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: 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   

Chatting Cats: Preparing For The Races

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. We furinally got some sleep and are ready fur the IndyCat 5000.

 

 Dezi and Raena check out the new powerchair

 

 

 

          Raena!!! What in the world are you meowin’ ‘bout? Just what is the IndyCat 5000? 

 

Y, It’s a race…isn’t it sissy? Ya’ know, fur cats with wheels?.

 

 Dezi looks over her shoulder

 

 

 

          Uh, No. Raena, there’s no such thing as a race fur kitties with wheels. And me thinks the real race you’re thinkin’ ‘bout is the Indy 500 fur crazy men in cars. 

 

You mean they let crazy men in cars race, but they don’t let us kitties race? That doesn’t seem fair.

 

          Who said life was fair, Raena? Me knows you didn’t hear that ‘round here. Nuffin’ ‘bout life is fair, ya’ just make the bestest of what life throws at ya’. We’re purretty blest ‘round here, but even fur us, things don’t always go as planned.

 

Raena lays in powerchair

 

 

 

Ain’t that the truth, sissy. We’re so grateful to have the new power chair, but it seems a bit strange. Mommy said she was gonna have to call mr. Travis back out to fix it. Ya’ know, mommy’s really tall, so it looked really funny when she wheeled up to the counter to make us brekky and couldn’t even see over the counter, much less reach it. Seems mr. Travis thought mommy was either really really tall or has really really long arms. 

 

 Dezi sits pretty in front of fireplace

 

 

 

          Yeah Raena, he delivered it on his day off and had several other chairs to deliver, so he didn’t make adjustments to it the day he dropped it off. Mommy got the directions out last night and learned she’d have to take the whole seat off to make it taller. Since it’s too heavy and bulky fur mommy to meow-neuver, she’s gonna have to have mr. Travis come out and do it fur us.

 

I’s sure hope he can come soon sissy. I’s can’t wait to take it fur a spin. 

 

          Me’s sure you can’t. While we’re on the subject, mommy thought it would be helpful ifin we ‘splained a few things ‘bout power chairs in general. We have a furiend whose mommy has been wantin’ one, but we don’t think she’s considered everythin’ that comes with it. We hope her mommy’s up to readin’ this posty. The furst thing to consider is how long it’s gonna take to get a power chair. As many of you know, we’ve been waitin’ fur well over 6 months. And, this isn’t our furst power chair. Mommy’s had one fur goin’ on 20 years now. Ya’ might be askin’ yourself what difference does that make?. Well, ifin you’ve already had a powerchair, then you’re guaranteed to be approved fur another one, so long as your old chair is a full 5 years old. Gettin’ approved fur one initially can take even longer. There are exceptions, but don’t be surpurrised ifin it takes up to a year to get approved fur your furst ever powerchair. 

 

Dezi and Raena together

Ain’t that the truth, sissy. Once you’ve gotten your powerchair, there’s lots of other things to take into account. Lessen you live in a handicap ‘pawrtment or home, you’re gonna have a lot of trouble reachin’ counters and cabinets and stuffs. Ya’ can’t detach anythin’ on a powerchair. The foot rest can fold up, but the wheels come out ‘bout a foot from the actual seat in both the front and back, and they can’t be removed. The joystick controller on the arm also extends about a foot out from the actual seat. Obviously, ya’ can’t remove it either.

 

 Dezi checks out the new Powerchair

 

 

 

          Yep Raena, and a really big thing to consider is that the power chair is bulky and heavy. It can’t be pushed ‘round like a manual one. And, ifin the batteries die or somethin’ goes wrong, you’ll be without your powerchair till a repairman can come out and look at it. That could take anywhere from a few days to 6 months. In the meantime, you’ve got nuffin’ to help ya’ get ‘round. Trust me when me says, we luv our powerchair, and livin’ without it is a real pain, but, it ain’t fur everypawdy. Ifin you’re gettin’ ‘round with a manual chair or walker/cane, ya’ might wanna think twice befur wantin’ a powerchair.

 

 Raena lays on the Liberty Cat Tree

 

 

 

We hope our sweet furiend unnerstands that we’re only tryin’ to look out fur ‘em when we tell ya’ these things ‘bout a powerchair. Under the right circumstances, they can be a great big help, but they can also be a hinderance ifin you’re x’spectin’ to make adjustments to it off and on when ya’ need to get to counters or up close and purrsonal to furniture and appliances. Anyways, that’s the low down as bestest we can ‘splain it. Of course ifin anypawdy has any questions, we’ll be happy to answer ’em as bestest we can. And, we’ll meow lots more ‘bout our new powerchair startin’ in February with our Service Cat postys. Trust me, ya’ don’t wanna miss those. Mommy says this chair ain’t nuffin’ like the ones she’s had in the past, so there’s likely to be lots of fun and x’citement comin’ your way.

 

 Dezi lays on scratcher

 

 

 

          Yep Raena, kind’a like mommy runnin’ off the sidewalk and into the grass yesfurday. Kittens!!! Did you see the look on her face? 

 

I’s think mommy thought she was gonna end up face down in the dirt, sissy. She sure did look funny. Eyes big as saucers and holdin’ on fur dear life. MOL  Guess we better wrap it up, mommy needs to call mr. Travis. We hope to be by to visit everypawdy soon. I’s gonna go see ‘bout those races. Surely there’s somewhere we kitties can compete?.

 

We also wanna ConCatulate our furiends Erin the cat Princess, Gracie of Animal Shelter Volunteer and The Tribe of 5, Feline Opines fur winnin’ the heated pet mats and cat shelf in our recent give away. We can’t wait to hear how much ya’ll luvs your purrizes.

 

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

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Blest Sunday: It’s Finally Here

(Dezi looks up from her breakfast and yawns. She looks around and sees Raena and mommy A yawning too. Mommy A takes a sip of her hot steamy coffee and Raena begins to cover her breakfast with the imaginary “dirt”, toys, tissue paper and anything else close by before heading to the cat tree for a bath and some bird t.v.. Dezi takes a few more bites of breakfast before meowing.) Me sure hopes we can get some sleep tonight.

 

 Raena yawns while laying in the stroller

 

 

 

          (Raena stretches and meows) Me too sissy. I’s know we stayed up fur a good reason, but I’s sure am tired. You’re so tired you didn’t even run when the thunder clapped outside.

 

Dezi sits pretty in front of door

 

 

 

Thunder? Was that thunder? Me thought that was the neighbor again. Ya’ know, she’s been keepin’ her toddler grandson and he keeps escapin’ and comin’ over here to bang on our door or play in mommy’s garden.

 

          I’s don’t know why he’d wanna play in the garden, sissy. Everythin’s dead now. Did you see him push his face against the door tryin’ to peek inside?

 

Yep Raena, his face was more smashed than yours. Who knew the human face could do that? MOL

 

          Yeah sissy, (Raena shakes her head) fanky fank the cats he didn’t come in. He was puttin’ everythin’ in his mouth. Can you ‘magine how slobbery our toys would’a been?

 

 Purr Warning sticker on gift box from Valentine and Kerry

 

 

 

(Dezi and Raena shudder.) Fank you mommy, fur not openin’ the door. MOL  Hey, what did you think ‘bout the surpurrise box mommy got? 

 

 

 Raena checks out box from Valentine

Oh MeOW What a box!!!

 

 

 

          Oh sissy, I’s luvs it. Mommy was so x’cited. She cried and cried. She said they were the happy tears, and I’s sure they were. She also did a little jumpin’ ‘round. She only does that when she’s happy. That Valentine and awnty Kerry sure were sweet to send mommy a new bag. Somewhere along the way, it got delayed, but when it furinally got here, mommy was thrilled. What most peeps don’t know ‘bout mommy, is that befur her accident when she worked, she had a bag fur every occasion. Ya’ know, they were really nice bags, mommy was a bit of a bag snob she says. I’s don’t think mommy could be snobby ‘bout anythin’, but, she says that’s what peeps call it when you’re a bit purrticular ‘bout somethin’. 

 

 Dezi and Raena check out mommy's new purse sent by Valentine and Kerry

This is such a pawsum bag, ain’t it Raena?!!

 

 

 

Me ‘members some of those bags Raena. Unfurtunately, a few bags got peed in by sick kitties; and some kitty, not me, chewed the straps off one of her bags. Fankfully, we’re good kitties, so mommy’s new bag’s in no danger of bein’ chewed by us. We’ll just have to watch out fur the neighbors grandson. MOL What a blessing mommy got. Fank ya’ll bunches, we all luv the new bag.

 

 Paw Print purse from Valentine, Kerry and Triple T Studios

 

 

 

          We didn’t think our week could get any better, and then the fone rang with some really x’citin’ news. Mommy’s been fallin’ out of the bed and crawlin’ ‘round the house fur over 6 months waitin’ fur our new wheelchair. Ya’ know, uncle Sam doesn’t get in a hurry to do anythin’. But, it’s furinally happened!!! The new wheelchair is furinally here!!!

 

Dezi checks out the new Powerchair

Oooooh It’s got a nice soft cushion too.

Yep Raena, that’s why we’re all so tired and sleepy. Well, that and the weather. Travis the wheelchair man wanted to come out furst thing in the meownin’ to deliver mommy’s new wheelchair. Since mommy can’t walk in the meownin’s and she can’t reach the door knob from the floor, we had to stay awake all night. Mommy won’t teach us to unlock the door, so we’re no help. We think the neighbor thought she was getting’ one too, cuz she’s been bangin’ on the walls at all hours of the day and night fur the last couple of days. And then, the weather went from below zero one day to the low 70’s the next. Now, ifin that don’t throw ya’ into a tailspin, me doesn’t know what will.

 

 Raena lays in the new Powerchair

It’s soft alright sissy. I’s luvs it.

 

 

 

          That’s all true sissy. But we sure are happy to have a wheelchair again. We’ll be meowin’ more ‘bout it in our Service Cat posty’s startin’ in February. Believe it or not, we got a ton of questions ‘bout addin’ a new powerchair when the last one broke. In the meantime, we’re just feelin’ really blest that mommy doesn’t have to crawl ‘round in the meownin’ any more. WooHoo

 

 Dezi climbs on the new powerchair

Hmmmmm Me thinks the arms just might be wide enuff

fur me to stand on.

 

 

 

Fur sure Raena. We’ve had another week of outta this world blessings. And, another week with the mostest pawsumest furiends in the universe. Fank you all fur bein’ a pawrt of our lives. We luv ya’ll sooooooooooo much. We wanna remind you to take a minute today and every day to give thanks fur the blessings in your lives. 

 

 Raena gets loving while laying in mommy's lap and squints for the camera

 

 

 

          Don’t furget sissy, we’re linkin’ up with the Kitties Blue fur Sunday Selfies. We’ve got some great wheelchair plandids and mommy’s new bag shots fur ya’. I’s think we oughtta finish brekky sissy and go take a nap with mommy. We’ve gotta take advantage of the quiet while it’s here.

 

Sure ‘nuff Raena. See ya’ll soon.

 

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

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

Raena: Navy Blue 

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle