Bk Gets Physical Therapy, he liked it. Options

[myhrtisbrkn]

As you might expect, at Beekie's age he has a little arthritis. In his back left it is enough to impair his mobility significantly at times. And since cats can't take NSAIDS, I've been in search of a way to help him.

So I sent a tape of him walking to the physical therapist who treated Sadie after she went down. Just hoping he could recommend a book, refer me to a therapist in our area.

He worked out a whole regimen for us. He used his own cat as a model ( poor baby ) and taped the exercises he wants Beek to do, including hydrotherapy...for this he fashioned a little kitty life-vest out of bubble wrap, and sent this along with written instructions, diagrams, and tapes. and when I called him to ask him what the charges would be he said..."no charge. It's my gift in memory of Sadie". I'm overwhelmed by his generosity.

So we put the life-vest on the old boy and put him in a warm tub. I was picturing myself going to the emergency room with punctures and gashes...BK.s big and he's very strong. After some initial protests he started to purr and paddle around like a Labrador retriever. I know that warm water must have felt good on his joints. now he's sleeping like a baby, smelling like his Dad's shampoo.

I think we will call it a day at that, and giving thanks for my intact skin...and start some of the other exercises tomorrow.

[LoveThem]

Love your updates, Dayna.

Interesting that Amos knows how to do what you want BK to do. Perhaps having Amos do it in front of BK as much as possible will work. Just tell BK to pretend Amos is not in the room but you know BK will watch Amos.

Really reminds me of my Little Girl as a kitten using a scratching post with the 2 boys watching....then they started using it as they saw her do (girl and boys never got along either).

Then Little Guy and the Little Girl would come over to the couch and lay in my lap when I was watching TV. Keeper (Little Guy's twin brother didn't do that but he was always watching me pet whoever was in my lap). One day he decided to do it too after watching for quite a while.

THey do pick up from one another even if they are not buddy-buddy. Encourage Amos to do it in front of BK as much as you can. You may be surprised that BK may figure...well if Amos can do it...so can I. cats have egos, right?

Good luck...will be watching for your updates.

Judy