Conference misery::feline_v1

Hannah has a recurring problem with swollen, watery eyes ...but it comes
and goes with the breeze.  When it is breezy AND it is the time of year
that we keep the windows open, she looks like I look....allergies for
us both.  She is fine otherwise and the Dr. has suggested that she is
simply allergic.  We see alot of it here in Silly-con valley because
of the wide variety of plants grown here.

I would be concerned about the sneezing, at least the first time, until
I got the vet to check it out.  When Hannah is allergic she is fine
except for the eyes....no sneezing.

    Sure sounds like it could be allergy especially if there is no fever.
    Some of my guys display similar symptoms - my vets suggests
    chlortimiton - 1/2 tablet once or twice a day.  The over_the_counter
    brands (CVS) are very much cheaper and the same stuff.  When it
    is hot and humid, or if the pollen counts have been very high
    as they have been these last two weeks, Lily's eyes will water
    a little - she doesn't sneeze though.  She just looks at me
    and shows me that she needs a tissue!  Holds her face up so I
    can wipe it - she's something!  Even with all the Persian behind
    her, I very seldom have to wipe her eyes.  
    
    My rule of thumb is if they are still eating and chasing around
    they are probably ok - if they feel warm - ears, nose , body,
    picking at their food, not drinking much, acting punky, sleeping
    more than usual, CALL THE VET and GO!  The longer you have a cat
    the easier it is to determine unusual or sickly behavior.  When
    in doubt call the vet.
    
    E.T._who_calls_if_they_sneeze_the_wrong_way !!

    I had asked my vet about this, since Dream sneezes a lot,
    but she said usually cats do not exhibit human symptoms
    (ie, sneezing, watery eyes, running nose, etc.) of
    allergies.  Cat allergies (according to my vet) most
    often show up in the form of rashes or skin disorders.
    Which is not to say they can't, of course. ;-)  You
    know those cats.....
    
    Mary-Michael
    

    Two of my cats took to sneezing quite a lot once and their breathing
    sounded like they had colds.  Took them to the vet's and after thorough
    exams found them to be okay.  Vet asked me numerous questions about any
    new litter used in their boxes to carpet shampoos or deodorizing
    powders.  It turned out that the carpet deodorizing powder I had just
    used that weekend caused an allergic reaction to those two cats (my
    third cat had no reaction to it).  My cats (who number 4 now) haven't
    had a recurrence since I stopped using that carpet powder.
    
    The vet said some kitty litters can cause similar reactions to cats.
    
                                                              

    I had Barney at the vet the other day.  He was chewing all his fur off
    of his stomach, and started chewing down near his bottom.  Last time he
    did this, he had blocked anal glands.  Anyway, one of his anal glands
    had some problems and he's ok now.... But, the vet said that he is
    probably having more severe allergic reactions to the ragweed at the
    moment.  He normally has goopy eyes, but every day I come home and have
    to wash is eye out with a saline solution and put medicine in it
    because it's closed shut.  She gave him a shot (part for the allergies,
    part for the glands) and told me to come back in two weeks if it
    persists.  However, because I have prednasone at home, this will do the
    trick if he continues to have problems.  She said her dog is also
    having a rough time because of allergies and she's giving the dog
    cortisone shots.  
    
    Maybe we can bring our cats in to an allergist for tests like we humans
    do.. :).
    
    Mary
    

    Well, Kirby is definitely sick!  Took him to the vet this morning
    because he was getting progressively worse over the weekend (sneezing,
    coughing, lethargic) although still eating.  He has a 105 degree
    temp and a URI that, Thank God, has not settled into his chest or
    lungs.  Luckily, I have this week off and can nurse him back to
    health.  Have to put ice packs on him every hour for a little while
    to help get the fever down and he's on cefatabs, one pill every
    24 hours.  This will be my first time taking a cat's temperature
    but I guess I'll have to learn pretty quicky (the vet showed me
    how).
    
    What an awful time for this to happen!  I'm getting married this
    coming Sunday then leaving for a week long honeymoon (my best friend
    will be a live-in cat sitter while we're gone).  Kirby arrived about
    3 or 4 weeks after that awful URI ran rampant in our household and
    the vet feels that one of the cats still could have been shedding
    the virus and it took hold of Kirby, incubating for another 3 or
    4 weeks and manifesting now.
    
    He seems okay nonetheless and actually sits there and purrs when
    I put the ice packs on him!  He's isolated now and hopefully, will
    begin to get better as the week goes on.
    
    So much for allergies although the ragweed could be contributing
    to all the sneezing he's been doing.
    
    He'd better be okay for the show!
    
    
    --Roberta
    
    
    

    Keep us posted Roberta.  We'll be thinking of you and Kirby.
      Nancy DC
    

    My experiences with allergies in cats are of the skin type previously
    mentioned.  Joui had a severe reaction to a flea product called
    Duratrol (made by 3M), that is used on carpets and furniture to
    kill all stages of fleas.  It is also time released.  If Joui wasn't
    allergic to it, I would buy stock in 3M since this stuff really
    works well.  It totally eradicated the fleas, but almost eradicated
    Joui in the process.
    
    The reaction was a rash that started on the bottoms of her feet,
    and then spread up her legs, on her face and ears, and her tail
    and abdommen.  It so closely resembled ringworm that we cultured
    it twice!  It finally took skin cultures of the affected areas to
    find out what it was, an allergic reaction.  The hard part was finding
    out what was causing it.  She lost all the fur on all four legs,
    face, ears, and tail.  She looks hideous, but she is improving daily.
    
    Jo

    DejaVu has an allergy to flea collars.  Within an hour after putting
    one on her, her face blows up, her eyes get puffy and glazed and she
    has a hard time breathing.  She is fine within an hour of removing it. 
    I have tried putting one on her twice with the same results.  I tried
    two different brands too.
    
    Thank goodness she is my short-coated 1/2 siamese kitty.
    
    SANDI
    
    

    One of my cats has seasonal asthma.  Is it safe to put a flea collar
    on her?  Or will it irrate the condition?  Has anyone gone through
    this?              
     

    I wouldn't put a flea collar on any cat - they are a serious waste
    of money and don't really do anything but keep fleas from going
    up around the head and NOT off the cat.  They cause more problems
    than they are worth - problems like, choking, catching on things,
    allergic reactions, and in some cases - DEATH from the chemical
    on the collars (strong chemical).  
    
    Just an opinion and and my Vet's opinion.
    
    E.T.

    If your cat is allergic to flea collars I'd be careful about
    other flea treatments too.  Be sure they aren't using the
    same chemicals as are used on the flea collar.
      Nancy DC

I strongly agree with E.T. (.11) about flea collars.  The chemical in the
collars is MUCH more toxic than flea sprays and other treatments available
from your vet.  Giving our cats fresh garlic (fleas hate garlic) about 
once a month, and combing them regularly still works fine for us.

Paul

    Kirby's URI held on for about 3 weeks and as of last Saturday, all
    of the congestion cleared up and he is hell on wheels again.  He
    only sneezes occasionally now, mostly in the morning when it is
    the coldest in our house.
    
    Here's my question:  do you think I should still go ahead and show
    Kirby on Sunday?  I am almost afraid to bathe him Friday night for
    fear of a relapse in case his body is still harboring some virus.
    Also, my concern about showing him so soon after recovery is not
    only for his safety, but for the safety of other cats at the show
    too.  Is he still shedding virus?
    
    As of now, I am planning to show him but if some of the experts
    in this file think otherwise, I will pull him out now.
    
    Thanks,
    Roberta
    

    If he is still sneezing, than anything that he may be harboring
    will become aerosol and could spread to the other cats.  Also, the
    stress of the show could cause him a relapse.  These are things
    that you may want to consider when making your decision.
                                      
    
    Jo

    Since this is the only note on Feline allergies, I will put my
    information here.
    
    Since this topic was started, I have learned more things about Feline
    allergies, most of which is related to skin disorders.  Joui became
    ill with the allergy again.  After the previous treatment of
    prednisone, and then weaning her off as she got well, she enjoyed
    a couple of weeks of complete health.  A week or two ago, the rash
    started coming back, but this time only on her face, ears, chin,
    and all around her neck.  The vet indicated that these were the
    classic symptoms of food allergy.
    
    So, perhaps the Duratrol flea spray was not responsible for her
    early illness.  
    
    The next step is to find out what the allergy is.  There is allergy
    testing available for cats... but, it is stressful on the cat, and
    once the allergen is identified, there is no method of desensitizing
    the cat to the allergen like there is in people.  To do the allergy
    testing, the cat must be anesthetized, then shaved.  The allergens
    are placed on the skin, just like in people.  Once they identify
    the problem, be it grass, pollen, or food, etc., you take the cat
    home and resign yourself to a lifetime of giving it steriods or
    antihistamines.  The allergy testing is very expensive, between
    $150-200 depending on how many things they test for.  My vet did
    not recommend that I go through with that on Joui.
    
    We decided to switch her off the prednisone due to the many side
    effects it can have on a breeding cat (sterility amoung them). 
    She is now on Chlorpheniramine.  We also put her on a hypoallergenic
    diet which consists solely of boiled lamb meat and boiled rice.
     
    The problem is that although she is getting better, she seems to
    not like Lamb and rice.  The other cats go nuts when they smell
    it cooking, and would kill for a small piece.  Joui, of course,
    isn't impressed with my cooking and has decided to go on a hunger
    strike until she gets her Iams back.  
    
    The vet is looking into the ethoxyquin as a possible allergen for
    Joui.  She is skeptical, but is doing that for me.  Since Joui's
    diet is and always has been Iams kitten food, that was my first
    thought.
    
    If any of you have dealt with this, or have anything to add, please
    do.  Since this topic hasn't been discussed before, lets get something
    going here so that if anyone else ever has to go through it they
    will have some information about the whole situation.
    
    Jo

    Have you tried the Hills foods?  They have an 800 number (which I
    don't have, it must be in this file someplace.).  They might be
    able to tell you if their foods are non-allergenic.
    

    I feed the Hill's foods to everyone else, but Joui doesn't care
    for it.  I don't know if Hill's has a food that is specifically
    for cat's with allergies.  It would be worth finding out.  
    
    Last night I heard about a brand of canned food that is hypoallergenic.
    It is called "Lick your Chops".  It is supposedly sold in health
    food stores.  I haven't been able to find it.
    
    Also, there is a company that makes a lamb/rice dog food.  I need
    to find out if they make a lamb/rice cat food too.  I don't know
    the name of the company though.
    
    For right now, I am supposed to stick with boiled lamb and rice,
    no seasonings, not even salt, for three weeks.  Then we will start
    adding things back in until we discover the allergen.
    
    It is going to be a tough couple of weeks.  I have two cats pregnant
    (one planned for now, they other was sent for breeding months ago
    and just now decided to cooperate) one possibly pregnant, and a
    new puppy coming in addition to the cat on the starvation diet.
    Do any of you do volunteer work??
    
    Jo

    I believe I've seen Lick Your Chops in either Whole Foods or Country
    Sun, both in Palo Alto.  I can't remember which one;  maybe it was both.
    Country Sun is on California Avenue, and Whole Foods is a few blocks from
    University and El Camino (I forget the exact street.)
    
    If I can help get some of this to you, give me a call. work is
    (415)853-2117.
    

    Karen,
    
    Thanks for the offer.  For the next three weeks, I have to stick
    it out with the lamb and rice (the homemade that is).  I will let
    you know if I need help getting the Lick Your Chops.
    
    Jo

    Hi Jo,
    
    At least in Southern California there is a lamb and rice cat food
    called Nature's Recipe.  They also make dog food and I have been
    using it on both my dogs.  They love it.  I haven't switched my
    cats over yet (but plan to) due to the stress they have felt when
    I got my second dog.  I'm waiting a bit so there won't be too many
    changes at one time.  I can find out who makes it if you wish.
    It doesn't contain exythi... (however you spell that) either.
    
    Linda
    

    re: Lick your chops - I got some samples of their dry and bought
    some of the canned at the W. Warwick cat show, Jo.  I'll see if
    there's an 800 number on the package that you can call.
      Nancy DC

    I think the 800 # they said on radio was "800-BESTDOG".
    
    Pat
    

    Regarding a note several back:  I believe there ARE desensitization
    injections for cats.  My Rose (1 long-haired grandparent) is allergic
    to:  dust, molds, carpet fibers, fleas, anti-flea preparations, some
    pollens, and most of the other things that the humans in our family
    are allergic to).  This was a particularly hard year for her, starting
    with the first buds in April and just now ending.  Since spring, she's
    taken Chlorpheniramine (active ingredient in Chlor-Trimeton), Benadryl,
    Seldane, and several others our veterinarian's prescribed.  When things
    get really out of hand, we go for injections (either antihistimine or
    prednisone, depending on how bad things are).
    
    Our veterinarian's done research and suggested actually giving Rose
    desensitization shots, starting in cold weather when her allergies
    are least virulent.  Seems a vaccine's available that is somewhat
    "one size fits all," for cats with allergies to things commonly
    found on humans and where humans live.  There's a second vaccine
    that's specifically for molds.  
    
    Does anyone have experience with these?  I think we can keep the skin
    tests to a minimum because I've kept a diary know pretty much WHAT
    bothers.  Only would have to test for strength of the serum to use.
    
    Rose's mother was my cat and I helped bring Rose into the world.
    She's more valuable than I can say and I'm honestly torn.  Let this
    poor being suffer from allergies/antihistimes/prednisone next year?
    Or maybe let her in for additional misery via the shots?
    
    Suggestions?
    
    Elaine

    My cousins had desensitizzations shots for poison ivy a number
    of years ago.  My fuzzy recollection is that they worked pretty well.
    

    I just got a copy of a new magazine called Pet Focus which is edited
    by a panel of veterinarians.  The premier issue was on pet allergies,
    and the general concensus was that although desensitization has
    shown to be useful in dogs, there is no proof that it actually works
    in cats.  The treatment described includes the chlorepheniramine
    which both you and I are using on our cats, and also, the use of
    a air purifier.  Ken and I are looking for a good air purifier now.
    
    Joui's problems started in July, and are lessening now.  I am not
    convinced that it is totally a food allergy.  I think that it may
    be mold, dust, etc. that is bothering her, since the special diet
    didn't totally alleviate her problems.  The chlorepheniramine has
    less side effects that the prednisone, so we are sticking with that.
    
    When I get a chance, I will enter more info on that new Magazine.
    It looks like a goody.  Mostly health related articles, and not
    at all glossed over like the Cat Fancy and Cats magazine health
    articles.  It also had a breed profile of Great Danes.  I found
    it interesting.
    
    Jo

    Jo,
    
    Many thanks for the offer to check the magazine.  Rose has been
    on Benadryl for 5 days now (Chlorpheniramine doesn't seem to work)
    and she's just about stopped itching.  But the darn stuff makes her
    very sleepy.  And--has anyone else noticed this?--it seems to shut
    down part of her olfactory senses.  Can't smell Bonkers at all,
    so she begs for a pre-dinner treat then looks at the stuff as if
    it were plastic.  And, of course, then walks around the kitchen
    complaining bitterly that those calous humans won't give her any
    treats.
    
    Elaine
    

    I may have to try the Benadryl for Joui.  What dosage do you use?
    The Chloropheniramine makes Joui super thirsty, and also hypes her
    up so she has been losing weight.  Right now, she is eating a jar
    of lamb baby food mixed with 1/2 cup of rice twice a day.  We looked
    into the air purifiers last night, the good model removes mold,
    dust, smoke, pollen and bacteria from the air and sells for $148
    at Service Merchandise.  Guess what I am asking for for Christmas?
    :^)
    
    Jo

    I don't normally recommend 9 lives cat food, as a lot of cats
    are allergic to its additives (and throw up), but their super supper
    flavor was recomended by a vet when Holly couldn't smell because of a
    respiratory infection.  Open the can and be prepared for every human
    in a range of 200 feet to keel over....
    

    Another real stinker:  Purina's new one Sardines in Shrimp Jelly.
                           or how 'bout Kitty Queen, any flavor.
    
    Yuck.
    
    Jo

    My vet also recommends the Super Supper...Another good one is Amore's
    Pacific Whitefish and Shrimp....Phewey!!
    
    cin
    

    I used to feed Amore untill Nippa showed allergic symptoms....but
    I think the new friskies Sardine, shrimp and crab wins the stinky
    prize.....
    
    Michele (who HATES seafood) and Nippa (who loves it)
    
    

    
    Jo-
    
    I am looking into an air purifier and found some in a GRANGER
    catalogue.  A purchasing department in you area might have a copy
    or I can send you a photocopy of the pages.  The ones they
    	sell are highly recommended.  I even think there is a model
    to put on your oil heater....so all the air in your home will be
    purified.
    
    Michele

    re: 32
    
    Whew, do I agree with YOU about the smell of that stuff. I brought
    some to a show to use as a treat once.  I don't know how the poor
    folks that work in the canning factories can actually work their
    8 hours when that flavor is being produced.
    
    That wins the stinky contest 'paws down'
    
    E.

    Michelle, 
    
    I have never heard of Granger.  Is it a retail store?  Also, I don't
    have an oil heater.  But, I appreciate the information none the
    less.  Linda Sobek recommended the Bionare.  She has a friend who
    has one and says that it is one that can actually qualify as a medical
    deduction (for people, and under the right circumstances).  The
    store had several different brands and models, but the Bionaire
    seemed the most serious, if you know what I mean.
    
    Meanwhile, Joui continues to have her little problem.  We are running
    out of ideas for her, but at least she is doing better now.  For
    awhile there, I was sure that this was going to be the cause of
    her demise.  At least now I think that she is pulling through. 
    We have tried special diets, special water, prednisone, and 
    the chloropheniramine.  Joui is down to about 5 pounds, soaking
    wet.  She normally weighs about 7 1/2 - 8 pounds.  The good news
    is that while she still has some rash, her attitude is improving,
    her hair is growing back in, and her appetite is returning, thank
    God!
    
    Jo

    
    
    Jo-
    
    the Granger catalogue lists all sorts of equipment (this book is
    thick!) and stuff to be used in a buisness enviroment.  Several
    fellow allergy sufferers have recommended going thru them for
    the air purifiers, because they work well and have a good reputation.
    I just found the catalogue last nite, and will send the info out
    next week.  I can FAX it if you'd like.  These people had tried
    some of the smaller ones and did not have as much success as with
    this model from Granger.
    
    I never though about a medical deduction on the purchase, but I think
    I'll check into that one for my own personal use (or if you can find
    out more info, I'd appreciate hearing about it)
    
    I was also told that oil companies (you said you don't have oil - but
    maybe your utiliy co. might have a suggestion) also sell good quality
    air purifiers to put on your furnace.
           ��
    Since I am not at work today, I can't do much more that a memory recall, but
    the unit in the granger catalogue cleaned the air 5 times every hour 
    for XX ppm (Don't ask me what that means - I haven't the slightest..;^)
    and it cost $200 - $600 range.  It is portable, and ahd a few other
    options......I'll get you the info next week.  Let me know how you'd
    like to receive it.
    
    
    Michele
                                                                     

    Jo,
    
    I picked up a flyer on an Air Sanitizer at one of the shows.  I was so
    impressed by this thing that I KNOW I saved it.  I think it was in the
    $600 price range.  I'll either send it or Fax it when I remember to
    bring it in.
    
    Please remind me after Christmas!!!
    
    cin
    

    Hi guys,
    
    Yes I would like to receive any and all information about different
    air sanitizers.  I know about the one that they sell through the
    shows, and have considered it, but the price was prohibitive at
    this time.  I have always wanted a nebulizer, which would dispense
    Nolvasan into the air and help keep down infections (URI, etc) for
    my cats.  This thing with Joui is more important right now.  She
    was my first Birman, and she is the love of my life.  She is also
    the mother of my first three Birman grand champions, my only
    three grands of my own breeding, so far.  
    
    Since this unit would be used for a cat, and not for me, I cannot
    claim it as a medical deduction.  In order to claim it, you would
    have to get a prescription from your Doctor, and buy a unit that
    "qualifies".  How you find out which qualify is beyond me.
    
    Anyone with any other information about allergies, treatments, and
    other things that we can try for Joui, please speak up.  I am running
    out of ideas.  She has been sick with this almost continually since
    the beginning of July.
    
    Jo

    Jo,
      At a recent show I picked up "Ozium" with dispenser for about
    $42.  Ozium does make an anti-bacterial spray.  It reminds me
    of the smell of Ivory soap, which I dispise, but I'm getting
    used to it and it does help the catbox smell in the "cat shelter
    room".
      Nancy DC
    

    I haven't seen that Ozium anti bacterial spray.  I use the regular
    Ozium for stud room odor.  Does this dispenser attach to the wall
    and then dispense at regular intervals, or is it manual?  
    
    I have two kittens down with chlamydia and herpes and have them
    in isolation, but don't want to risk the rest of the seven poo-heads.
    This sounds ideal for me.
    
    Jo

    Hi Jo!
    
    The Ozium dispenser is AUTOMATIC, gives a spray every 10-15 minutes
    (determined by battery mechanism, not by user).  It is advertised
    as 
    
    	"Reduces Airborne Bacteria"
    	Active ingredients:  Triethylene Glycol 4.4%
    			     Propylene Glycol 4.4%
    			     Essential Oils 3.5%
    		inert ingredients 87.7%
    
    The label calls it a "Glycol-ized Air Sanitizer"
    
    There are other "flavors" and manufacturers available, but none
    of them advertises any medical/sanitizing effect, simply odor
    control.  I use Ozium for sanitizing AND odor control, and it
    certainly does wonders for the stud odor!  I have had a dispenser
    up for about 2 months, and the first can (about $6-7) is just
    beginning to run out, according to my nose.
    
    Martha of Haddeleigh House in Maine sells dispensers and cans (these
    are large cans, not the kind used by some breeders in the show halls).
    
    Her 800 number is 800-752-7670.  She ships.  Tell her I said HI!
    	
    	Pennie

    Pennie, thanks for the information.  I will have to call her and
    find out about cost, etc.  This sounds like just what the doctor
    ordered.  
    
    I have never had the misfortune of having a kitten get herpes (AKA
    Rhinotracheitis) before, and to have that on top of chlamydia is
    really something.  I have the two babies as isolated as I can get
    them in a house full of cats, but worry about airborne transmissions
    and possibly carrying the virus on my clothes.  
    
    Sounds like I will be needing more than one of these, hope they
    aren't too expensive.
    
    Jo

 
    Jo,
    
    To minimize carrying virus from an isolated cat in an isolation
    room (aka guest room!), I use an old discarded surgical gown that
    my vet was going to throw away (had a hole in it).  I leave it
    folded (outside surfaces facing each other -- does that make any
    sense) on a bookcase outside the door...then I put it on before
    entering the room, and remove it and fold it immediately after
    leaving the room.  And then wash my hands, of course.  Now if
    only I had a sink right there in the hallway!
    
    	Pennie

    I could use some of this Ozium stuff too.  My Christmas holiday
    was spent nursing Kirby back to health from yet another URI.  Now
    Kelsey and Murdock are starting to sneeze and I am emotionally exhaused
    to say the least!  Tomorrow, we are having a humidifier installed
    into our heating system (forced hot air by gas) to put some moisture
    back into the air.  Isolating Kirby with a vaporizer helped, though
    he's still congested.  Hopefully, we will all see an improvement
    in our health with the humidifier.  Viruses certainly are very
    difficult to eradicate.
    
    What do you breeders do to keep URIs at a minimum?  We have had
    our share over the past year and it is very frustrating to deal
    with.
    

    The dispenser cost $35 and as Pennie said, the Ozium itself was
    around $6-7.  I may have to get one just for the fosterkitty room
    (whew!!!!)
    

    Roberta, this is what we do, we ask each other what to do. :^)
    
    I have been having my share of "things" in the last few days.  First,
    the two kitten's eyes started puffing up.  I decided to forego the
    regular vet and head straight for the opthomologist when the problem
    didn't respond to terramycin within the first few days.  Good thing
    I did, found out about the herpes real quick.  Then, Laci has had
    an allergic reaction to the suture material buried during her c-section
    *8* weeks ago, and now has an open wound on her abdommen.  So, between
    medicating the kittens with two different eye things three times
    a day, flushing Laci's tummy with peroxide three times a day and
    giving her Hetacin-K three times a day, giving Joui her allergy
    pill three times a day, I am exhausted.  I am also worried about
    the other five poo heads coming down with this URI.  Can you imagine,
    that would be 50 something medications given in a single day!! It
    wears me out just thinking about it!
    
    I will be checking into the Ozium dispenser.  Sounds just like what
    I need.  I think that, along with the air purifier (that Santa didn't
    bring, BTW), we ought to have our bases covered.
    
    Jo

    Whew Joe!  We're having enough trouble just medicating four!
      Nancy DC

    Jo, I'm surprised you still work here!  After reading  your note,
    I almost passed out!!  I could never be a breeder *and* work a
    full-time job.  It sounds exhausting.
    
    I keep telling Dana that for all the extra work we've been putting
    into Kirby, I could have had a REAL baby!!
    
    --R.
    
    
    

    All I can say is thank God the dog is healthy, and that so far,
    no one else seems to be catching this herpes thing!
    
    I sometimes wonder why I breed cats and work, and then I remember
    that if I didn't work, I wouldn't have the money required to breed
    cats!  So, here I am.  You could call it a vicious circle, I guess.
    :^)
    
    I will have to check with the vet about an old surgical robe.  Lately,
    I have been stripping down nude each time I have to enter the sick
    room, and then hosing myself down with Nolvasan afterwards.  Not
    too convenient. 
    
    Real baby, Roberta, bite your tongue! ;^)
    
    Jo (who got a dog so she could see if she could handle a real baby)