Peewee The Tuxedo Cat Knows Paw Sign

This beautiful big boy (around 13 pounds) is 6 year old Peewee. He is a people cat, loves to be around his humans, even when he is outside he will stay close to his guardians. He can perfectly join a conversation because he is a talker, but no, he doesn't use his voice, he uses his paws. YES! HE KNOWS PAW SIGN LANGUAGE! PeeWee stands and kneads lifting one paw at a time and curling his foot in and he will paw at night to ask for more food. He even uses his paws to drink water. He is definitely multitalented.
He also loves to be petted, just by making the motion with your hand like you're going to pet him, he will jump first and will try to rub his head against your hand even before you start to pet him. PeeWee is very sociable since he gets along with other cats and dogs. He prefers older children and other adults.

If you are interested in adopting sweet Peewee, please contact Lori Marquis at lmarquis@mankutagallagher.com

Peewee El Gato Esmoquín que Sabe Lenguaje de Signos con sus Patas

Este hermoso y grandote gato (alrededor de 13 libras) es Peewee. A sus 6 años, es un gato bien sociable, le encanta estar cerca de sus seres humanos, incluso cuando está afuera él se quedará cerca de sus tutores. Él puede unirse perfectamente una conversación porque es un conversador, pero no, él no usa su voz, él utiliza sus patas. ¡SÍ! CONOCE EL LENGUAJE DE SIGNOS CON SUS PATAS! PeeWee se para y amasa levantando una pata a la vez y se encrespa el pie en la pata y por la noche hará lo mismo para pedir más comida. Incluso utiliza sus patas para beber agua. Él, sin duda tiene múltiples talentos.

También le encanta ser acariciado, sólo por hacer el movimiento con la mano como si se va a acariciarlo, él saltará primero y tratará de frotar la cabeza contra su mano, incluso antes de empezar a acariciarlo. PeeWee es muy sociable y se lleva bien con otros gatos y perros. Prefiere los niños mayores y otros adultos.

Si usted está interesado en adoptar dulce Peewee, por favor póngase en contacto con Lori Marquis. Su correo electrónico es lmarquis@mankutagallagher.com

Is That McDreamy on #VetOnDemand?

Geisha relaxed at home in her pet bed for vet visit--online with VetOnDemand

This post is sponsored by Vet on Demand and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. Riverfront Cats is being compensated for helping spread the word about the VetonDemand App, but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Vet on Demand is not responsible for the content of this article. 


TRUE SCENARIO:
A foster kitten had a virus. It spread throughout the home. All the other cats (six of them) and environment were treated. Several months later, cats are showing symptoms again. But this time, little Geisha had swollen eyes, with green discharge, and she was lethargic. She's definitely ill. But how ill?

After bringing three of  seven pets to the vet, and doing complete exam, bloodwork and fecal test/urinalysis, all pets showed normal results. Each visit cost about $200. Were Geisha's symptoms minor? Was I overreacting by rushing to the vet every time my cat showed symptoms?


I had questions but didn't want to rush to the vet again. But I did want immediate answers.  Geisha had similar symptoms six months ago and all tests came back normal and I was told she most likely had a URI (upper respiratory infection) and the vet did not recommend antibiotics.  But what about this time?

Hundreds of questions swirled in my head.  I researched online.  It could be a number of causes or illnesses.

If only I could ask some initial questions to help me narrow down probable illnesses and course of action.  And like a genie in a bottle, there it was. Vet on Demand illuminating from my iPad.

VetOnDemand™  is the first mobile application to provide personalized, real time access to a licensed veterinary care via videochat. All you need to do is open the App, set up your pet’s profile and call the vet. Once there is an available vet you will get an alert and your video screen will open up so that you can begin chatting face-to-face with a veterinarian. This app is downloadable through iTunes and can be used for iPhone and iPad.  We love the tablets for their easy-to-read big screens. The cost is only $2.50 a minute.

Opening the VetOnDemand app on the iPad2

Prepared with recent history and events and my list of questions, we spoke with a female doctor (we wrote down her name on paper but the other cat ate the notes for snack. Yes the cat ate the homework!) 

Video chat with licensed vet through Vet on Demand

The vet asked me to do a visual exam with the iPad to see Geisha's demeanor and the physical symptoms. After sharing the entire history leading up to today, she narrowed it down to two possible illnesses but recommended that I take her into our primary vet for a closeup physical exam.  Otherwise she recommended a topical eye ointment which I already had and a couple of over -the- counter products.

My questions were answered. Relief set in! The entire call lasted 15 minutes and at $2.50 per minute that is $37.50.  We covered a lot of information.  A vet visit alone is $50 plus any test and products that vet recommends. 

Geisha ignores the vet and wants to play with her brother.

OUR THOUGHTS
1.VetOnDemand should not replace your primary vet.  Just like you have a primary physician that you feel comfortable with and knows your history, the same should happen for your pets with a primary vet.  That personal connection and knowledge of your pet family history is valuable.The VetonDemand vet did recommend we visit our primary vet.

2. VetOnDemand is convenient for those moments when it's after-clinic hours, or when you can't leave work early to take your pet into the vet.  Simple advice anytime. VetOnDemand can evaluate risk factors and will advise you if you need to take your pet to emergency pet hospital right away or wait next day to make appointment with primary vet.

3. VetOnDemand as a second opinion.  If you are ever unsure or uneasy, ALWAYS get a second opinion, for a peace of mind. Vets at VetonDemand are licensed and board certified.

4. No stress for pets. This is a big plus when you want a vet to take a look at your pet for initial questions or concerns. .

BOTTOMLINE
VetonDemand is another online resource for questions about pet health. While I studied many pages of information to answer my looming questions, I soon learned many NONexperts are giving "opinions" on the Internet which poses a danger.  With VetOnDemand you know you are getting the experts and they can guide you from there even if it is to send you to your primary vet.

With a household of several pets, and foster pets coming in and out, we are excited about VetOnDemand as another source to readily answer pet health related questions.

How do you feel about this new app? Leave a comment below by clicking "comment".

"The vet? What vet? I saw some blonde woman. Let me know when McDreamy arrives"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Book Review: Purr Prints of the Heart

One of my favorite ways to multitask and relax is reading a good book surrounded by my pets. Learning, bonding, relaxing.  Even better is a nonfictional book about pets! Love those true stories. With a newly-released book by award-winning cat author, Deb Barnes, I knew I was in for a special treat.

Jean Pierre is curious about my new book. He loves to curl up next to me.

In reading the summary of the book, this was a must read as my cat and dog are now senior pets. Purr Prints of the Heart, A Cat's Tale of Life, Death & Beyond, is journey of a ragdoll cat.  A sickly kitten that was the last to be adopted.  "The best was saved for last".  This last pick could not be luckier than to be adopted by cat angel, Deb Barnes, long before she became an award-winning cat writer. His dull health turned around and thus begins the lustrous journey of a cat named Mr. Jazz.

Many of us can relate to the lives of our pet children--the day we chose them, their personalities, antics, learning lessons and also when they become sick and age and leave us. And so Purr Prints will have you smiling, laughing, reflecting and celebrating.

Deb deftly tells the life story of the cat- human bond through the voice and viewpoint of her cat, Mr. Jazz. Pet parents in-tune with their fur children will tell you that dogs AND cats do communicate with their humans.  This is why spending quality time with your pets, talking to them (yes talk to them, cats like dogs are extremely intelligent), playing with them, and the simple act of petting them will effect a response.  Their body language is always a message.

So as your cat ages, he/she relies on your understanding to aid them in the final phase of their life. The special guide to coping with loss is invaluable.  The end is a welcoming upturn. A refreshing reminder of the celebration of life and the indelible purr or paw prints pets leave on our hearts. 

So grab a mug of coffee, cup of tea, or glass of wine, curl up on your favorite chair, hammock, sofa, and relax for the next few hours. 

CLICK HERE to order your new book!

Domino's Latest Update

Domino is still unsure of all this shuffling from place to place. But he doesn't complain.  At least the pesky cone is off.  Much easier to pet him and show him some people do care and will never dump him.  He's not shy of strangers! Maintenance man came to do repairs and he didn't flinch or act nervous. We're sure he could learn to go on regular outings and travel.

Lo Último sobre Dominó

Dominó todavía no siente en confianza debido a todos estos traslados de un lugar a otro. Pero él no se queja. Al menos el molesto cono fue removido. Ahora es mucho más fácil acariciarlo y enseñarle que si hay personas que se preocupan por él y que nunca más será abandonado. Él no es tímido con los extraños! Las personas de mantenimiento vinieron a hacer reparaciones y él no se inmutó ni actuó nervioso. Estamos seguros de que puede aprender a ir en excursiones regulares y viajes.