Billie Holiday - Kitten Rescue

Billie Holiday - one year old, April 25, 2006 At one year old, Billie is finally a happy, healthy cat. The final stage of Billie's recouperation was in socialization. Billie was extremely timid as a growing kitten, and would duck and run at the approach of other cats and people. He was definitely a 'scaredy cat.' It was still this way with him after six months. What we did was choose a particular place where he felt more comfortable and made it "Billie's place." This turned out to be a throw rug in my room. It was generally quiet and non-threatening in there, and whenever Billie was on "his rug" he got cuddled, toys, whatever he liked best. Even if other people or cats were around, Billie learned to expect that this was a safe place where he would get special attention. It became Billie's esteem building rug. We even had to play the game that if he ran upstairs to the rug, we'd have to run up after him and play or cuddle. Billie learned he could ask for favors and get them. It totally worked. The other cats weren't over delighted with Billie having a territory of his own (because they were used to sharing everything), but it was what Billie needed to feel special. Billie is now a totally social and happy cat, with other cats and people. He's learned to expect that his encounters will all be good ones. He follows everyone around the house, and above he's keeping me company while I'm on the computer. He's even figured he needs to pay back with keeping good company too. Billie says: Please support the rescue of cats and kittens whenever you can. Update: July 27 14 weeks old. Billie is gaining weight - over a pound a month. He still has lingering viral infection. It's down to a slight cough now and then, and lingering conjunctivitis. Both Billie and and an older cat in the household who picked up the infection continue to be treated. There isn't a lot that can be done for viral infections, but they are both getting extra nutritional supplements (Enisyl-F, L-Lysine HCl) to keep them in best health while their immune systems clear it up. It may actually linger a couple more months, but we don't anticipate any problems beating this now. Billie got an ID microchip implanted, so his number is in a national database. He can be identified by the number on this chip if he is ever lost. (Avid - American Veterinary Identification Devices www.avidid.com) BTW, microchipping is not expensive. And not only can you be notified if your lost animal is found, but you are the the identified owner if there are any other claims to your pet. "............I begged on the stars To throw me a beam or two Wished on the stars And asked for a dream or two I looked for every loveliness It all came true" Sung by Billie Holiday, lyrics Dorothy parker / ralph rainger Update, June 30: Billie continues to improve and has gained two pounds (2 lbs!) since his last visit. However, there is still some eye irritation visible under the eyelid. It may be the conjunctivitis that still hasn't completely cleared up, or it just may be leftover irritation from the seriousness of Billie's initial condition. But he looks good, and we'll wait and watch to see if the eyes need any more treatment. Billie is 10 weeks old now, and is getting caught up on all the shots. We'll see if he's ready for rabies at his next vet visit. Also, we will be having a micro chip inserted soon. Microchipping is a great idea. It's relatively inexpensive (~$30) and the number is entered into a national database. It's useful if your cat is lost, and is also proof that the animal is yours if there are multible claims on a lost of stolen animal. Billie - June 15 Update - June 12 The Billie Holiday Kitten Rescue Fundraiser made $350 for Billie's medical care. Thanks, thanks to everyone who contributed. Billie has turned the corner and seems to be getting ahead of all the infections he arrived with. He is happy, playful and looks as if he's going to be a wonderful pet. He still has the sweetest personality. What a winner. :) Update - June 7 Unfortunately, Billie has come down with a respiratory infection that he undoubtedly was exposed to in his former condition. It could be feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), feline calicivirus (FCV), or feline chlamydiosis (pneumonitis). His eyes are still clear, but he has noticeable sneezing and coughing. Whatever it is was passed to one of our other cats, although this tough old lady cat (18 yrs.) seems to have recoved well over the last week. On the plus side, Billie is eating well and seems to be holding his own. He is still on antibiotics, which should prevent any viral infection from causing bacterial complications. The best treatment, since these infections are viral, is to take care of him symptomatically and hope he's got good enough health to recover on his own. He's got total TLC and is given plenty of quiet time to rest. We will be back to the vet if the symptoms get worse before his next scheduled appointment.
	Update - June 2 I'm really doing a lot better. Wow, do I look better. I am really hoping to get a clean bill of health on at my next vet visit.
	Update - May 31 Billie is doing great. Eating well, eyes are fine now, likes to play a lot. It's hard to get a picture of him because he's so quick and playful. Billie is also likes people, likes being held, gets along with children and other pets. He's still on eye meds and antibiotic until he gets the "all well" at his next vet visit.

This is the story of Billie Holiday, a rescued kitty. I first met this kitten in conditions shocking for man or beast. Overcrowding, cramped space, lack of food and water, no light, always caged, filthy conditions. The rest of the circumstances will be left unsaid, but a 3 figure (no kidding) ransom was paid, and Billie was released. This kitty had a gentle little voice and a tough start; his name was Billie Holiday before we went out the door. This is Billie one week later.

Actually, Billie is doing pretty well. He's had two visits to the vet, shots, deworming, special medicine for identified and potential infection, appropriate food, and lots and lots of TLC. We've had terrific veterinary assistance, and below are some very useful things I've learned about bringing a very fragile kitten back to health.

1: Get your kitten to good veterinary services right away. The vet will check for a host of diseases, test for feline leukemia and provide assistance for any problems that are present. Keep a rescued animal separate from your other household pets until it's been properly examined; don't risk passing on infectious diseases.

[Note: If you acquire a pet that you believe has been neglected or mistreated, first, take your pet for an examination at a veterinary service. The vet is the best person to judge the health and care circumstances of an animal. If the vet agrees there is a problem, contact your local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - they will ask for the contact information of the vet, and will follow through on any action that is warrented. Your personal intervention is not a good idea; the proper authorities should look into it.]

2: Billie was only about 6 weeks old. He obviously had been separated from his mother and orphaned with other kittens before that. Kittens should be with their mother until 8 weeks old if at all possible.

3: A flea comb through Billie's fur produced an alarming pile of "flea dirt" - fecal flea material. It's very small, dark, granular stuff. Two things to watch out for here. First, don't, don't put any kind of flea killer on your pet without talking to your veterinarian. I have had adult cats that were sickened near to death by flea killer. A kitten of Billie's age and condition could not tolerate any such treatment. I was given a safe liquid "kitten wash" for Billie (he had one wash, that's enough), and washed anything that came in contact with him until all was guaranteed flea-free. If flea dirt is found, that means fleas - and the possibility of anemia. The vet will check inside the kitten's mouth for signs of anemia.

4: Even at a tender 6 weeks of age, Billie was over the hill for milk. Most of the antibodies from the mother cat's milk are passed to kittens in the first few weeks and then steadily decreases. Cows milk is not good for kittens - it's not easily digested, isn't necessary, and likely will cause diarrhea, lack of appetite, or other problems. What was recommended was to feed Billie #2 soft baby beef food. He likes it, and it helps him replace iron to combat the anemia.

5: Billie was lethargic and understandably shy.  He was given lots of quiet time with frequent visits to get him used to handling. At first Billie's idea of a "safe place" was to spend all day hiding in his covered litter box. (Makes sense, considering where he'd come from.) So we removed the cover of the litter box, placed it in another area, and bought him a small, soft, kitten carrier. It quickly became his "house" whether in his room, other areas of the house, or traveling.

6: Diseases: Billie was tested for feline leukemia (negative), and given a distemper shot. However, there are several other diseases that can be deadly for kittens and can be contagious and dangerous for older cats as well. Be on the lookout for cough, drainage from eyes or nose, lethargy, or sores, particularly in the mouth. Billie is being treated for what we hope is only conjunctivitis and is being given an antibiotitic since he showed possible signs of more serious problems. He's looking, eating, and acting better every day. He gained 3 oz. in the first few days.

This is Billie's medicine chest. It includes his baby kitten wash (left), kitten crunchies, beef baby food, antibiotic, second worming dose (many kittens are born with worms, and they should be routinely treated), and eye ointment.

Billie is showing rapid signs of progress and is doing better than I expected. The last couple of days he's felt well enough to have a good time playing. He's got a big purr, and let's you know he's glad to see you. Maybe it's all the TLC, but he's also feeling he can make some noise about what he wants. Some confidence - good!

There is lots of good news about Billie. He seems to be on the road to recovery, and he's acting like he could be a very happy little guy and a lovable friend. But it's taken a lot of unexpected expense to get Billie this far.

We will be having a fundraiser to help with his extra care and medical costs. This web site has been created as an introduction to Billie and to say thanks to all who are providing items for the "Billie Holiday Yard Sale Fundraiser." We'll keep posting pictures and progress notes on this web site. May 28, 2005

Our deepest gratitute goes to The Feline Hospital of Salem for their help, expertise, and unmatched caring. Billie says "thanks" to The Feline Hospital.