Update: Maomao (or Nana)

So very sorry. I have been so extraordinary busy the moment I came back from Copenhagen. Phew. Now that a major business event is over, I have a little more breathing moments.

Let's start with Maomao or more affectionately known as Nana these days.

Since her discharge from the vet (where she stayed for a good 1 month) on 22 Oct (the same day I departed Singapore), she has been adjusting to her "old self" gradually. Initially, she was so frightened. She dared not emerge from the carrier and when she did, she rushed upstairs and defecate on the 4th floor (unusual of her to do so, she usually defecate on the grasses). No amount of coaxing would make her come down. When we tried to carry her downastairs, she ran up and hid behind the pipe - this happened about 4 times before she decided to seek solace inside the deep drains. We waited for an hour but she stubbornly refused to come out. I had to leave first as I had a flight to catch. Determined Uncle Y waited longer, I think was about 3 hours and to no avail. We even enlisted the help of M, my kindly malay neighbour who love her as much as we do.

Am happy to inform that as at to-date, Maomao is back to normal as the Queen of my area. FYI, Tubbs is the king. Hehe. They are a good-looking couple.

Maomao on 21 Sep 06 with the abscess on her right face.


28 Sep 06.


30 Sep 06.


7 Oct, being very restless and destructive to her collar. Open wound was ruptured a few times.


11 Oct 06. "Will I see the sun again?".


On day of release, 22 Oct 06. Frightened and uncertain.


Hiding behind the water pipe on 4th floor.



Tubbs detected the Queen's return!


6 Nov 06.


8 Nov 06. The king guards while the Queen feasts.


11 Nov 06.


14 Nov 06. The confident Queen once more.


Nana wants to thank all concerned readers. "I am fine now and being taken care of well".

Updates

I am so sorry I have been silent for ages. Been so busy since my return from Copenhagen that I couldn't really find time to update.

MAOMAO
For those following Maomao's story, I will be updating on Maomao very soon... akan datang.

CINDER
Also, Cinder was found on 11 Nov, Sat limping very badly. I saw his wounds and they looked like they're sustained during a very fierce cat fight. We're applying antiseptic on the wounds and is monitoring the situation.

SOS: TERRY
Meanwhile, myself and G are currently working on a young male cat who was found with a severly twisted paw on his left front leg. The part of the paw in contact with the ground is thinning and tearing (from friction) and infection has started to set in. If nothing is done, we were told the boy will eventually die. I will be posting information on him after we consult the vet tomorrow. We have named this brave boy Terry after Terry Fox, the man who ran cross-country his native Canada in 1980 to raise funds for cancer research despite his amputated leg. We hope Terry will be as brave and strong. We need to raise funds to see Terry through his amputation, hospitalisation and rehabilitation. Please help Terry if you can.

Hey hey!

Dear all, I am now in Copenhagen and now you know why you have not been hearing from me the past week. I am here for a training and extended a few days for some tours. I almost died on the plane for the flight is a scary 15 hours. So hard to pass time. Weather here is cold - 7 degrees celsius today. Freezing...brrr. And I feel so very proud when I hear how impressive the Danes (and a couple of others from elsewhere) were about SIA. One told me he loves flying SIA and looked forward to flying SIA. Whoa.

Some quick updates for you - Maomao has been officially discharged from the vet on Oct 22, Sun, afternoon - the same day I departed Singapore for Copenhagen. When we released her, she was totally and frightfully disorientated. She dashed out of her carrier with her tail hidden between her hind legs to the 4th floor where she defecated. It was so not her! She has never inappropriately defecated in her life. I think she has been away for too long. After a few attempts by myself, Uncle Y and M, she decided to hide in the drains instead and refused to emerge until hours later. I was told she has been making good progress and is adjusting to her old life again. I am so very glad.

I can't wait to get home on Nov 1 - I miss my two doggies and all my kitties. I hope they miss me as much!

Will post a lot of pics of Maomao and Copenhagen (Denmark) and Malmo (Sweden) when I get back so stay tune. Ciao!

Good news this time!

Thanks to cat_aunty, auntie p, ml, hot(m)bc, bonnie underfoot and everyone who showed concern to Maomao's situation.

Finally, there's some good news. Her collar stayed on for a good 5 days! Yeah!

M's suggestion worked beautifully. When I saw the stubborn cat last night, her wound was healing so gorgeously. She was allowed to roam for 15 minutes outside her "prison" as a reward and she was so happy and kept singing away... however, her hind legs seemed wobbly probably due to the fact that she hasn't really walked around or exercised for such an extended period of time. If she continues to behave, she will get out very soon. I look forward to being able to discharge her by Saturday cos I need to be away on a business trip on Sunday. Please keep your fingers crossed for her. = )

I'M AT MY WIT'S END.

So are the vets and nurses.

Maomao did it AGAIN today! She ripped her collar off despite having her paws bandaged and elastoplasted. Her wound got so big Dr. H has to re-stitch her. This means, she'll stay longer.

I am going to the vet tonight with Uncle Y to see how we can anti-rip Maomao's collar.

M suggested I first put on a normal cat collar (with normal buckle) then hook the e-collar to the cat collar with ribbons tied with dead knots. This is what she did for her cat who has fits. And the collar stayed on for a good 2 years.

OH MY GOD. HELP!!!

Update: Maomao

Dr. N even plastered the collar but to no avail.

This is bad. Very bad. My poor Maomao has to be hospitalised longer than expected.

She has spent the 17th night at the vet as of today. Dr. N just called me to inform that Maomao has ripped her collar off again (for the third time) and yanked off two of her five stitches (which Dr. N decided to put in the stitches after the second time her collar was ripped off to prevent her open wound from getting bigger). Good grief! We have already tried ways and means to "tighten" the collar but still, Maomao is intelligent enough to figure out how to counter strike. I think Maomao is extremely restless and frustrated after being cooped up day and night for so long. I wish she could be discharged soon.

SIGH.

An update

MAOMAO

Pic taken 30 Sep 06

Maomao is still hospitalised to-date. Uncle Y and I hope to be able to discharge her by this weekend, provided Dr. N gives her approval. The void deck seemed so empty without Maomao. Really really miss her. My neighbours keep asking me when the girl is returning "home". I know she feels terrible being confined and worse, having to wear the e-collar. I know she's dying to be back, to return to where she belonged. Hang in there Maomao, you'll be home soon...

TUBBS

Pic taken 30 Sep 06

Tubbs is getting better from his flu. He is looking less sickly and is eating well. Still wheezing a little. Credit goes to M & her fmaily (my kind neighbour on second floor) who has been feeding him medication and administering eye ointment daily for him. Also, I believe the loving cuddles and hugs he received helped in speeding his recovery process. I can tell he miss his friend, Maomao. He'll wait at Maomao's usual hangout on some days and looked sad when he does not see her. Aww.

MIKI, KOKO & TUX

Miki made some new friends. He now has the company of Koko, an older unsterilised tabby male and recently Tux, a handsome tuxedo male (I think) who appeared from the blk behind mine not long ago. Not sure if Tux is sterilsed or not, have not had the chance to be near him. Koko is very defensive and wary of human so I'm not able to get near him (he'll hiss) as yet. He spots a very long scar on the right of his body, possibly from abuse and hence, I believe contributed to his wariness and distrust in human. However, he is a great friend of Miki and will watch over his younger friend.

CINDER

Also known as Mi, is getting bolder, especially since Maomao's absence. He is wandering into her territory but I am sure he will not when Maomao is back. Not many can outfight this very tough lady.

MACY (the doggie)

Pic taken 26 Sep 06

Macy has been spotted more frequently than in the past. She has learnt to recognise me, G and Uncle Y. Macy will wag her tail when she sees me but still keeps her distance. I guess it'll take more time for us to be able touch her. We really hope to sterilise her when she is ready. Cas the sweet little young female cat loves chasing after Macy! Macy is so mild that she ran for her life! Hope they become friends.


This is Cas sweetheart

We miss Maomao (also known as Nana) very much so we went to visit her again last night.


She is looking very much better. No tantrums so far. And she talk less too.


Maomao: "Sigh...how long more must I be here... I miss home."


Maomao: "But food is delicious here though...Yum."



This is Nemo, the resident cat of the clinic. She is so gentle-tempered and friendly. Very very comfy with human. Continued to sleep while we pat her. She is very heavy! Haa.


This is the very cute kitten. He is still there. Still so playful ever. He is just so adorable.


This is Nurse Y's Dachshund pet dog, Rex. He has been castrated and is resting.


We felt very sad when we saw this almost blind cat. We were very touched to learn that Dr. N adopted this cat 'cos she knew nobody would.

Tubbs is ill

Oh man. Bad news.

Tubbs is very ill. Down with a flu. His eyes kept tearing and he kept wheezing. Poor boy. My kind neighbour, M will be bringing Tubbs to the vet tomorrow morning. Hope he'll be fine.

Went to visit Maomao with Uncle Y tonight. She was very happy to see us. Nurse J commented that Maomao's such a talkative girl - she wouldn't stop talking. She also said Maomao sulked non-stop when she had to wear an opaque e-collar. After nurse J changed it to a transparent one, she's visibly happier and was less sulky. So funny!


Maomao's worrying lump is now gone.


Feeling tired after all the talking.


This is another patient at the clinic. His name is Xiao Tub I think and he has a blocked bladder. Poor boy.


This is a very very adorable kitten fostered temporarily by the clinic on behalf of SPCA. He is definitely a cross as he has beautiful semi-long fur. Very active and playful. He was hiding quietly under the newspapers at first so we didn't see him. Then he sprang a surprise "attack". So cute right?!

There is another black male tom staying just below Maomao, also a community cat. He has a problematic leg, can't walk I heard. A kind caregiver sent him in for treatment. * No pic *


This is the clinic's resident cat No. 1. Her name is Nemo. VERY chubby and friendly!



This is resident cat No. 2. I think I heard Nurse J called her Xiao Mi. Not as friendly as Nemo. This is her bed.

MAOMAO

Uncle Y and I noticed a small lump forming on the right side of Maomao's beautiful face on 20 Sep, Wed. It grew triple the size by 21st and we were freaked out. The lump felt soft. She seemed to be in lots of discomfort and appeared lethargic. She also has not turned up at my place for two consecutive mornings (which was unusual). On 22nd Sep night, we decided to bring her to the vet to investigate the worrying lump.

Dr. N was really nice and told us the lump felt warm and fluctuant so she think the lump is an abscess filled with pus, likely a result of bites and scratches sustained during cat fights. She suggested surgical treatment - lancing, draining and flushing the abscess with antibiotics. Oral antibiotic will also be administered. We have decided to hospitalise Maomao for the next few days to ensure she gets proper and professional medical care and administration.

Oh by the way a pleasant surprise, Maomao is a Burmese-cross!


The lump is bothering me!


Noticed the swell on her right?

Update [23 Sep, Sat]:
The minor surgery was a success. The pus was drained and Maomao is recovering well.

Update [24 Sep, Sun]:
Maomao is doing well and eating well, only a little unhappy with the elizabeth collar she has to wear. Uncle Y and I plan to visit her on Mon.

TUBBS

On the other hand, Tubbs is also found quite badly "disfigured" - from fights again. I hope he doesn't develop abscesses like Maomao!


Ouch!


Oooo...

Miki

Miki, the 6-month old tabby kitten was released tonight (10 Sep 06). He was sterilised on 7 Sep 06. M found him two week ago with dried blood around his mouth and limping badly. He was sent to the vet the next morning. The vet suspected that Miki may probably have been kicked in the mouth and hence the dried blood. As for the limp, it would be due to some scratches inflicted on his feet by other stronger felines. I am more inclined to think he may have fallen off the corridor of the flat while roaming as he is a very curious boy. He likes to peep through the holes along the corridor. And being timid, he may have been frightened by passer-bys and took the plunge.

M and I were quite reluctant to let him go tonight but we had no choice - we couldn't find adopter for this little boy. He had tried going up the stairs at the blk we released him a few times and both of us had to bring him down. I would say he is playful, curious but timid. We can only pray hard he is clever enough not to hurt himself due to his curiosity. We will check on him again and hopefully, he remains safe & sound & grow up healthy.

Update [11 Sep 06 morning]:


I saw Miki this morning. It was great. I hope he'll remain there.

Update [11 Sep 06 night]:


I found Miki with Cinder. The pair are generally quite tolerant of each other. Only a few swats exchanged. None ran away from another. Good sign. I hope they can become friends so they are both not lonely.

Update [12 Sep 06 morning]:
No sign of Miki but saw Cinder at Miki's place when I left home for work at around 8am. M saw Miki at 7am.

Update [12 Sep 06 afternoon]:
Sms from M said - My dad came back for lunch. Went to look for him (Miki), found him in the drain. Think he's sleeping and Cinder was keeping watch. Fed him already.

Isn't this so sweet of Cinder?

Update [12 Sep 06 night]:
Miki was lounging near the lift lobby when I saw him - he seemed relaxed. Cinder was at the other end of the blk busy investigating something that has caught his interest. Gave Miki his second helping of mackerel dinner. He had his first serving at 7.20pm, courtesy of Z, M's youngest sis. Wanted to snap a pic but my camera battery was depleted.

Update [13 Sep 06 night]:


Miki wasn't seen the entire day - all of us got worried. I was searching for Miki after work when I met Uncle Y and M's dad. We did more searching. M's dad found Miki at the next blk and called out to us. M and her sis, A came down when they heard news that Miki was found. All of us were relieved and happy. Cinder gave Miki a kiss - so sweet.

Update [14 Sep 06]:
I have no luck with Miki at all today. However, M's family did see and feed Miki thrice today, which was really good and a relief.

Update [15 Sep 06]:
Miki was last seen at 3+ in the afternoon by M's family. We could not find him at night. Hope the boy is alright.

Update [16 Sep 06]:


Found Miki tonight. He was following a teenage couple. Fed him two packs as he seemed very hungry. It started drizzling lightly. Hope Miki remains safe and sound.

Update [17 Sep 06]:



Update [18 Sep 06]:
I found Miki retching at a corner on the way home. Then he puked some whitish gooey stuff. A little while more, he looked alright. Am glad. Gave him dinner which he didn't bother. Guess he must be full.

Update [19 Sep 06]:

I saw a tabby busy exploring in the big field behind my bus stop. Upon closer inspection, I realised it was Koko and not Miki. Gave Koko supper. Miki appeared 10 minutes later. He came when I called and rolled around. Very sweet of him.

Update [24 Sep 06]:

Thank goodness - my cats are all fine for now.

This is Maomao busy sharpening her claws.


This is Cinder, relaxing after supper.


This is Tubbs - as laid back as before.


This is Jasper (on the right) with new friend, Handsome (unsterilised).


This is Angel (on the left) with her "husband".


Angel making herself very comfortable in Uncle Y's car boot.


Prata was heard screaming in pain very loudly by Uncle Y a few evenings ago. He seemed fine other than being badly frightened that night. Uncle Y was totally upset. We will continue to monitor the situation.


And this is Macy. Been a while since I last saw this gentle girl. Hope she remains safe.

Chew on it!

Very bad news!!!

The culling was extremely intensive today at where I live. I heard the pest control are not sparing the sterilised cats and have been witnessed capturing the sterilised ones by fellow volunteers who also managed to take some pics.

The TC has promised not to touch the sterilised cats for 6 months as a trial (and refer "nuisance" sterilised cats to caregivers to mediate) but things are happening in opposite. The situation is quite messy as of now.

As of 3+ pm earlier, the pest control tried culling a sterilised cat at Blk 88X but were stopped by a caregiver.

Why isn't the TC keeping their promise (when they actually sent an email to confirm that they will not cull sterilised cats)? Or does the problem lies with the pest control - that they fail to follow instructions?

Dawn has been posting some updates on this situation as well. Check her blog at http://www.catwelfare.blogspot.com/

I understand the Press are keen to feature this situation but some of us are hesistant on what the consequences of doing so may be. Afterall, the innocent cats will be the ultimate ones to shoulder them.

This is very distressing.