Service Cats: Managing Without A Wheelchair

MeOW and welcome to a brand new Service Cat Monday. Yes, we know it’s Labor day, but we don’t really celebrate it here. We find it strange that one would celebrate laboring by takin’ the day off. Back when mommy worked, she always worked on Labor day, so, we will too. With the wheelchair breakin’, things have really changed ‘round here. Lots of you had some very good questions ‘bout how things work when the wheelchair’s broken and how we adjust; so today we’ll be meowin’ ‘bout a day in our life without the wheelchair. Let me get the business stuffs outta the way and we’ll get to it. The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat Monday posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. Ifin you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, purrlease let us know in the comments section or send us an email. When asking behavioral questions, purrlease be as specific as pawssible. And, ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can ketch up by clickin’ the links at the end of this post. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards.

 

 Dezi laying in cat tree in new harness

 

 

So, the questions are: “With the wheelchair broken, how does that affect your day? Is it confusing and how do you help your mommy?”  As we’ve said before, generally mommy only needs the wheelchair first thing in the morning. However, she will often use it to take out the trash or check the mail. When she does this, she usually drives it herself and we watch from the door or window. Thankfully, mommy discovered that the wheelchair was broken while taking out the trash. One of the motors is out, so all the chair does is go around and around in circles. So, instead of taking the wheelchair to the bedroom at night, mommy covers the control panel so we don’t attempt to retrieve the chair in the morning. This change in our normal routine is very upsetting and confusing for us. But, mommy is ever patient and understands that we are confused. She gently guides us through our new routine with voice commands, gentle reassurance and lots of extra loving.

 

 Raena sits and poses in her new tiger harness

 

 

The first morning, and every morning after goes something like this:  We wake up as normal and start in with our morning massages. We’ve got to help mommy get the blood flowing to her extremities and wake up the muscles and nerves in her arms, legs, hands and feet. Me has lived through several wheelchair breaks, so me takes to the new routine much quicker than Raena who starts bouncing off the walls. Raena’s confusion is manifested in her running through the house to the wheelchair and back and the bathroom and back several times. Me continues to massage mommy while she gently tries to calm Raena and get her back on the bed, to help me roll mommy onto the floor.

 

 Raena lays on shower bench

 

 

Finally, Raena seems to tire herself out and returns to the bed and lays down beside mommy and begins to massage her and purr. Mommy calmly and softly tells Raena and me how proud of us she is and how much she loves us. Me takes me’s head and begins to push mommy’s legs over the side of the bed while mommy tells Raena to push. This is part of our normal routine, although we’re usually pushing mommy into the wheelchair. Still looking confused, Raena starts to help me push mommy closer to the edge of the bed. With one last push, mommy falls to the floor with a thud. Raena quickly jumps down and starts licking mommy’s face. Me jumps down and tries to help mommy roll towards the bathroom. Mommy pulls herself to the bathroom with her barely awake arms and starts pulling herself up to the sink/potty using the shower chair/bench and finally the vanity. Raena jumps up on the shower bench to watch, and me takes me’s place on the vanity.

 

 Dezi lays in the wheelchair while Raena meows t her from the top of the stroller.

 

 

When mommy finishes in the bathroom, she gently lowers herself to the floor and crawls to the kitchen. Me takes the lead in front of mommy with Raena prancing slowly behind her. Thankfully, mommy’s arms warm up pretty quick so she can pull herself onward. Once we get to the kitchen, mommy pulls herself up and leans on the counters to make her a cup of coffee and our breakfast. On good days, mommy’s legs are tingling at this point and she can furniture walk to put our plates down, get her coffee and get to the sitting chair. On bad days, mommy again lowers herself to the floor and carrying one plate at a time, pulls herself to the living room to place our plates in their spot and her coffee on the side table beside her sitting chair. Either way, we stay at mommy’s side until she’s safely sitting in the sitting chair.

 

 Dezi watching Raena while they eat

 

 

While mommy takes her medicine, enjoys her coffee and lets her body warm up, we eat, and keep a close eye on her. Hopefully, we’ll get a new wheelchair soon. In the meantime, this is our new normal. Well, guess me will wrap this up now. Remember, if you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, leave them in the comments or send us an email. And, don’t forget, if you’ve missed any post in this series, you can ketch up by clicking the links below.

 

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

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle 

 

Service Cats 

What to Look For      Training Foundations      Train Kitty To Massage

Smelling Disease      Do You Need One      Who Bears the Cost

Housing Laws & Exceptions      Accommodations & Common Sense

When the Handler Dies      Proper Training Methods Pt. 1 & Pt. 2

Easiest Task to Train      Getting Kitty Ready for an Outing

Discipline: Stop Countersurfing Kitty      Internal Disputes

Calling Emergency Help      Just What Is Kitty Capable of

Shad: Original Service Cat      Harness, Vest, Leash or Stroller

Dezi, the Wheelchair & Chest      Round and Round We Go

Tumble & Fall Response      Raena Calls for Help

The Rest of the Story     Raena & the Wheelchair Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3 Pt. 4

When to Train      Explaining Rewards & Kitty’s Feelings

Stop Kitty’s Begging     Calling For Help Options Pt. 1

Medicating Kitty

Training the Pig Headed, Stallion Strong, Submissive Pup & Conniving Cat

Cats Love Training & Social Media Downfalls

Reintegrating the Scared or Bullied Cat      There’s No Bully Cat Breed

Going for a Walk When in a Wheelchair     Calming the Tiger Pt.1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3

Surviving A Remodel      Taming A Feral Cat

Designer Cats & Scent      DNA Doesn’t Change      Fighting or Posturing

Clicker Training & Operant Conditioning      Wheelchair Training

Basic Training Continues

Blest Sunday: Living the Life

Hey Raena, hurry, we need to write our Blest Sunday posty.

 

Raena lounges on perch and watches the rain out the front door

 

          I’s comin’ sissy, I’s was watchin’ a squirrel out the door. Did you see him come up to the door and taunt me? He threw a rock at me.

 

 Dezi looks outside from the cat tree

 

 

Yeah, me saw him Raena, but that wasn’t a rock. It sounded like a rock, but it was really one of those nuts from those trees outside. 

 

Blest Sunday purple kitty clip art graphic

 

          Rock, nut, either way, he was makin’ fun of me. He should be real careful ‘bout doin’ that. After all, I’s the mighty huntress of buffalo and giraffes and monkeys.

 

 Raena gets close to the TV

 

 

Sure you are Raena, sure you are. Me bets that squirrel is shakin’ in his fur. Anyways, we need to fank all our furiends fur purrayin’ fur us. You know how sick we were the week befur last. Mommy was even considerin’ takin’ us to the house of horrors VET. Neither of us wanted any pawrt of that. But, me does have to say, me felt so bad, me was actually thinkin’ that mommy was right and we needed to see somepawdy ‘bout our purroblem. Fankfully, all our furiends banded together to purray fur us, and we started feelin’ better right away.

 

          We sure did, sissy. I’s sooooooooooooo glad our tummy rumbles are gone and we’re back to normal again. I’s also glad mommy gave you one last bath. you really smelled bad. 

 

Hey, Grrrrrrrrr  That’s not very nice. 

 

 

          It may not be nice sissy, but it’s the truth. Mommy says we both stank and needed a good bath. I’s felt lots better after mine’s bath. And, mine’s fur looked so purretty and floofy. You know, us girly’s gotta take care of ourselves. A little purrimpin’ and purreenin’ never hurt anykitty. 

 

 Dezi lays on the bed

 

 

Yeah Raena, me felt better after me’s bath too. And, after rollin’ ‘round on mommy and the purrfumed sweet smellin’ sheets, we smelled like girls again. 

 

          Meowin’ of feelin’ better, mommy’s feelin’ better too sissy. Her gums are still healin’, but she’s feelin’ so much better. And, she’s getting’ better with those new teethies. She’s graduated from smashed taters to baked taters and other soft like foods like pasta.

 

 Gift box with cheez-it, bread, pb crakers, and pasta sauce

 

 

Yep Raena, and she was some kind’a x’cited when she received a couple boxes this week from one of our Angels. You know how much mommy likes Cheez-its and M & M’s. Mommy was so x’cited she couldn’t wait to try out her new teethies on those Cheez-it crackers.

 

 Sharp Cheddar Cheese gift

 

 

          Did you see the cooler box sissy? It had real live sharp cheddar cheese in it. I’s sure hope mommy gives me a bite. And I’s don’t know who’s more x’cited ‘bout the Apple Zings, you or mommy?. Mommy said she couldn’t wait till she could eat cold cereal again. 

 

 Apple Zings gift

 

 

Yeah Raena, me likes those Apple Zings too. They’re so much fun to bat ‘round the house. And every once in a while mommy will drop one that’s all soft and full of milk. Since us kitties are lactose intolerant, we don’t get much milk ‘round here. So, a squishy Apple Zing is a really nice treat. 

 

Large bag of M & M's

 

          Really? in that case, I’s can’t wait to try ‘em. Fanky fank you sweet Angels, we really do purreciate ya’ll sendin’ mommy some yummy noms. Mommy’s cookin’ up that turkey tom lurkey today, and she plans to make some sammiches with that pawsum bread. And I’s can’t wait fur her to eat some of those peanut butter crackers. I’s sure do like peanut butter. 

 

 Turkey Breast

 

 

Me too Raena. Turkey tom lurkey and peanut butter…what a life. We are such blest kitties. And mommy says we have another surpurrise comin’ our way in a couple weeks. Me can’t wait to see what it is.

 

          Another surpurrise? When did you hear that sissy? What do ya’ reckon it is? 

 

 Dezi lays atop the Liberty cat tree

 

 

 

Ifin me knew Raena, it wouldn’t be a surpurrise. Just know that it’s gotta be good cuz mommy’s x’cited and said we gotta clean house. We are so fankful fur all our furiends. Ya’ll are just the bestest. As always, we wanna remind you to take a minute today and every day to give thanks fur the blessings in your lives. 

 

 Raena sits in amazon box

 

 

          Hey sissy, this weekend is a long one, cuz of a holiday. We also wanna remind everypawdy to be safe and don’t drink and drive. And ‘member, us anipals don’t always enjoy human celebrations. So, ifin you’re hostin’ a pawrty, make sure we have a quiet place to get away from all the commotion and festivities.

 

Good job Raena. Now, let’s link up with the Kitties Blue fur Sunday Selfies and go play.

 

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

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

Raena: Navy Blue

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Chatting Cats: Hunting With The Cousins

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. I’s gotta tell ya’, that chatter box mommy calls a teevee, sure has some great shows. I’s seen kin folk of all kinds this past week. I’s saw a leopard, a cheetah and of course, mine’s favorite, the lions. 

 

 Dezi lays atop the cat tree

 

 

          Raena, you know those cats aren’t really our cousins, don’t you? 

 

 Raena watches tv.

Hey, wait up, I’s wanna play too.

 

 

What do ya’ mean sissy? Mommy says they are our cousins, and I’s sure she knows more than you ‘bout those kinds of things. Besides, I’s unnerstand everythin’ they’re sayin’. Ya’ know, they meow just like us. Don’t you ‘member how worried that leopard was when we were sick? She was chuffin’ to beat the band. 

 

 Raena watches leopard on tv

What’s that ya’ say Ms. Leopard? Y, Fanky fank ya’. We’re feelin’

much better now.

 

 

          Yeah Raena, me members all that chuffin’, but me’s bettin’ she wasn’t chuffin’ fur us. 

 

 Raena watches cape buffalo on tv while laying in the chair

Yep, looks purretty tasty to me.

 

 

You can think what you want sissy, but I’s sure she was chuffin’ fur us. And then, I’s even joined the hunt. Did you see me? We hunted a giraffe, a buffalo and even a deer of some kind. 

 

 Raena watches lions on tv while laying in the chair

So, what’s our plan? How are we gonna take down that big old buffalo?

 

 

          Sure you did Raena. And what was mommy hollerin’ the whole time? 

 

 Raena watches tv

I’s got this!!! I’s’ll come in the front here.

 

 

Was mommy hollerin’ sissy? I’s didn’t hear anythin’; I’s was so involved in the hunt. Ya’ know you’ve gotta focus or you’ll slip up. I’s sure didn’t wanna be the reason we messed up and didn’t ketch our prey.

 

 Raena wstches lions on tv

Great job we did there Mrs. Lioness. Where can I’s get a bite from?

 

 

          Oh Raena… (Dezi rolls her eyes and shakes her head

 

 Raena watches the lions eat their kill

Hey, where’s I’s s’posed to fit in?

 

 

But, you know what sissy? They wouldn’t share the kill with me. After all the help I’s gave ‘em, they wouldn’t let me have any of that giraffe or the deer thingy. I’s just know I’s would’a liked ‘em. You know how much we like the odd purroteins. Chickens schmickens, give me giraffe any old day. 

 

 Raena gets close to the TV

Yeah, that monkey don’t look so scary to me.

 

 

          What would you know ‘bout girafe RaenaBelle? We’ve never had anythin’ like that. Granted, me agrees, we might really like giraffe ifin mommy was to serve it up on our plates. Me will leave the huntin’ and killin’ to our lion and tiger cousins. Ya’ know Raena, now that we’re feelin’ better and it’s startin’ to cool off outside, maybe we can meow mommy into takin’ us fur a stroll and getting’ you away from the chatter box. Maybe some day you’ll learn ya’ can’t actually eat anythin’ ya’ see there. 

 

 Dezi sits in front of tv with giraffe horn on her head

Wha’d’ya’ think I’s look like with giraffe horns?

 

 

Like you know ya’ can’t actually eat the pizza you keep pawin’ at? I’s wonder ifin any of our furiends enjoy the chatter box? I’s know a lot of them like to watch bird tv from their windows. But, they fur sure ain’t seein’ all the action we do. Anyways, goin’ fur a stroll sounds like fun sissy. Altho’ watchin’ the chatter box is great fun too. Let’s go see what mommy’s doin’ and get her in the shower so we can go out. I’s’ll race ya’.

 

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

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee      

Raena The Fashionista #ChewyInfluencer

Hey Raena, you look very purretty in your new dress. Do you have a hot date or somethin’? 

 

 Raena profile in her red dress

 

 

          Don’t be silly sissy, I’s not old enuff fur datin’. Am I? Anyways, fanky fank you. I’s all dressed up cuz Chewy be havin’ a fashion show this month with us Influencers, and I’s wanna enter. The winners will get some really great goodies.

 

Raena's profile in red dress

 

 

Well Raena, me thinks you should fur sure win. After all, not many kitties would stand still fur all that purr-impin’ and ruffle fluffin’. 

 

 Raena looks at camera while wearing her red dress,

 

 

          I’s luvs lookin’ purretty and girly sissy. Ifin you were a bit snaller, you could’a tried on mine’s new dress too. 

 

 Raena on cat tree in red dress

 

 

Yeah…No. Me will gladly let you be the fashionista in our furmily Raena. Anyways, we gotta tell everypawdy ‘bout the noms we tried out this month.

 

 Chewy Logo

 

 

This is a sponsored post. We received product in exchange for our honest opinion. Neither Wellness nor Chewy are responsible for the content of this post unless otherwise stated. As always, we tell it like we see it and only bring products we have tried or use and feel would be of interest to you, our readers and friends.

 

 Raena looks at Wellness Core packer while wearing her red dress

 

 

          Sounds good to me sissy. I’s would luvs to meow ‘bout the Wellness Core Simply Shreds Grain-Free Boneless Chicken wet food topper that we tried out. Furst, let’s check out what Chewy says ‘bout the ingredients and key benefits.

Ingredients

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient For Processing

Caloric Content

585 kcal/kg, 29 kcal/pouch

 

Key Benefits

  • Provides a boost of pure protein and hydration with just three ingredients—lean chicken, chicken broth, and water.

  • Lean protein helps maintain healthy muscle mass while chicken broth helps keep your kitty hydrated and supports urinary health.

  • Unadulterated, low calorie protein source with no fillers, grains, or starches, so it helps support a diet similar to that of your kitty’s primal ancestors.

  • Convenient tear-away pouch makes it easy to top dry food or wet food, or give as a side dish or high-protein snack.

  • Proudly made in the USA with no grain, meat by-products, wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

 

 

Dezi eat Core shreds

 

          As you can see, chicken is not only the furst ingredient, it’s purretty much the only ingredient. Now, ya’ need to ‘member the Core Simply Shreds are NOT a balanced meal. They are great fur addin’ to your pets normal meal as a topper or even a special treat. Ya’ know, maybe ya’ wanna give kitty a midnight snack, but ya’ want somethin’ a little healthier than a handful of treats. These toppers would be a great option. They come in a case of 12) 1.75 ounce packets, 4 flavors and cost $13.99 a case. They also have these fur the doggies. I’s should also tell ya’ the packets are full of water. That’s good fur helpin’ to keep kitty hydrated, but mommy says ya’ better be careful and open ‘em over the sink. She didn’t do that the furst time and had to mop befur we could eat. Never a good idea to tempt kitty and make us wait while you clean house. 

 

 Dezi looks over at Raena from her plate of Core shreds

 

 

That’s fur sure Raena. We could smell that chicken just callin’ our names; and waitin’ fur mommy to finish moppin’ was just torture. Me couldn’t wait to check it out when mommy furinally served us. Me licked up all that tasty chicken water.

 

 Dezi eats Core Shreds while Raena looks on

 

 

          You sure did sissy. I’s waited ever so patiently fur mine’s turn to test it out. By the time you furinally let me try it, all that was left was shreds of chicken. You didn’t leave me, not one frop of that chicken flavored water. Fanky fankfully, mommy saw that and added some fur me. It was all purretty tasty ifin ya’ ask me. I’s would fur sure give the Wellness Core Simply Shreds 3 paws up. What ‘bout you sissy? 

 

 Dezi eats Core shreds while Raena looks on

I’s think it’s mine’s turn now sissy. Don’t you?

 

 

Raena eats Core shreds

 

 

Me thought the water was quite tasty. And, me did come back later and eat a few shreds. They weren’t too bad, so me would give ‘em 3 paws up as well. Me meowed with mommy a bit and she says, she’d give ‘em a thumb up cuz we both ate them and they’re a one ingredient treat. But only 1 thumb, cuz of the mess while opening them, and she said those little shreds are kind’a hard fur us kitties to actually eat. Seems we made a bit of a mess outside the plate. So, mommy not only had to mop, but she also had to run the sweeper over the area around our plates. And, mommy thinks they’re a little on the costly side fur what ya’ get. All in all, 6 paws and a thumb is purretty good. 

 

 Raena eats Core shreds

 

 

          Sure ‘nuff sissy. And of course, there’s also the box. You know we luvs us a Chewy box. And, we luvs Chewy. They offur great purroducts at great purrices with furee speedy shippin’ on all orders $49.00 and up, every day. They have a pawsum auto ship program that insures you never run out of your pets favorite noms, litter or whatever. But don’t worry, you can always skip, cancel or delay anytime. And you can also add things to or take things out of your auto deliveries. You’ll get an email in purrlenty of time to make any changes ya’ need befur the ship date. Trust us, this is somethin’ mommy luvs. And of course, we can’t say enuff good things ‘bout Chewy’s customer service peeps. They still believe, the customer’s always right. That’s a hard quality to find these days. 

 

Raena gets love while wearing her red dress

I’s luvs mine’s dress mommy. And, I’s luvs you too.

Those are all great points Raena. Now, give us one more pose in your purretty dress and let’s go play. Don’t furget to check out the other Chewy reviews here.

 

 

Raena in red dress with chewy box

 

 

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

 

Deztinee: Vibrant Blue 

RaenaBelle: Navy Blue

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle