is striking and I love his pink nose and ears, his temperament is my favorite thing about him. He's so loving and very attuned to my moods and physical condition. He's always extra snuggly if I'm feeling sad or sick. He's one of the smartest, most sensitive animals I've met.
Most Challenging Characteristics of the White Cat
Sand has inflammatory bowel disease and endomyocarditis. I also suspect he has allergies. I don't think his conditions are necessarily common to white cats, but Temple Grandin, in her book "Animals in Translation," suggested white animals might be less hardy. Sand's eye goop is a common problem.
When, Where and How I Got My White Cat
I adopted Sand from my local ASPCA when he was four months old. I had been depressed in the months following a miscarriage and wanted something to take care of, and Sand's suspected birthday was near the due date of my pregnancy. He had been found by a volunteer with some trash near her home. He was a scrawny little things with two gray spots on his forehead. The spots molted out after about a year and now he's pure white. (The spots were cute, though.) He has been such a joy to me! Even with all of his health issues, I wouldn't trade a moment and don't regret a single dime. He's such a special friend.
I'd Describe My Cat As…
Sand is very gentle, laid back, and sensitive. From the time he was first adopted at four months old, I was impressed by how careful he was with his claws. Not only did he learn to use a scratching post easily, he has always been very considerate when playing with me or other people or when jumping into laps. He loves our dogs and was extremely loving to the two kittens I adopted earlier this year. He does, however, get easily stressed out by visitors and going to the vet. He even gets upset when I take other pets to the vet. He spent over a week in the emergency clinic following an operation for a urinary blockage that resulted in the discovery of his heart condition, and had been to the vet and e.c. multiple times before that with IBD issues---bloody vomit, bloody stool---fun, fun, fun. However, he is always good for doctors and takes meds well from me. He was even very patient when my husband and I had to give him subQ fluids a few times. He's a real trooper. He's also sort of a miracle cat. A year ago this January, after being on oxygen for a week and having just been diagnosed with endomyocarditis, I was advised by the e.c. vets to euthanize Sand. I didn't feel he was ready to go. Finally, I convinced the vet on duty to allow me to take him home for closure time without all the tubing and oxygen tank with the understanding that I'd bring him back for euthanasia at the first sign of failure. She didn't think he'd make it through the weekend and left the i.v port in place so they wouldn't have to redo it. Well, that was a year ago January 8th! We had the i.v. port removed at recheck that Monday, and he has just kept on going! Currently, he weighs 8lbs. and is bright-eyed and energetic. He went off the last of his heart meds last month, is still on a novel diet for his IBD, and takes a light does of predisolone during flare ups. I monitor his weight and food and water intake carefully and keep a journal of meds and stuff. It might sound high-maintenance, but he's well worth it, and many of the things have receded into habit. I could go on and on...he's just a really great cat. He knows his name and sometimes comes when called. He has a fountain, but prefers to drink water from the fridge door out of a glass and will meow at the fridge for it. He seems to know when he's getting a special privilege and snorts and holds his tail really high. He's the only animal allowed to share our bed and the only one allowed in our bedroom.
Advice
- use a soft wash cloth moistened with warm water to clean eye goop
- find a good vet
- know where the emergency clinic in your area is located
- keep a first aid kit
- notice and log any abnormal behavior or possible problems
- listen to advice from professionals but always trust your heart. Some cats, like some people, heal better at home. If something doesn't feel right, let your love guide you. Sand sat up and posed for a picture when I pulled out my cell phone to tell my husband about the euthanasia. (Sand loves pictures.) I knew we needed more time with each other. Every day since has been a blessing.
