Off to University

Big day today for the family. My ''first'' (i.e. eldest) niece, Priscilla, left home for University today. Wished her luck this morning before I left for work.

Got home from work and everyone home was a little subdued. Big sis was still sad her baby is grown up.

I think Mom is reliving everyone's college departures :)

Danika was asking for her big sis so I made the above sign for her.

Sent it to Priscilla. Hope she's settling in her dorm ok.

Results of Cat Litter Clumping Comparison

Despite all the dust and weight, I have to admit, the clay litter clumped the best. The clump-ability --- ability for the litter to clump into a hard, easy-to-scoop lump when in contact with urine (water) --- prowess in descending order:

1) Clay clumping litter
2) Swheat Scoop
3) Pet Essentials
4) Feline Pine Clumping

As you'll read in later posts, clump-ability is not the only factor in choosing cat litter. Hence, despite ranking first in this comparison, clay litter is not the final choice for my cats.

Cat Litter Clumping Comparison

I made the transition from 5 individual cat boxes for my 5 cats to 3 jumbo customized ones. In the process, I went searching for a better alternative to the clay clumping litter.

In the jumbo litter boxes, the clay clumping litter was very heavy. Moving the boxes to clean and scoop was back-breaking. Never mind the dust cloud that follows.

Not knowing much about clumping litter alternatives, I googled it and was bombarded with information. As usual, most major types have their own supporters claiming theirs to be the best. One is even called World's Best Cat Litter (WBCL)! WBCL does seem to live up to its name --- and with a price tag to match :)

I decided to check the different litter myself to see which works best for my situation. WBCL was a little too rich for my blood, especially for a trial. So I will start with:
1) Clay clumping litter (Exquisite cats from Petsmart)
2) Swheat Scoop (wheat)
3) Pet Essentials (corn fiber)
4) Feline Pine Clumping

I plan to do a water test for the clumping ability initially. Then through the weeks, will see how they hold up in the litter boxes.

Urinary Incontinence

Click on image to enlarge

I was paying extra attention to Elaine's tail this afternoon since I was writing about her tail dock. Surprise, surprise, I discover that my Elaine has urinary incontinence. We'll do her urine test and check for other causes but she likely has a weak bladder sphincter.

More Tail Action from Elaine

Here's a better clip of Elaine's tail in action.

Elaine: Two Years Post-Tail Dock

It was about two years ago that I amputated Elaine's tail.

We could not get the tail tip to stay healthy. One quick wag and she'd bloody the tip. We would treat and the tip would heal, only to open up again the next time she wags it against a chair, wall, or sides of her run.

She's a pit mix with a very strong tail. I know the tail dock was inevitable for her but I kept putting it off. I just did not want to dock her tail.

When the tip of her tail stayed in a contant state of baldness, sores and was dark from the scarring, I could not put it off any longer and amputated the tail. I did not want to do it. It was a bad day for me. But I think it was good for Elaine (once she got the e-collar off). She no longer has to fight a recurrent infection. She looks so much better without a bloody tail tip.

And I left enough tail so she can still wag it and express herself. Sort of like a button nose for a tail.

Part of me feel bad for waiting for so long before amputating Elaine's tail. But in hindsight, I think I would doubt the necessity if I did not wait.

I'm just glad that she did well after the surgery and has not had any complications or pain.