Stones from where?

Another day and another story about a cat. If I didn't know better I might start to think that the humans like the cats better than us. Luckily, I know better. Cats don't wag their tails, or kiss hello, they don't sit pretty for treats or try to alert everyone when there's a new person in the building. In fact, most cats seem to just want to hide and hope nobody seems them. What's so special about that?


I am secure enough in my canine identity to tell you about the cat that came for a visit today. Thief, was a fluffy black and white cat that did not enjoy coming to our clinic (big surprise there, I did say he was a cat!). A few days ago, Thief was having problems getting the yellow marking liquid out – at least that's what Patient Pam said. I could smell the odor the minute he walked in the door, so I knew getting the marking water out was not the problem. “He going all over the house” Thief's dad pleaded, “it looks like there might be blood in it too.”. So my dad got to work trying to sniff out the cats problem. Thief was no help at all. He grumbled all the while the helpers took the pictures with the humming machine. And even though he kept leaving his liquid all over his house, he didn't share a drop for my dad.

Fortunately, the black and white pictures told the story. “He's got bladder stones” reported my father, “and they are the type that will have to be removed surgically”. I've learned enough human pet doctor talk to know that meant Thief would be back for his turn in the no-awake-dogs-allowed room.

Today was that day. Thief was not any happier to back in the clinic for his second time in one week. My dad gave him the pinch medicine but his attitude barely improved, and he kept grumbling right up until the point he fell asleep. I have to say, sleeping cats are the only cats I really like.

My dad made quick work of the procedure and came out of the room with two perfect little pebbles. The stones looked just like the prickly stickers that attach themselves to Bea's fur in the morning. I couldn't help but wonder how this cat managed to get them in his bladder. I vowed right then and there to be extra careful when I squat in the yard.

“Most of the time cats get these stones due to their genetics and their diet. If we keep Thief on special food, we should be able to keep the stones from coming back.” dad instructed. “The most important thing is that he drinks lots of water, and eat canned food.” It looked like Thief's parents were listening to everything my dad had to say, but I knew that Thief would be the one making all the decisions; and from the moment he woke up from his nap he did not want to hear what we had to say. He scratched and clawed at Vonnie and Sweet Sally when they took the wraps off his leg. I know that Thief was feeling sore and out of sorts from his special nap, but I'd like to think a dog would have been much more reasonable in the same situation. Well...at least a dog like me.