Norman and Naming Update

Things are still a bit upside-down for Norm. He's having good days and bad days, but we're a little more hopeful with more information filtering in.

Bovine pancreas for raw feeding has been impossible to source locally, although I can't say that I was looking forward to handling it anyway. My local butcher tells me that he can only sell what has been approved by the USDA for human consumption through his shop and that I would have to find a farmer or perhaps a wholesaler, but they probably wouldn't know what they are looking for and it would be time consuming and costly. There are raw food retailers online for pets and I have located the elusive pancreas, but it would take 2-3 weeks to acquire it for him.

In the meantime, I've ordered a sample size of the EPI-Pro 6x  enzyme powder to add to Norm's current food. A good friend of my father's is a retired veterinarian. Turns out he had an EPI cat himself. He says the best course of action is this enzyme powder, but that most cats won't eat it because they don't like the taste. Luckily, Norman is not known to turn down much of anything. Interestingly enough, I thought the powder was a medication to help Norman process the food. Instead, it works to break down the proteins in the food before he even eats it. It gets mixed into the food 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the powder to work it's magic. Apparently, it helps Norm process the food in a way that allows the nutrients to be absorbed into his system.

Gail sent me a fabulous recipe that I am starting Norman on this week. Supposed to be a real weight gain marvel for picky eaters and sick kitties. I'll mix the powder in with that.

Still working on sourcing injectable B-12 for him. It works ever so much better than oral (at least as far as remaining in his system) so I'm hoping to move to that soon.

Many, many thanks for your support, advice, and words of encouragement. I thank you. Norm thanks you too.

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Let the Kitten Names Begin!

We're adjusting the naming scheme slightly with this group of midgets. Beginning with this next litter, I am leaving the presidential theme behind (at least for a while). I think I mentioned that my maiden name is Monroe, which happens to be the next name on the list of presidents. It's always made me a bit uncomfortable, for some reason whether it's rational or not, to think about naming kittens after the family. Not sure why, just I'm not ready to use it. Additionally, the next several names are rather common place... and a litter of bouncy kittens are anything but common place!

I'm playing around with new ideas for last names, but don't have one decided upon yet. I'm thinking after those videos from the other day, these guys need a sporty, spunky last name. Perhaps one from the world of professional wrestling. Perhaps one from the circus. Maybe, just maybe, we have some teeny tiny Flying Wallendas moving in with us.

Feel free to make your suggestions in the comments. I can't wait to hear them :)