Yesterday, I spent most of the afternoon at the emergency vet with my cat, Martini.

[MIButterfly]

She sneezed blood yesterday morning. I was in such a panic. Long story short, she has extremely high blood pressure. I am taking her to her regular vet on Monday for tests to determine the cause of the high blood pressure. It will be expensive, but not as expensive as it would have been at the ER.

She was prescribed medication and anyone who has ever tried to get a pill in a cat knows what an ordeal it is, but although she squirmed a little, she took it like a trouper. Maybe because the pill was so small (cut in half) or maybe because she somehow knew it was for her own good.

When I left, they gave me a folder with her name written on it and a martini glass drawn on it. 🍸 it was so cute.

Please keep a good thought for my precious Martini. She is 14 years old and my heart.

[piddyprints]

1. Have you tried pill pockets?

3 of my cats will eat them as treats, so it's no biggie to put a pill in them. My hyperthyroid cat sometimes drops her pill out while she's eating the pill pocket, but then she just looks down and says, "Oh" and licks it off the floor. I'm guessing it's pill pocket-flavored at that point.

Healing thoughts for Martini. What a cute name!

[MIButterfly]

2. Thank you piddyprints!

I can't take credit for her name, though. That was her name when I adopted her when she was five months old.

[piddyprints]

3. But you kept it!

We adopted 2 kittens this year, named Marilyn (for a little mark near her mouth) and Monroe (what else?). We usually change their names because rescue/shelter names don't typically do them justice. Some of them are downright bad in anyone's book. But these names are perfect for these kittens. Cleary you saw that in Martini as well.

Please keep us updated on how she's doing.

[3catwoman3]

9. One of our current cats, a female tuxie, had the shelter name of Penny, my husband's nasty ex-wife's name.

No way we were keeping that! I changed it before we even left the shelter. Crossed it out on their paperwork and wrote in Chessie, which has been her name ever since.

[piddyprints]

11. LOL I know what you mean!

That's probably the best reason for changing a name that I've heard.

I like the name Chessie.

One of ours was named Hope. I didn't like that, so I named her Sierra. It fits her much better.

[3catwoman3]

17. When we moved to the greater Chicago area in 1994, during our house search...

...we looked at one house on a street named Penny Lane. I tried for about 30 seconds to convince myself that I could think of the Beatles song instead of the ex-wife. No chance in hell. There are some things you should not have to do.

When I explained to my husband, who was still writing monthly child support checks to her at that time, why I could not live on Penny Lane, he said the street having the same name as his ex had never occurred to him. I didn't believe him.

The name Chessie comes from the logo of the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, which featured a graphic of a snoozing kitten on its sleeper cars as a testament to how quiet the ride was. When I first saw that logo, I told myself that if I ever had a black-and-white girl kitty, I'd name her Chessie, the name of the kitten in the logo.

mages.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=chesapeake+and+ohio+sleepoing+cat+logo&fr=mcafee&type=E210US1641G0&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2F08%2

[AllaN01Bear]

23. ""

https://www.facebook.com/chessiefcu/posts/the-story-behind-the-chessie-logo-the-original-image-of-chessie-was-the-creation/744126137722537/

[piddyprints]

34. I have that train!

We do model railroading (HO scale) and I have the Chessie. I thought of it when you said, but didn't mention it before. How cool!

Yeah, Penny Lane would have been a rough one.

[Katcat]

15. Long time ago

A stray had kittens and we kept them all. One of the kittens my hubs named Socks because his feet were white and body orange. Well, every time I passed him I’d say Hi Socks and he’d say Murff. I took that as a correction and his name became Murff. This past spring a cat showed up here begging for food o so of course I fed him. Said if he’s gonna stay he has to be neutered so off to the vet for that. Hubs was calling him something but I said he was a gooberhead and named him Goober. Come to find out he belonged to new neighbors and was named Bullet. LOL they said we could keep him but I don’t think he would have gone back anyway.

[piddyprints]

35. I mean...

who would name a kitten Bullet?

I like Murff! We inherited my brother's cat, Kyra, several years ago. Her meow sounded like "Merp." I sometimes called her Merp and she would come to it but obviously I couldn't officially change her name.

[MIButterfly]

82. Truth be told, my previous cat, Boots, had just passed away

and I was too distraught to even think about changing Martini's name. When Bootsy died, I swore I'd never get another cat. It was just too painful to lose them. I couldn't go through that again. That lasted two weeks before I started looking for another cat. My house was so empty and I thought there are so many cats that need a good home and I can provide a good home, so four weeks to the day after Bootsy passed, I adopted Martini and Holly. I still grieved for Boots for a long time, of course. It was well over a year before I started to think maybe I should've changed Holly's name to something like Mojito or Margarita, but I figured it was too late then. Plus, her name had grown on me. I never thought about changing Martini's name.

[SheltieLover]

7. Her name is cute!

[SheltieLover]

5. What brand do you find effective?

Tyia!

[piddyprints]

10. My cats like Greenies.

The 3 who like them will eat any flavor. The other one only likes chicken.

We have "trained" the kittens by giving them an empty one whenever their sister gets her pill. They're squishy, so some cats will need time to get used to them. We sometimes mush them against a Greenies dental treat so they get some crunch at the same time.

[SheltieLover]

12. Tyvm!

No need for them at present, thankfully, but I'll get some just in case.

[piddyprints]

36. Yes, do that.

If the first time they get them is with a pill, they may not eat them.

[SheltieLover]

37. Oh gawd, I hadn't thought of that!

Chewy for pill pockets! 🏃‍♀️💨

Tyvm!

[piddyprints]

38. You're so welcome.

Most of the local pet stores carry them too.

Good luck!

[SheltieLover]

39. Already in my Chewy cart for cat & dog.

Never tried to give this kitty a pill, but Pittie is a pain in the ass to get a pill into. There is absolutely NO way to pry his jaws open & he eats treats I wrap pills in.

This from the dog who will not eat bison or turkey high end dogfood & loves kibbles 'n bits.

Tyvm again!!!

[SheltieLover]

4. Healing vibes on the way to you & Martini!

[MIButterfly]

44. Thank you, SheltieLover!

[Polly Hennessey]

6. My Millie is 18.

Occasionally, I need to give her a Cerenia tablet (half) for an upset tummy. I use a very small plastic spoon, put the pill in it, and pop it in her mouth. I then close her mouth and rub her throat. Only thing that works for her. Will admit she is not a squirmer, but does move her head.

Let us know how Martini 🍸 is doing. Also, curious about high blood pressure in a cat.

[MIButterfly]

45. Thank you, Polly Hennessey! I will update.

[irisblue]

8. I will keep Martini and you.on my thoightd

[MIButterfly]

46. Thank you, irisblue!

[70sEraVet]

13. It isn't just cats that are difficult to administer a pill to.

With my old dog (a medium-size schnoodle), no matter what I had the pill hidden in -- hamburger, peanut butter, piece of hot dog -- he would happily immediately swallow whatever it was wrapped in, wait a moment, and spit out the pill.
My best wishes for the improved health of poor Martini!

[MIButterfly]

47. Thank you, 70sEraVet!

[3catwoman3]

14. I hope she continues to cooperate.

Here is something that always brings a smile to my face - the differences between giving a pill to a cat and to a dog.

How to Give Your Cat a Pill

1. Pick up cat and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat’s mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill in mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.

2. Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.

3. Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.

4. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm, holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.

5. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden.

6. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paw. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat’s throat vigorously.

7. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines and vases from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.

8. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.

9. Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink 1 beer to take taste away. Apply Band-Aid to spouse’s forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.

10. Retrieve cat from neighbor’s shed. Get another pill. Open another beer. Place cat in cupboard and close door on to neck, to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.

11. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put cupboard door back on hinges. Drink beer. Fetch bottle of scotch. Pour shot, drink. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus shot. Apply whiskey compress to cheek to disinfect. Toss another shot. Throw Tee shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.

12. Call fire department to retrieve the damn cat from across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil wrap.

13. Tie the little bastard’s front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table, find heavy-duty pruning gloves from shed. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of filet steak. Be rough about it. Hold head vertically and pour 2 pints of water down throat to wash pill down.

14. Consume remainder of scotch. Get spouse to drive you to the emergency room, sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Call furniture shop on way home to order new table.

15. Arrange for SPCA to collect mutant cat from hell and call local pet shop to see if they have any hamsters.


How to Give a Dog a Pill

1. Wrap it in bacon.
2. Toss it in the air. (a different version has "throw on floor" as this second step)

[MIButterfly]

48. LOL! Thanks for the laugh, 3catwoman3!

[mwmisses4289]

69. Lol! Laughing so hard I'm crying! 🤣😂

[Wicked Blue]

16. Sending you and your kitty light and blessings of healing

[MIButterfly]

49. Thank you Wicked Blue!

[TygrBright]

18. Holding you and Martini in my heart for healthy recovery and shared joy. n/t

[MIButterfly]

50. Thank you, TygrBright!

[Trueblue Texan]

19. I totally feel you!

The last month has consumed several thousand dollars in vet bills for my precious Emo, the sweetest dog on the planet. Heart disease and kidney failure was the diagnosis initially. Since his hospitalization last week, they found a kidney infection and it looks to be the chief culprit of his ails. He is slowly coming back to normal, but he was literally at death's door. I told my husband he'd better start looking for a coffin with a sidecar because if Emo goes, I want to go with him.

Sending my best for Martini's good health and to you MIButterfly.

[MIButterfly]

51. Thank you, Trueblue Texan!

I'm glad Emo is better and I wish him continued good health. I know how scary it is when your pet is sick and how helpless you feel.

[Trueblue Texan]

71. And how is Martini today? nt

[MIButterfly]

72. Thank you for asking.

No more incidents of sneezing blood, thank goodness. She's been taking her medication every day like a champ.

She had an appointment for tests with her regular vet today but she pulled a vanishing act and I couldn't find her anywhere. At one point, I had her cornered under the bed, but she gave me the slip. Since my vet's office will cancel your appointment if you're over five minutes late, I had to reschedule for Wednesday. Ten minutes after her scheduled appointment time, she came out and started walking back and forth in front of me, almost like she was taunting me.

That's a cat for you! But I love her anyway.

[Trueblue Texan]

75. I'm sure she knows how to get things done her way!

Glad she's better and still tops at her game!

[hamsterjill]

20. Sending healing thoughts and a hug.

I'm a cat rescuer and have a sanctuary, and you aren't kidding about the pilling issues!!!! When you see your regular vet on Monday, if the meds need to continue, ask if there is a liquid form. Liquids are easier to dispense, and the best way is to use a small syringe versus using the dropper that usually comes with liquid meds. Your vet should be able to give you some syringes while you're there if this is a workable solution.

All the very best.

[MIButterfly]

52. Thank you, hamsterjill!

[area51]

21. Best wishes for Martini the cat.

[MIButterfly]

53. Thank you, area51!

[slightlv]

22. I and my clowder will

Martini in our thoughts, and I'm sending healing light towards you both. May Bast hold her safely in Her paws.

[MIButterfly]

54. Thank you, slightlv, and thanks to your clowder too!

[1WorldHope]

24. You must have been terrified when blood came out of her nose.

I'm not sure how it works with a cat, but for my dog, I push it into a tiny chunk of butter or we use Land of Lakes olive oil mixed with butter. It slides right down and I figure it helps it get down the throat too so it doesn't get stuck in his throat. I hope your Martini is no longer bleeding from the nose. Or anywhere.,💙🐈🐈‍⬛🐈🐈‍⬛🐈🐈‍⬛🐈

[MIButterfly]

55. Thank you, 1WorldHope!

Yes, I was terrified, but thankfully, it hasn't happened again.

[AllaN01Bear]

25. ""

[MIButterfly]

56. Thank you, AllaN01Bear!

[TommieMommy]

26. I hope she will be ok 🙏🙏🙏

Sending hugs and prayers for your little one 💙💙💙

[MIButterfly]

57. Thank you, TommieMommy!

[wendyb-NC]

27. Holding you both in a healing light

And sending lots and lots of good vibrations.

[MIButterfly]

58. Thank you, wendyb-NC!

[justaprogressive]

28. just lost two special needs cats

both were fighters, but despite all we tried to do they ultimately lost the battle.

Sending healing thoughts to you and your friend.

[MIButterfly]

60. Thank you, justaprogressive!

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet.

[Bayard]

29. Good vibes to Martini

Hugs to you.

[MIButterfly]

74. Thank you, Bayard!

[niyad]

30. Sending vibes for recovery and healing for your precious Martini.

Holding yiou both in love and light.

[MIButterfly]

61. Thank you, niyad!

[dawn5651]

31. healing thoughts for miss martini.

[MIButterfly]

62. Thank you, dawn5651!

[sinkingfeeling]

32. You can get a long, flexible pill popper like the vets use to stick

the pill in the back of the throat. I had one, but don't know where I bought it.

[KT2000]

33. Some meds can be dispensed

as a dermal application. It is pricey but so easy - it comes in a tube that clicks the proper dose and you apply it onto their inner ear.
I used it for thyroid meds but it comes in many other meds too.

Good thoughts to Martini!

[MIButterfly]

63. Thank you, KT2000!

[Nigrum Cattus]

40. Best of luck with your friend

+++ vibes

[MIButterfly]

64. Thank you, Nigrum Cattus!

[Flash953]

41. will keep a good thought.....

[MIButterfly]

65. Thank you, Flash953!

[radical noodle]

42. If pilling becomes too difficult, and it does with some

Blood pressure meds do come in transdermal versions, to just be rubbed into the ear. The vet can send the prescription to the compounding pharmacy and it will be sent to you via mail. I use Wedgewood Pharmacy, but there are others.

I also had a cat with high blood pressure. I don't remember how old she was when diagnosed, but she lived to be 20 years old. She was such a lovely old lady.

I hope your Martini does spectacularly well with her meds/treatment.

[MIButterfly]

66. Thank you, radical noodle!

[Figarosmom]

43. Hoping for a good report

From her vet.🤞

[MIButterfly]

67. Thank you, Figarosmom!

[Duncanpup]

59. Thinking of you both.

[MIButterfly]

68. Thank you, Duncanpup!

[mwmisses4289]

70. Hugs to you and Martini.

How is Martini doing?

[MIButterfly]

73. She has had no further incidents of sneezing blood, thank goodness.

She was supposed to go to the vet today for tests but she made herself scarce and I couldn't find her anywhere so I had to reschedule.

Thank you for asking!

[JMCKUSICK]

76. I'm so glad they found the problem MIButterfly

And that it's likely manageable. Kudos to you for paying enough attention to your baby to notice.

[MIButterfly]

79. Thank you, JMCKUSICK!

[Jilly_in_VA]

77. My dear kitty Jack (of blessed memory)

would turn into the Tennessee Chainsaw Massacre at the mere mention of a pill. I learned to mash them up in sardines, which he regarded as a treat, and he always thought he was getting something good. Little did he know....

On a side note, I'm a shelter volunteer and kind of used to seeing cats sneeze all kinds of things, including blood. Usually it means a sinus infection. Sorry that in Martini's case it was something worse. Beseeching St. Gertrude of Nevilles, patroness of cars, on her behalf.

[MIButterfly]

78. Thank you, Jilly_in_VA.

We missed her appointment today because she decided she wasn't going and hid herself away. When she doesn't want to be found, she is not found.

She has been very good at taking her pill, though. I open her mouth, throw it in and she swallows it. No muss, no fuss. Of course that was before and it might be different today since she decided to be so uncooperative about going to the vet. We'll see.

Thanks again for your kind words!

[Ocelot II]

80. Get well, Martini!

[MIButterfly]

81. Thank you, Ocelot II!