Author: Service Cats U.S.

I Audra, am the human behind Service Cats U.S. aka DezizWorld. I am disabled and use cats as service animals instead of dogs. They are just as capable and can perform duties other animals cannot. We started our online journey to bring awareness to the ability of cats and to help others understand the relationship between a service animal and their handler/person. We offer training tips and tricks that I have learned through the years along with other information on all things feline. We began this journey in 2014 with Lexi and Dezi. They have since gone on to heaven, but our journey continues. This blog is about our daily life from the kitty's point of view. I want this blog to be interactive and get to know all of you, so comment and visit often. I will also offer advice, training tips and education when possible. Copyright © 2014 - 2021 {Audra High via Deztinee High and RaenaBelle High} All Rights Reserved All personal content (story's, poetry, etc., videos and music) are the property of the human behind Deziz World, and may not be used, copied or otherwise re-published without prior written permission/consent from the author (A. High-the human behind Deziz World). We have an amazon.com wish list and a PayPal account if you would like to help/donate to us.
Raena's adorable face close up while sitting in stroller

Service Cats: How to Keep Kitty’s Name off the Bite List at the VET

Published on by Service Cats U.S.24 Comments

MeOW  Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays. We’ve got a great topic today so stay tuned. And ‘member you can leave your questions or topic suggestions in the comments below or send us a purrivate email via our Contact page. And as always, you can get caught up on any post you may have missed by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page from our menu. Remember, we’re no longer listing names per reader request. There is no dumb question. Mommy says no one purrson knows everything about everything. We all have to start somewhere. By the way, you’ll notice a little different structure today. Let us know ifin ya’ like it.

 

 

Dezi laying in cat tree in new harness

 

 

 

The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. And to offur insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards.

     One of the questions we get asked most is about taking kitty out in public and making sure kitty’s comfortable and calm. Whether it be to the VET or on an adventure, people want to know that kitty isn’t stressed out. We discussed preparations for taking kitty to the VET last week. If you missed it, you can read it here. Today, we’re going to follow up a bit on that topic. The question is, “Kitty appears/is calm during the initial VET visit and suddenly ‘goes nuts’ and bites when the VET/tech with metal mesh gloves takes his/her temperature. What caused this and can we stop it from happening in the future? ” Another question that goes along with this is: “How can I keep kitty calm during the exam itself? The VET and techs are concerned about bites and scratches and want to sedate kitty or wear gloves or other protective gear when handling kitty.” 

 

 Dezi sits in stroller

 

 

 

Feeding off the Energy:

 

     Let’s take a look at the first question. You’ve done everything right and kitty is nice and calm. Even the waiting room didn’t stress kitty out. So why then is kitty suddenly going “nuts” and biting? Remember, we always stress that kitty will feed off the emotions of those around him/her, so it’s really important that you remain calm and thinking positive thoughts. But, it’s also important for the VET’s staff to not only be professional but calm. If a kitty has never shown any signs of biting, then no one should be wearing metal mesh gloves during any part of the exam. Quite frankly we were appalled when we read the question. Mommy wouldn’t let anyone near us wearing such armor gloves. We suspect this kitty reacted to the tentative touch of the tech who most likely was also feeling a bit apprehensive. There was no initial signs that the gloves would be needed and should never have been worn. VET appointments are rarely fun, but mommy likes to keep them as stress free as possible, so that we remain calm each time we have to be in the office. All it takes is one bad experience to cause kitty to react poorly and stress at all future appointments. And YES, it is possible to change the behavior of a kitty who does have a history of biting, scratching or fighting with a VET/tech. It just takes a little time and patience and the cooperation of your VET and their staff.

 

 Dezi and Raena stare intently out the door from the liberty cat tree

You can see the purple calming collar  in the foto.

 

 

 

 

Calming Options:

 

      We don’t have Feline only VETs in our parts, but, you might look into them in your area. Obviously, an office that caters to cats should be better equipped in knowing how to deal with them. Another option, is an office that has separate waiting rooms to help keep kitty calm. A lot of people have great success with calming sprays and plug ins. It might help every kitty/doggy if your VET had them in the rooms and waiting area. You might suggest them to your VET or gift them to your favorite VET’s office. Don’t forget, you can also spray kitty’s carrier and the towel or clothing inside kitty’s carrier as well. You might also want to look into a calming collar. They’re fairly inexpensive and can be used only when needed. While in the waiting room, you should speak calmly to kitty and remember to praise them and let them know how proud you are of their great attitude and calm demeanor. And yes, do this even if kitty is hissing or cowering in their carrier. Remember, the idea is to calm or keep kitty calm so the appointment goes off without any problems. And don’t leave kitty unattended at any time. We even go to the bathroom with mommy when all the time necessary.

 

 

Dezi sits on exam table at vet office

 

 

 

The Exam:

 

     During the appointment mommy makes sure to remain in our line of sight at all times. She stays calm and blows us kisses and slow blinks. When she has to hold us down for tests, injections, etc., she makes sure to calmly and quietly praise us for our good behavior. Yes, it’s usually the techs’ job to hold kitty, but mommy knows that we stay calmer when she does it. We know mommy’s touch and can feel the love radiating down thru her hands instead of apprehension from someone who doesn’t really know what to expect from us or how we’ll behave/react to certain touches, pokes and prods. At no time does mommy let us out of her sight. The office policy may be, no owners in the back, but if you’re a calming effect on kitty, exceptions will be made. If not, you may want to look for another VET. Mommy’s policy is: If they can’t do “it” in front of her, then they probably shouldn’t be doing it all. She’s seen perfectly calm kitties suddenly get written up in their file as ferocious/biter after a trip to the back for a blood draw or weigh in. And, she’s seen some pretty incompetent techs trying to find veins or restrain kitty. So she completely understands how a kitty can become stressed and lash out. That being said, if you can’t remain calm, you need to work on it and pray for a great office.

 

Raena in stroller at Petco looking at birds

 

 

 

Working Together:

 

     Mommy says more often than not, kitty will react the way people are expecting. Tech wears bite glove, kitty bites. Guess they got what they were expecting. So, if the VET/tech comes in the room clad in armor, kitty’s probably going to act out. Kitty is feeling everyone’s stress and reacting in kind. Our VET and his staff have a lot of shortcoming’s, but, they usually enter the room calmly and completely ignore kitty. We either start sniffing him or mommy presents us to him/her and then the exam begins. Unfortunately you can’t change a VETs personality or actions, but you can suggest ways they can deal with your kitty that will make kitty more comfortable. After all, you know your kitty better than anyone else. Remember, this is a relationship. Kitty can’t speak, so the VET is looking to you for cues on what is and is not normal with kitty. A good VET is going to want to make the visit as stress free as possible. Nobody wants to get bit or scratched.  

 

 Dezi lays atop the liberty cat tree in calming collar

 

 

 

Well, we’re gonna wrap it up fur today. We’ve covered a lot of infurmation, and we do hope it helps. Sometimes Training is as much about Training the human on how to behave as it is kitty. Always remember, calm is good and Training is best achieved with Repetition and Rewards. Teaching kitty to remain calm at the VET is just as important as Training kitty to use a litter box or where to scratch. Don’t furget to leave your questions or topic suggestions in the comments or send us an email via our Contact page. And, you can ketch up on any post in this series by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page. Join us here each Furiday to learn more about the mysterious feline in your life and what makes us tic. MOL We’re also joinin’ Comedy Plus fur Feline Furiday.

 

Don’t furget to let us know ifin ya’ like the new outline with sections??.

 

 

Till the next time………………………………………………….Be Blest!!!

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

 

Raena sits beside the Simple Solution Stain and Odor Remover on the liberty cat tree

Simple Solutions #ChewyInfluencer

Published on by Service Cats U.S.18 Comments

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. You all know how much we luvs Chewy right? Well, the other day mommy and me were comin’ home from her monthly doctors ‘pointment and what did we see when we walked up the walk to our door? ‘Course you guessed it. There were 2 big ole boxes sittin’ right in front of our door. Mind you, I’s was happy to see those boxes, but mommy said those silly fedex peeps just don’t think. With the boxes sittin’ right in front of the door, we couldn’t get to it to open it. And, what ifin we’d actually been home and just hadn’t answered the door? We couldn’t have opened the door to get to those boxes. (Raena shakes her head) Don’t think? Hmmmpht I’s think mommy’s bein’ nice. The may be some of those doofuses like the neighbors and lawn crew. 

 

 Chewy box delivery sitting in front of door

 

 

 

          RaenaBelle!!! Didn’t me just meow to you ‘bout callin’ peeps doofuses? 

 

 Dezi lays atop the liberty cat tree while Raena starts an attack from the ledge below

 

 

 

Uh, yeah, I’s think so, sissy. But do you think I’s lissen to everythin’ you meow? Ifin I’s did that, mommy would have twice the clean up. You’re such a stickler fur only usin’ a completely clean pawtty box that you sometimes leave little puddles fur mommy to have to clean up. You know she hates that. Like the other day. Couldn’t you have held it just a few seconds more till the pawtty box quit dumpin’? Noooooooo, you had to go and pee right that minute. And guess what? You missed the piddle pad. Mommy wasn’t at all happy ‘bout that. 

 

          Like mommy ‘purreciates your purrjectile hairballs any more than me’s accidents? 

 

I’s can’t help the hairballs, sissy. You could’a waited fur the pawtty box, or at least scooted over 6 inches to the piddle pad.

 

 Dezi sits beside Simple Solutions Cleaner on the liberty Cat tree

 

 

 

          Hmmmmpht  Well, me guesses it’s a good thing mommy got to try out the Simple Solution Extreme Stain and Odor Remover from Chewy this month. We got the 32 ounce size ($10.99) but it also comes in a gallon size ($24.99). Me knew mommy was gonna have to try it out so we could meow ‘bout it, so that’s why me left that puddle fur mommy. After all, how could we tell everypawdy whether it works or not ifin we didn’t have anythin’ to clean?

 

Okay sissy, you might be right, but, I’s sure mommy read that it could be used on old stains and odors too. Right mommy? (Raena looks at mommy A who nods) Anyways, let’s see what Chewy says ‘bout it.

 

Description

Simple Solution Extreme Stain + Odor Remover is 3x stronger* (vs. Simple Solution Stain + Odor) to eliminate tough dog stains and odors faster. Extreme Stain + Odor Remover has a professional strength formula that contains Pro-Bacteria* and enzymes that completely breaks down organic residue, permanently eliminating stains and odors, and discourages both dogs and cats from repeat marking the area. Safe to use carpet, upholstery, or other water-safe surfaces in your home to remove urine, feces, and vomit. Safe to use around children and pets when used as directed.

Key Benefits

  • 3x stronger* (vs. Simple Solution Stain + Odor) to eliminate tough dog and cat odors and stains faster.

  • Professional strength formula of Pro-Bacteria* and enzymes to break down and eliminate stains and odors.

  • Safely and quickly removes urine, feces, and vomit on carpet, upholstery, bedding, fabric toys, clothing, or other water-safe surfaces in your home.

  • Discourages repeat markings by pets.

  • Safe to use around children and pets when used as directed.

  • Additional Details

    Avoid eye contact, product may irritate eyes. In case of eye contact, flush thoroughly with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention if irritation persists. Keep this and all cleaning products out of reach of children and animals.

    Instructions

    Saturate the soiled area. When treating carpet, cover 2x the size of the mess and be sure to saturate the carpet backing and padding. Wait 5 or more minutes for the enzymes and Pro-Bacteria to break down the organic proteins. Blot excess moisture with a color-safe cloth. Allow the area to dry naturally while the enzymes and Pro-Bacteria keep cleaning.

According to the instructions all mommy had to do was to saturate the area and wipe it up after a few minutes. While we’re not sure how those Pro-bacteria and enzymes work, we do know that enzymes work really well on cat urine. ‘Pawrently, our pee is among the strongest on the planet. Who knew? 

 

          Me thinks we kitties get a bad wrap when it comes to the smell of our pee, Raena. Anyways, it took mommy a while to figger out how to work the pump sprayer. And once she furinally figgered it out, it took furever to purrime the pump.

 

Raena sniffs the Simple Solution Stain and Odor Remover

 

 

 

I’s can attest to that, sissy. Mommy sprayed it all over herself cuz she was tryin’ to see ifin anythin’ was comin’ out. MOL  It has a kind’a soft flowery smell at furst, but that soon goes away. Since cleanin’ up the puddle neither of us have even sniffed the area, so mommy says that means it must’ve worked. 

 

          Yeah Raena, and fankfully it doesn’t leave any scent behind. Ya’ know some cleaners try to mask the stench by leavin’ a stink of their own. (Dezi thinks back to one of those old cans of air freshener that lets everypawdy know you’re tryin’ hide somethin’.) We can still smell the purrfume that broke a couple of weeks ago. We fur sure don’t need anythin’ competin’ with that. 

 

 Raena sits beside the Simple Solution Stain and Odor Remover on the liberty cat tree

 

 

 

That’s fur sure sissy. All in all, mommy said she’d give the Simple Solution Extreme Stain and Odor Remover 1 1/2 thumbs up. She took off half a thumb cuz it was hard to figger out how to use the pump at furst and she thinks it’s a little pricey. Ya’ know old eyes can’t hardly read the small print on those bottles. That bein’ said, mommy did say she’d gladly buy it again since it seems to have worked.

 

 Dezi peeks out from a chewy box

 

 

 

          And we’d give it 2 paws each cuz it didn’t leave behind any odors good or bad. As always, we think Chewy has the bestest boxes and customer service ‘round. They offur speedy furee shippin’ on all orders or $49.00 or more and a flat rate speedy shippin’ on all other orders. You can always save an extra 5% on all auto delivery orders. But don’t worry, you can skip, cancel or delay anytime. And, Chewy has purroducts fur the whole house, furred, feathered, scaled and non furry alike.

 

 

 

 

We received the Simple Solution Extreme Odor and Stain Remover in exchange for our honest opinion. As always, we tell it like we see it; and only bring products we use or have tried and believe would be of interest to you, our readers and furiends.

 

 Raena plays with the packing paper in a chewy box

 

 

 

Sure ‘nuff sissy. And while ya’ might have a non thinkin’ fedex delivery purrson, the boxes are always welcome. You can shop Chewy with confidence. Ifin there’s a purroblem with anythin’ in your order, their customer service peeps will make it right. Guess we better wrap it up now and check out our bird teevee. Looks like we might have some updates ‘bout the latest birdies in the nest befur long. 

 

Till the next time…………………………………………….Be Blest!!! 

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Dezi sits on the liberty cat tree while Raena sits on the small perch looking out the door

Chatting Cats: The Nerve of Them

Published on by Service Cats U.S.17 Comments

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. (While mommy A prepares the girls brekky, Raena sits on the perch in front of the door until the lawn crew shows up and suddenly powers up their noisy equipment. Dezi runs to the bedroom and Raena, looking confused, follows behind her.)

 

 Dezi and Raena in hall way

 

 

 

     Mommy A: Dezi!!! RaenaBelle!!! Girls, ya’ll need to come and eat your brekky. Where are ya’ll? I’m in here slavin’ over your breakfast and ya’ll are nowhere to be found. (Mommy A comes out of the kitchen and looks toward the door, on the cat tree and down the hall for the girls. Raena finally peeks out of the bathroom and runs towards mommy. Dezi follows behind her until they hear a huge thud as a rock hits the window and the motor of the big lawn mower. Raena stops and looks up at mommy A and Dezi flattens and slinks back to the bedroom.) Girls, ya’ll need to ignore the inept lawn crew and come and eat your breakfast before it gets all soggy. (Mommy A goes to her sitting chair to have her morning coffee and Raena follows behind.) 

 

Sissy, it’s okay, come eat brekky. I’s think they’re gone now. (Suddenly the big lawn mower appears out of nowhere and Raena jumps. She looks back at mommy A and then runs to find Dezi.)

 

          Me hates the lawn crew (Dezi meows from UTB (under the bed)). 

 

Dezi and Raena meet in the hall way

 

 

 

Is that why we’re hidin’, sissy? Is the lawn crew gonna get us? 

 

     (From the sitting chair in the living room, mommy A hollers) Girls!!! The lawn crew’s not gonna get anybody. I won’t let them. Ya’ll know I’d never let anything happen to you two. Now get up here and eat your breakfast before I take it up. We can’t afford to waste money like that. 

 

 Raena sits on small perch and looks out the door

 

 

 

(Raena runs to the small perch in front of the door and dezi slinks up the hall and rubs against mommy’s legs.) They’re still here mommy. Hisssssssssssssssss (Raena hisses and jumps off the small perch with a force that causes it to fall over and bang against the door when one of the lawn crew appears on the porch with the leaf blower.) 

 

          (Dezi hisses and flattens out and heads down the hall growling.)  Don’t call me again till they’re gone, k mommy?!! Aaaaaaaachoo

 

Sissy, where are you? Mine’s eyes are all mucky and I’s can’t see you. (Mommy A picks up Raena and cleans her eyes and give her a hug.) Eat your brekky baby and just ignore those crazy men. Hey sissy, looks like they’re packin’ up. You can come eat now.

 

 Dezi sits pretty in front of door

 

 

 

           Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaachoo Fank the kittens. Me just doesn’t like lawn crew days. None of us are gonna be able to breathe fur days now. And, they innerupted our brekky. Hmmmpht  The nerve of them!!! HissssssAaaaaaaaaaaaaachoo

 

Yeah, okay sissy, let’s eat. 

 

Till the next time…………………………………….Be Blest!!! 

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

Mommy A: Black

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses 

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Raena lays in house on liberty cat tree

Blest Sunday: Making the Best of Nature TV

Published on by Service Cats U.S.16 Comments

Dezi:  MeOW  C’mon Raena, it’s Blest Sunday. Get away from the door and let’s give fanks fur today’s Blessings. 

 

Blest Sunday purple kitty clip art graphic

 

 

 

          Raena:  But sissy, Spring teevee is a Blessing. Have you seen all the pawsum channels we have? There’s bird teevee up close and purrsonal with that mommy bird takin’ care of her younguns, and I’s even saw the neighbors’ chickens bug huntin’ in the garden the other day. And, of course ya’ can’t miss doofus teevee. They’re either attached to those teeny heel nippers or chasin’ ‘em to try and get ‘em to come back to their ‘pawrtment.

 

 Raena lays atop Liberty Cat tree and hangs paw over edge

 

 

 

          RaenaBelle Mayce, you better hope mommy doesn’t hear you meowin’ like that. Where did you even learn a word like doofus? 

 

          What? Isn’t that the right word fur dummies? I’s don’t ‘member ‘zactly where I’s heard it, but I’s sure that’s what it means.

 

 Dezi atop the cat tree looking down

 

 

 

You know mommy doesn’t like that word, even ifin it’s the right one. Mommy says that dumb actually means that somepawdy can’t speak, not that they’re a few marbles short and shouldn’t.

 

          Maybe sissy, but I’s bet’ch’a mommy was usin’ all kinds of words the other day when she was tryin’ to take out the trash and all those little heel nippers kept growlin’, barkin’ and chargin’ her while their peeps stood at their doors hollerin’ fur ‘em to “get back here now dog!!!”. Not a one of those woofies paid any attention to their humans. And peeps call us kitties dumb. Hmmmpht Least we know our names. 

 

 Dezi sits atop the Liberty Cat tree while Raena lays on the top ledge looking out the door

 

 

 

Alright Raena, that’s enuff ‘bout the woofies. Besides, me much purrfurs squirrel teevee. Me’s not sure where they all went to tho’. That big oak tree in our yard used to be the busiest hub of squirrel activity ‘round these pawrts. Y, We even had a few that would come up on our porch and chatter at us through the window. And sometimes at night the coons would come up and ask mommy fur some spam. Me doesn’t ‘member seein’ any of our wild life furiends last year. Me sure hopes they didn’t move to somepawdy else’s tree. It can get kind’a boring ‘round here without ‘em. 

 

          You’re right sissy, I’s can only watch so much bird teevee. I’s sure hope mine’s bunny furiend comes back this year. Maybe mommy’ll even let me play with him/her this year. 

 

 Raena looks to the woods from the stroller

 

 

 

Our mommy Raena? You know she’s a bit of a germaphobe when it comes to us rollin’ ‘round in the yard and dirt and stuffs those woofies leave behind. After all, those doofuses don’t clean up after themselves. Besides, me doesn’t think that bunny wanted to play with you. Me’s purretty sure it was scared you were gonna eat him/her. That’s why it hopped away when you got close to it.

 

          Sissy?!!! Now you’ve gone and said it. MOL  Anyways, it wasn’t hoppin’ away, it wanted to play chase with me. 

 

Dezi wipes her eyes atop the Liberty cat tree

 

 

 

Sure Raena, whatever you meow. (Dezi rolls her eyes and puts a paw to her head) Anyways, like me meowed earlier, it’s Blest Sunday. Another week has come and gone. Altho’ it started out stormin’ and yucky, today’s actually really nice out. The sun’s shinin’, the wind’s barely blowin’ and the temps are a nice medium of the high 70’s.

 

 Raena playing with wand toy

Hmmmpht Where’d your wings go necko?

 

 

 

          That’s true sissy. And, you even spent most of those stormy days hangin’ with mommy and me on the cat tree. Well, you and me were on the cat tree, mommy doesn’t fit. So, she has to use her sittin’ chair fur hangin’ out. Ya’ know sissy, I’s know mommy’s busy tryin’ to get all our paperwork ready fur our lease recert, but do ya’ reckon she might make some time to take us fur a few strolls befur the weather gets stormy again? Or to play with us? Ya’ know I’s went shoppin’ online fur mine’s birthday prezzie the other day. You know how much we luvs those necko fly toys? I’s decided to get us another one to play with since we’d de-winged and de-legged our last one. Mommy says it’s a bit ridiculous what they charge fur those things, but we like ‘em, and I’s got birthday money, so she let me order it. Maybe someday we can get the Necko fishin’ rod that they’re designed to fit on. Wouldn’t that be fun?. 

 

Necko flies ultimate rod cat toy
foto courtesy of neckoflies.com

 

 

 

It sure would be Raena. Altho’ at $40.00 me’s thinkin’ mommy could buy an actual fishin’ rod fur less. ‘Course, what would me know, me’s never seen a real fishin’ rod. MOL Since we don’t eat fish, there’s not been much need fur one. 

 

          A real fishin’ rod? You mean human peeps like to play with the necko fly toys too, sissy? 

 

No silly (Dezi shakes her head), a real fishin’ rod fur ketchin’ real fish. Never mind. Anyways, fanks fur gettin’ such a pawsum toy fur us to play with. You’re a purretty good sisfur. Me’s fankful you’re me’s sisfur. (Raena smiles really big and runs toward Dezi) Stop right there!!! Don’t let that go to your head, okay?.

 

          Okay sissy. I’s fanky fankful fur you too. We are so Blest to have each other and mommy.

 

Dezi selfie

 

 

 

We are Raena. We’re also Blest to have the greatest furiends in the universe. We’re Blest to be able to watch bird teevee, squirrel teevee and all the rest of the wild critters outside. We’re Blest to have today and each day to luv and be luvved. As we do every week, we’d like to remind you all to take a minute today and every day to give Thanks fur the Blessings in your life. No matter what may be goin’ on ‘round you, you’re Blest to have this moment in time. It’s up to you to see the Blessings ‘stead of the bad. 

 

Raena lays in house on liberty cat tree

 

 

 

          That’s a good one sissy. I’s gonna make today pawsum. And, let’s not furget to link up with the Kitties blue fur Sunday Selfies. 

 

You just did Raena. Let’s go see what’s on the nature channel outside. 

 

Till the next time……………………………………………..Be Blest!!! 

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

Raena: Navy Blue 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle