Service Cats: Q & A About The New PowerChair

MeOW and welcome to our first Service Cat post of 2018. We’ve been chompin’ at the purr-verbial bit to get started. Me wants to point out a few changes we’ve made in an attempt to make these posts easier to find, and easier for you to ask questions. First, take a look at our menu options. We created a whole page with the links to every post in this series called Training Tips and Everything Feline. We will be adding descriptive tags so that you can easily find exactly what you’re looking for. We had hoped to have that done already, but as most of you know, we’ve had a few challenges keeping us busy elsewhere. Rest assured we will be doing that in short order. You will also find a contact form on the page that is completely private. Just fill it out with your questions or post suggestions and we’ll receive an e-mail readable only by us. If you’ve missed any posts in our Service Cats series, you may check this page to get all caught up. As Always you may continue to ask questions in the comments of our posts; we luv, luv, luv hearing from you. Remember when asking behavioral questions to purrlease be as specific as pawssible. Let’s get the business outta the way and get this pawrty started.

 

 

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.

We had a lot of questions last year regarding the new PowerChair/WheelChair. Just in case you’re new to our blog, let me explain. Mommy’s PowerChair broke last June. One of the motors went out and the chair wouldn’t do anything but turn in a circle. Being over five years old, Medicare wouldn’t pay to repair it; so, we had to go thru the procedures to get a new one. Unfortunately, that process is long and tedious. We finally got approved and received our new PowerChair in January of this year. Here are some of the questions ya’ll asked about the new PowerChair and our Training/Ability to use it:

 

 Dezi lays in the wheelchair

Old chair, but the joystick is the same on most chairs. It’s made of a

flexible rubber type material. 

 

 

 

Q: Isn’t the joystick hard on a cat’s teeth?

     A: The joystick is covered in/made of a fairly soft rubberized material, so it’s not any harder on a cat’s teeth than many of our toys.

 

Q: Does a repairman come out and evaluate the chair, and what steps are required to get a new PowerChair?

     A: Yes, a repairman comes to our home to determine what’s wrong with the chair and if it can be fixed. If a PowerChair is over 5 years old, Medicare will not pay for repairs. So, the repairman must take measurements for a new PowerChair. The measurements required are the length of a persons arms, legs and torso. Measurements are also taken of the person’s width between the arms and weight. Other questions that will be asked is if the person has problems with incontinence, diabetes, ulcers or sores on their hiney, and the width of all doors and hallways in the home. Once those measurements are taken, the repairman will submit a request for a prescription from the person’s doctor. The person, (ie: mommy), must then see the doctor for a mobility evaluation, as well as a physical therapist. They will submit their evaluations along with a prescription to the PowerChair repairman who will submit it to Medicare for approval. The approval process can take as long as a year. There are emergency situations that can speed up the process, but it’s always best to expect a bit of a wait. 

Dezi checks out the new Powerchair

 

Q: Does the new PowerChair come with instructions or do we just have to figure it out ourselves?

     A: The new PowerChair comes with a packet that explains how to assemble the chair and connect the control panel to the batteries as well as a description of the control panel. A small booklet with care instructions is also included. There’s no instructions on how to drive, which is why mommy ran into everything the first time she powered up. 

 

Q: Why does it take so long to get a new PowerChair and do we have a manual chair we can use in the meantime?

     A: We don’t know why it takes so long, but if you ever figure it out, let us know. MOL As for a manual chair, the answer is NO. Medicare and most insurance companies “rent” equipment in a succession based on health. That simply means they start with things such as canes and walkers and move up. Mommy skipped the manual wheelchair step because certain movements required to power a manual chair would cause her to pass out. She went straight from a cane to a PowerChair. So, when it’s broken, she’s left to get around however she can. In her case, that means crawling for several hours a day.

 

 Raena lays in new powrchair

 

 

 

Q: Once the new PowerChair arrives, are we able to drive it or does it require re-Training

     A: Quite a few of you asked this question; but, until the new PowerChair got here, we couldn’t know for sure how to answer it. This is mommy’s third PowerChair, and each have been a little different. The first and second chair rode and drove pretty much the same and required no additional Training. Our new PowerChair however, rides and drives much differently than the previous chairs. The differences are subtle, but they are there. Enough so, that we will both require some new Training. Actually, me should say all three of us need some additional Training. The first time mommy powered on, she ran into everything and even fell off the sidewalk outside.

 

 Dezi climbs on the new powerchair

The view seems better from the new chair. And, the arms seem wider.

 

 

 

     What are those differences, you ask? Well, for starters, the old chairs had a 360° turn without moving forward or backwards. The new PowerChair moves slightly forward when turning to the right, and slightly backwards when turning to the left. That may not sound like much to you, but due to limited space in our apartment, it can mean the difference in successfully turning around or hitting doors and walls and any other furniture that might be near, as well as falling off the curb. We have a very small kitchen and bathroom, so turning around becomes difficult in this chair. We’ll be doing more “backouts” instead of actual turning around. Mommy also says this joystick is very touchy. One little push or pull and the PowerChair starts moving. Altho’ that’s a good thing, it’s not something we’re used to and will require a few hours of additional Training. After all, we are cats and do find ourselves occasionally re-scenting the joystick with a little face rub. We for sure don’t want to go wheeling through the wall just because we showed the joystick some love. MOL  The speed control on the new PowerChair is a dial up instead of a push button. Mommy hasn’t decided yet if that’s a good thing or not, but we’ll keep you posted as we go along. One small detail that others wouldn’t have given a second thought, is that the power button and horn are in the opposite positions from any chair we’ve ever owned. And the back wheels not only touch the floor all the time, they’re also the same size as the front. 

 

 Raena lays in the new Powerchair

 

 

 

     So, a lot of little changes mean a lot of extra Training. Remember, altho’ the old chair was broken, we still had some form of Training each day, we just didn’t move. Getting used to moving again, is going to take a little time. However, mommy’s confident we’ll be ready for the races in no time. 🙂  

 

Well, we hope we’ve answered the questions you all had about the new PowerChair. We’ll be posting more about our Training as well as tackling any other questions ya’ll might have. ‘Member, there are no stupid questions. Ifin you’ve been wanderin’ somethin’, you can rest assured you’re not alone. And be sure to check out our menu page Training Tips and Everything Feline to get caught up on any post you may have missed in this series.

 

We have a favor to ask. As you all know, we really want to go to BlogPaws this year. It’s a state over in Missouri. That’s just too close to miss, we think. Anyways, it’s time to submit your favorite blogs fur the Nose to Nose Awards. We fur sure would luv to be recognized and receive one of those pawsum awards. We’d really appreciate your nomination of our blog fur one or more categories. We’ve tried to make this as easy for you as pawssible, so, you can just do a copy and paste of the links. Here’s the categories we qualify for and the information you’ll need to submit us. Purrlease take a couple of minutes and fill out the form here. Fank you all so very much. 

Best Cat Blog:

https://dezizworld.com/2017/07/31/service-cats-fighting-or-posturing-introducing-cats/ 

Contact/Creator Name: Audra High

Our email address: lexi.dezi@yahoo.com that’s lexi (dot) dezi (at) yahoo (dot) com. No spaces of course.

Our BlogPaws Profile:

http://community.blogpaws.com/members/lexi-dezi/profile/ 

Our Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/Alexandra.Furiends

Our Twitter Page:

https://twitter.com/DezizWorld 

Best Written Pet Blog Post: Use the links above, unless you think another post was our best. If you choose another post, purrlease let us know which post you nominated. You may nominate more than one post or blog, it just has to be on a new form. Posts that are qualified for nomination/consideration: Any post created/published between January 2017 through February 2018.

 

Best Photo on a Pet Blog: We had a lot of trouble trying to narrow this one down. Purrlease feel free to choose one of the following, or you may choose any other foto of us on our blog:

https://servicecatsus.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/dw-dezi-n-raena-brown-treedscn8326edit-1024×807.jpg

https://servicecatsus.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/dw-raena-bathes-tongue-out-0362.jpg

https://servicecatsus.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dw-dezi-looks-up-n-hisses-at-raena-on-liberty-cat-tree-9355.jpg

Best Written Blog Post, Sponsored

https://dezizworld.com/2017/03/22/lllt-a-safe-non-invasive-way-to-treat-many-pet-maladies/ 

We really ‘purreciate ya’ll takin’ the time to nominate us. If you’ve chosen a post or foto different from the links we provided, just let us know. We’re always innerested in knowin’ what you luv ‘bout us or our blog.

 

 

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

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

 

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Chatting Cats: Don’t Stress MeOwt

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. I’s can’t believe it’s only Wednesday. Seems like it should be the weekend already. (Raena rubs paw over her eye and then suddenly hurls breakfast all over the floor. She then looks at mommy with bewilderment and runs to the bathroom.) Yep, it’s been that kind’a week already. 

 

 Dezi and Raena in hall way

 

 

 

          (Dezi runs to the bathroom and sits outside the door looking at Raena) RaenaBelle, Ya’ need to calm down. Girl, ifin you’re gonna get upset everytime mommy gets emotional or stressed, you’re never gonna keep your noms down.

 

Dezi and Raena meet in the hall way

 

 

 

(Raena walks to Dezi and puts her head down and bumps under Dezi’s chin. They both walk down the hall to mommy, who’s cleaning up the projectile vomit and then on to the living room.) I’s can’t help it sissy. I’s luvs mommy soooooooooo much.

 

          Me does too, Raena. But, it makes mommy sad when we hurl our meals. She wants us to be able to eat and get strong and stay strong. 

 

 Dezi and Raena together

 

 

 

I’s know, sissy. I’s just don’t unnerstand how everypawdy could tell mommy no, they didn’t wanna help her cuz it was too cold. Like we don’t know it’s cold? ‘Course it’s cold out, but surely it wouldn’t take that long to try to jump start our car?. It’s not like we wanted the battery to die. Mommy was a little worried when we got in the car Monday after goin’ to the farmacy and the clock had reset to 12; but, she didn’t really think much ‘bout it till we got home and the car just died. I’s mean, Dead. Not a peep from it. It took like a hunnerd hours fur her to get the doors unlocked so we could get out. 

 

 Dezi lays on scratcher

 

 

 

          Yeah Raena, me doesn’t unnerstand peeps sometimes either. But, those are mommy worries. It’s up to us to purrvide her with luvvin’ purrs and let her do all the worryin’. She tried to start the car yesfurday and a light on the dashboard flashed on fur a second, so she’s purretty sure the alternator is tryin’ to send power to the battery, it’s just not gettin’ enuff charge to make it work. The mechanic said somethin’ ‘bout maybe the battery doesn’t have enuff amps or somethin’ cuz of the cold. ‘Course then he said he couldn’t really say fur sure without actually seein’ the car. Doesn’t he think we’d take the car to get it checked ifin it would start? Anyways, mommy has a few more calls to make today. Ifin none of those pan out, she said she would just have to call a tow truck out. So see? Mommy’s tryin’ to handle it. Me knows she’d be a lot less stressed ifin you didn’t keep hurlin’ everywhere. 

 

Well, I’s’ll try sissy. Fanky fankfully, mommy’s got that new coat from Pipo to keep her warm while she’s outside. It’s so cold, I’s don’t even wanna go fur a stroll.

 

          At least we didn’t get that snow the weather guessers were talkin’ ‘bout. Now, c’mon, let’s go give mommy some purrs so she can get busy tryin’ to get the car fixed.

 

 Raena lays on the liberty cat tree

 

 

 

I’s right behind ya’ sissy. Looks like we won’t get to visit our furiends again today. We sure would ‘purreciate any purrayers ya’ll can spare. Car batteries ain’t cheap, but they’re lots cheaper than alternators, so we’re purrayin’ a new battery will get us all fixed up.

 

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

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Blest Sunday: You Are Purrfect

MeOW Brrrrr  Raena, it’s me’s turn to lay on the heated mat. Why don’t you go paw up our Blest Sunday posty. Me will dictate from the mat.

 

Raena lays on Liberty cat tree and looks down, profile

 

 

 

          What? Do it yourself, sissy. (The winds are really blowing outside and suddenly a gust blows through the memorial chimes aunty Vonda sent and they start chiming uncontrollably. Dead leaves rustle about and a clump hits the door causing Raena to run to the Liberty cat tree to see what’s going on outside.) These winds sure are noisy, aren’t they sissy? 

 

 Dezi lays sleeping on the heated cat mat

 

 

 

(Seeing that the heated mat is empty, Dezi walks over and lays down and starts to bathe.) Yep Raena, the winds sure have been stirrin’ up things outside and inside, lately. One day yours and mommy’s eyes and noses are runnin’ a race and the next ya’ll are all dried up. Makes mommy second guess your eye situation. Seems dry weather clears up your eyes. Unfurtunately, we live in a really humid state. But, it’s fur sure somethin’ mommy’s gonna mention to the V E T when she takes you. 

 

 

 

          What’s that sissy? I’s not goin’ to the V E T?. Did you hear somethin’ I’s didn’t? 

 

 

Well no, but you know mommy’s been plannin’ to take you to have your eyes looked at. And, since she has that ‘pointment this month to get her new fake teethies, me just assumed mommy would stop by the V E T while ya’ll were in Ardmore. 

 

 Raena lays on the Liberty Cat Tree looking pretty

 

 

 

          Hmmmmpht  I’s don’t wanna go to the V E T, sissy. We’ll just have to see ‘bout that. Maybe it’ll take all day to get mommy’s teethies and there won’t be enuff time to take me anywhere but to have fun. Meowin’ of fun, what did you think ‘bout the big ole box we got yesfurday?

 

 Raena checks out gift box from Cindy

Hmmmmm Let me see what’s in here.

 

 

 

OMC Raena, what a blessin’ it was. We had no idea we even had a box comin’. Mommy had gotten some emails from the post office ‘bout a package comin’ our way, but mommy furgot ‘bout it cuz she hadn’t ordered anythin’ or heard from anypawdy sayin’ they had sent us somethin’. Mommy was givin’ your tummy a good brushin’ when she saw somethin’ out of the corner of her eyes. She looked up at the door and saw our poor little mail lady strugglin’ with this huge ole box. Once her and mommy got the box inside, me came over from the brown tree in the dinin’ room to see what we got.

 

 Raena checks out goodies from gift box from Cindy

 

 

 

          It wasn’t just a big box sissy, mommy and the mail lady said it was heavy too. I’s hopped up on the Liberty tree to help mommy open it. What a treasure trove it was. Mommy just kept pullin’ goodies outta that box. Most of it was fur mommy, but, there was few goodies just fur us. Mommy even said there’s a whole package of pepperoni’s.

 

Me luvs a good pepperoni pizza, Raena.

 

          Me too, sissy. And, it’s been way too long since we’ve had one. I’s sure hope mommy fixes it fur us soon. she couldn’t quit cryin’ long enuff last night to do anythin’. 

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Yeah, but they were happy tears Raena. That awnty Cindy and angel Maggie Meme are somethin’ else. There was so many goodies in the box, mommy can’t ‘member ifin she got a foto of everythin’.

 

          Yep, here we have new batteries fur the camera, and mommy furgot to charge one. So, when the camera started flashin’, she had to quit takin’ fotos and plug it in. (Both Dezi and Raena shake their heads.)

 

Dezi checks out the new spinner toy from Cindy

 

 

 

Yeah Raena, sometimes mommy ain’t the crispest cracker in the box. Anyways, there was also, milk and cheese, pasta and noodles, ham and cheater taters, the almighty coffee, and those yummy chocolate chocolate chip brownie bites, and the cutest little socklets with kitty ears and all. Did you see the cheez-its? Mommy’s been cravin’ those.

 

Raena plays with the new spinner toy from Cindy

 

 

 

          Those socklets are adorable, ain’t they sissy? And what ‘bout our treats and that nifty little toy? We each got a slice of chicken breast and our own bobble toy on top of the package of pepperoni’s. We all hit the jackpot. Fanky fank you sooooooooooooooooooo much awnty Cindy and angel Maggie Meme. 

 

 Dezi and Raena watch new spinner toy from Cindy

 

 

 

Fur sure, a meowsy big Fank you. It didn’t end there tho’, Raena. There was also a card in the box with some green papers. They know how much goin’ to BlogPaws would mean to us and so they sent some monies to put towards the trip. Mommy’s gotta figger out zactly what it’ll cost us to get there so we’ll know how much more we might need. Mommy said she found some hotels out by the airpurrt that be lots cheaper than the host hotel, so we won’t need as much money as we would’a ifin we’d stayed at the event.We are so blest and so luvved it sometimes takes our breath away just thinkin’ ‘bout it. 

 

          That’s fur sure sissy. Mommy hasn’t been feelin’ all that good lately, so we were spendin’ yesfurday doin’ a bunch of nuffin’ till the box came. And when mommy checked our emails, she saw one that said we had money. Fanky fank ya’ awnty Anonymous, we really ‘purreciate your gifty of green papers. And, we think you need to hear this so lissen up. You are a very special awnty and we luvs you very much. Don’t ever let anypawdy tell you that you don’t matter. 

 

 Dezi and Raena watch the new spinner toy from Cindy

 

 

 

Well meowed Raena. That goes fur all of you. Sometimes peeps are just nasty and mean hearted. We don’t know why, but don’t any of ya’ lissen to those kinds. Each of us are special and purrfect in our own way, God says so and so does mommy. And you all know, mommy doesn’t lie. With that, we’re gonna wrap it up and let mommy have some of that coffee and brownies. We’d like to remind ya’ to take a minute today and every day to give thanks fur the blessings in your lives. We’re so grateful fur each and every one of you. We are the richest kitty girls in the world, cuz we have so many pawsum furiends. 

 

 Kitten and rose animated for you emoji

 

 

          Just thinkin’ ‘bout all our amazin’ furiends makes me purr sissy. We’re also joinin’ the Kitties Blue fur Sunday Selfies

 

 Cat blows kisses emoji

 

 

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

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

Raena: Navy Blue

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle  

Chatting Cats: Revving Up for Service Cat Fridays

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. It’s furinally Furiday!!! I’s know it, but let me tell ya’, that lady in a box is an idiot!!! As most of ya’ know, mommy passes out…a lot. Well, when she comes ‘round she has to figger out the basics. Ya’ know, things like, what day it is, what time it is, who is she…ya’ know, the basics. So, when mommy came too this meownin’, the lady in the box was beepin’ fur no ‘pawrent reason. It wasn’t me that kept pushin’ her buttons. 

 

 dezi lays in box ready to pounce

 

 

 

          What? Are you implyin’ me did it, Raena? Me didn’t go near her. She’s always yakkin’ ‘bout somethin’, even when she ain’t been asked. Me had been mindin’ me’s own bizness, eatin’ me’s brekky till mommy passed out. You were doin’ purrlenty of alertin’ fur both of us, so me knew me wasn’t needed yet. Once she passed out, me did what any self respectin’ Service Cat would do, me laid by mommy’s side and kissed her face. 

 

 Raena lays atop the liberty cat tree

 

 

 

I’s did too, sissy. I’s a good Service kitty too. Anyways, when she came too, the lady in the box was just yakkin’ away. Mommy kept yellin’ and askin’ who was there, but the lady just kept ramblin’ on ‘bout not unnerstandin’ and not bein’ able to find that one. That one what? Didn’t nopawdy ask her to find anythin’. Hmmmpht  I’s brought mommy the teevee remote so she could get her bearings and tell that lady in the box to be quiet.

 

          And she did, didn’t she Raena? Once mommy furinally figgered everythin’ out and could ‘member box lady’s name, she yelled STOP at the top of her lungs. Me thinks the lady in the box is even more stubborn than you. Even you don’t prattle on as much as she does. 

 

Raena bathes atop the Liberty cat tree with leg upUh A little purrivacy, purrlease mommy.

 

 

 

Yeah sissy, I’s…wait a minute, what do you mean Even me? And just what is this prattle on thing? I’s a good girl. Hmmmpht Even me…Anyways, mommy offen wonders ifin somepawdy ain’t tryin’ to spy on us through the box lady cuz of some of the things she says outta nowhere. 

 

 Dezi sleeps on heated cat mat

 

 

 

          Me thinks it’s just bad innernet connections and our small town, Raena. Our lives ain’t nearly x’citin’ enuff to spy on. Anyways, the events of this meownin’ were a great way to set up a new year of Service Cat posts.

 

 Raena sits in box

 

 

 

Sure ‘nuff sissy. Join us next Furiday fur our furst Service Cat post of 2018. We’ve got lots of questions ‘bout the new wheelchair that we’ve just been waitin’ to answer. We had to wait on the chair to get here befur we could answer most of them, so we just held them all. Be sure and get your questions in fur the 2018 year. You ask the questions, we’ll answer ‘em. Maybe you’re wonderin’ ‘bout the right foods to feed or why your kitty does somethin’. Or maybe you’re wonderin’ ‘bout a specific health issue, or how to train kitty to do somethin’ specific. No matter the question, we’ll tackle it and answer it with our mommy’s best Tips, Tricks and Techniques. We do wanna let ya’ know, mommy is fine. Passin’ out is completely normal fur her, and once she got her bearings, all was/is well. While we ate our brekky, she had a nice cup of hot coffee. 

 

Raena lays in powerchairShould we give our chair a name?

 

 

 

We do have a question fur all of ya’ tho’. Several of you have asked what we named the new wheelchair. Truth is, we’ve never given them a name. So, what do you think we oughtta call it? Ifin we get enuff suggestions, we’ll let ya’ll vote on it. So, let us know your suggestion in the comments below.  

 

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

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee