« Smooth Skies | Main | Another One? »

August 17, 2006

A Situation In Which I Am Smarter Than a Cat

For now anyway. The vet wasn't sure exactly what is wrong with Smokey's swollen paw, but he prescribed an antiseptic spray and told me to soak his paw daily in warm water & Epsom salts.

Then he laughed. And laughed.

He didn't think I could make Smokey hold his foot in water for 7-8 minutes daily. And I admit, the first time I tried, there was much growling, hissing and spitting. And the cat wasn't too happy either. I think I had more on me than on him before it was over.

Gotta be a better way.

So yesterday I bought some small cans of cat food....because I know that Smokey will do just about anything for tuna. I spread about half the can out on a saucer while Smokey purred and protested his undying love for me and btw that food smells rilly good and kitties want some RIGHT NOW cuz omg kitties absolutely lurve whatever that is. Stuck his foot in the water and before he could start to struggle, held the saucer with the lovely food under his nose.

Voila! Instantly still kitty. Took him about 7 minutes to finish the food, during which time he couldn't be bothered about his foot in water. Afterwards, he lay sprawled on the floor like an obese truckdriver who'd just finished Thanksgiving dinner.

I was surprised he didn't belch.

Posted by Rita at August 17, 2006 07:26 AM

Comments

That had to be funny to watch.
The first time :)

Posted by: BloodSpite at August 17, 2006 12:27 PM

I bet it was more fun to watch than to do. ;)

I managed, but he let me know real quick he didn't like that water one little bit. I'm curious to see if the canned cat food will work as well tonight.

Posted by: Rita [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 17, 2006 04:51 PM

That certainly is ingenious! If I ever have the same problem, it better be with Shadow. He is the only cat I have ever had that will touch canned food. Tory, loves dry, thank you very much. However, Tory also loves to please Mom and hear "Goooooood Kitty, Gooooood Kitty" so he would probably do okay without a food inducer.

Posted by: bogie at August 20, 2006 05:10 AM

We normally don't give either of them canned food, so it's an extra special treat for him. It's still working thank goodness.

I don't think I'd even try with the other cat. She'll only allow herself to be held when SHE wants too; otherwise she'll take your arm off.

Posted by: Rita [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 20, 2006 07:23 AM