Missing connections

I often find myself shocked and dumbstruck by the number of really intelligent, caring people who just don't make the final connection. I frequently encounter people who fight tirelessly for the environment, feminism (or the rights of another oppressed group), animal rescue, etc. I don't understand how they can care so deeply for these issues, particularly those involving animal protection and rescue, but are never able to make the next logical jump. These people are tremendously distressed by the suffering of a feral cat, or an injured squirrel, or a dumpster dog, yet seem unable to grasp the fact that their lunch or dinner suffered an infinitely worse life and ultimately a cruel and painful death. Those who have worked closely with animals know beyond any doubt that all species greatly value and will struggle and fight bitterly to preserve their lives. They know without a doubt that these creatures experience pain and fear. Yet somehow they are able to short circuit their logic facilities to extend the same care and consideration to those animals as they are to those for whom they have dedicated their lives to protect and care for. WTH?? I was really hit with this again yesterday when talking to my veterinarian. I have been with this vet for over 12 years. He's a wonderful man, and I trust him with the lives of my babies on a regular basis. There is no question that he cares for his animals, and my animals all know this. Trust me when I say, they can tell! We were chatting about his upcoming trip to see his twin brother in CA and he told me they always go fishing when he visits. Huh?! This man knows first hand how animals suffer and experience fear and pain. I have seen him cry over these animals. Yet he is able, unthinkingly, to spear and rip open the most nerve intense, pain sensitive portion of a fish--the roof of the mouth. He is able to throw them into the boat and watch them struggle and suffer unspeakably as they slowly suffocate (a very painful death), while thrashing around trying desperately to find the life-saving water. Again, WTH?? I left there feeling very sad and very puzzled. Is this only in the U.S., where we are trained by TV, schools, and churches not to think? Not to question the way it is, was, and always shall be? Or is it just that humans are so good at selectively tuning out that which makes us uncomfortable? I have no answers, but I should would like some. This world would be so amazingly improved if only 10% could just make the connection!

Speaking of my vet, Jasper has what appears to be a fairly 'routine' bladder inflammation and needs to take pills to reduce the inflamation. He should be fine. I asked him if the ratio of 3 out of my 5 male cats having bladder problems is unusual. He said it's a bit on the high side. I am doing everything right as far as food, water, etc.--all the physical measures that can be taken to reduce the problems are already being done. The only additional thing I could do would be to switch them all to a totally wet-food diet. Eewwww!! It would cost $7/day to feed them that way, and I simply can't do it. Also, that may not help at all. He did have some VERY helpful advice though. He said his guess would be that my boys' problems are probably triggered by stress, as that is often the culprit in these cases. With the ever-changing population of critters in my house, that has to cause them some stress. So, I need to really stick with not bringing anyone else in for a while. We have to get some stress-free time under our belts here to give everyone a chance to be totally healthy and strong. He also reminded me of Feliway, which I used to use as needed but somehow forgot about. They now have diffusers (like Plug-ins) that can be refilled, and each fill up lasts for about a month. He felt that would be extremely helpful and said that it should be a staple in all multi-cat households. I got online and read a lot of good reviews about it, so I ordered a three-pack of diffusers.

I also talked to him about Lila's ongoing respiratory problems. He felt it very likely that she has suffered permanent respiratory damage/scarring from being so intensely ill so young. She will probably always have these problems--if not constantly, than quite frequently. It may never turn into anything more than an annoyance, but I will need to always watch her closely as she's at high risk for developing bigger respiratory ailments. He said I could use a baby bulb to suck out her snot (perhaps the grossest sentence I've ever typed), but it would probably upset her tremendously. He has had great results with putting in one drop of a saline solution that's made for human noses/sinuses (not Afrin or anything like that--just saline solution) in her nostrils as often as she will let me. It works well for people, so I'll see if that helps her out any.
I got an update on Haiku (Lila's brother) from his new mommy, and he is doing really well. Haiku and Lynx (the cat she had already) have made friends and play together quite a bit. He's been neutered. He's still very playful and very loving and is completely healthy. He doesn't have any of the respiratory problems that Lila has. She said he is the hit of her ladies' book club meetings, and goes from lap to lap enjoying the love. How cute is that?!

I'm in love with these pictures of Hallie and Lila (mommy and baby)! I don't like that the pics of them in the window sill look a little nasty. I wash that sill all the time, but it is a favorite cat spot, and they always manage to leave little kitty-litter footprints on the cream-colored paint. Lila still comfort suckles her mommy almost every day, and they spend a lot of time cuddling, grooming and napping afterward. They also play together a lot. They are so precious to watch together! Lila also really enjoys playing with Oliver and Petey. She pounces on the tails of Ivan, Jasper, and Baxter sometimes, and plays with them occasionally, but they aren't quite as playful as Ollie & Petey, who still play like kittens.