Look At This Guy.

Bilton enjoys some good ledge-layin'.

We were talking the other day about how it's odd that Bilton hasn't really acquired a nickname since he's moved in with us. "The Biltonian Institute" is catchy, but it hasn't shown any serious staying power.

Now I've just moved on to using his name in sentences, like, "The hospital was Bilton an ancient Indian burial ground."

It's working pretty well.

Bits: Living on the Edge.

He's always been a little nuts.

This is Bits' new thing. If there's a bug (or a shadow, a hallucination, etc.) on the ceiling in our downstairs bathroom, he leaps from the dryer to the top of the door. He makes it, but it's often loud and not usually pretty. I was finally able to catch him before his dismount today.

I would like to say he's pretty proud of himself, but I really don't think he thinks anything of it. It's quite the tightrope act.

Bits + Bot = Deep Sleep Pile of Gray and White Secret Friendship.

I've been working from home a bit lately, and it's given me insight into how our cats spend their weekdays.

This is pretty much it.

Gentle Dental

Their mouths stink.

FIV+ cats are more susceptible to gingivitis, so we have implemented regular (we try for once a week.) toothbrushing for Bits and The Bot. Bilton will start to get his teeth cleaned as well, but we want to get a cat bag so that we can restrain him properly. He's huge and strong and his claws are like needles. It's terrifying. We also apply some medicine to their gums that is supposed to keep gingivitis away.

Saturday night Bits got the treatment and last night it was The Bot's turn. I thought of taping it for your enjoyment, but decided against it - maybe next time.

Our Tools:

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Cotton swab

Gum Meds

How we do it:

1. Brad wraps cat in towel, creating a "cat burrito".
2. Brad struggles to keep all cats limbs inside burrito.
3. I pry open mouth and try to keep it open with one hand.
4. I work to get toothbrush inside of mouth with other hand.
5. I attempt to make actual bristle-tooth contact (approx. 2 min.)
6. Medicine soaked cotton swab is placed in mouth.
7. I attempt to make actual swab-gum contact (approx. 1 min.)
8. The cat is released and given a Feline Greenie for his troubles.

The holistic and the what now?

I bought a couple of cat books on treating your cats various ailments with natural remedies. Though, none of them seem to specifically adress treatment for FIV.

I found this article written by a fellow FIV caregiver. It is the most helpful thing that I've come across so far. Bits has a vet appointment next month, so I'll bring the article in to the vet and see what she thinks.

If she gives the OK, then we'll start them on this regimine. I think The Bot will love the vanilla flavored Ensure.