MONDAY MEOWSINGS: THE ROUND-UP

Dr. Neel tries in pry open Fiona's mouth to check her teeth.

Dr. Neel tries in pry open Fiona’s mouth to check her teeth.

Once a year, our Vet, Dr. Kathy Neel, comes to the house for our annual check-ups and vaccinations. We definitely don’t look forward to that day. But it is better than being stuffed in PTUs and carted off to the place that smells like woofies. Even though they have a cat’s only exam room now, those big furries are everywhere else. And the aromas…pure animal fear!

Dr. Neel listens to Lily Olivia's Heart.

Dr. Neel listens to Lily Olivia’s Heart.

On Friday our breakfast was late, and we all got locked in the kitchen while we were eating. Mom had to coax Fiona downstairs with treats. No breakfast in bed for her that day. All being corralled together could only mean one thing which made for lots of tension. And then we had to wait and wait. Dr. Neel needed to help a sick kitty before she came. She and our favorite tech, Tamika, were an hour late. Our nerves were pretty well frayed by that time and a lot of complaining took place. (Mom will post the video of Fiona and Giulietta’s duet later this week.)

Misty May's turn to have Dr. Neel listen to her heart.

Misty May’s turn to have Dr. Neel listen to her heart.

We must admit, the whole process went lots better than last year. Not even one of us escaped! Last year, all of us, except Lily Olivia and Mauricio, bolted after Lisbeth pried open the door to the foyer. Dad, Mom, Dr. Neel and Tamika had to chase Astrid and Fiona throughout the house. Astrid wedged herself under the sofa and Fiona plastered herself against the wall UTB. (Click here to read about last year’s fiasco.)

We all got pretty good report cards. A couple of us need a teeth cleaning sometime this year. Lily Olivia has developed a heart murmur. Dr. Neel rated it a two out of a six. Even though Lily is now 15, her weight has only decreased by 1 ounce in five years.  At seven pounds, 15 ounces, she is no longer the smallest. That honor goes to Astrid at seven pounds, 13 ounces.

Tamika gives Giulietta head scritches while Dr. Neel gives her an injection.

Tamika gives Giulietta head scritches while Dr. Neel gives her an injection.

The remainder of our weights are (from heaviest to lightest): Mauricio, 13 pounds 8 ounces; Giulietta, 13 pounds 7 ounces (no change from last year); Calista Jo, 13 pounds 6 ounces; Lisbeth, 13 pounds 4 ounces; Fiona, 9 pounds 6 1/2 ounces; and Misty May, 8 pounds 10 ounces.

This was Calista Jo's first round-up.

This was Calista Jo’s first round-up.

Mom got Dr. Neel to show her how to trim our claws. Fiona got to be the demo cat much to her disliking. She got the purrito-wrap treatment, but she wriggled her way out. The job, however, was completed. We’ll have to see how long it takes Mom to work up the courage to do the remainder of us.

We won’t say that “a good time was had by all,” but Dr. Neel and Tamika left unscathed. Mom and dad take that as a victory. We take it as a personal challenge for next year!

Purrs and paw-pats, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo