Katie Beth Miedaner

Cappy's rescue story! #disabledcat #paresis #adopt #orangecat

Pet grief among sibling pets is SO REAL. Navigating through my own grief after sweet LeLe's unexpected passing in late 2022 was complex; however, I certainly never prepared myself for Cappy's emotions. Cappy's agonizing cries in despair broke me. LeLe was my first (pet) loss. There wasn't a textbook to teach this stuff. I wanted to cry and wallow in my bed for days at a time, but then there was precious Cappy in distress for sweet LeLe. Scott and I went into overdrive making sure cappy felt loved and so special. But cappy was devastated. LeLe welcomed cappy bear home with open arms to our family 7 years ago. They were such special brothers. Despite being blind, LeLe trusted cappy from the start. Our hearts will never heal fully from the devastating loss, but our hearts will continue to make room for more love to give. #rainbowbridgeremembranceday #petgrief #specialbond

Never imagined a love like this when I took a chance adopting a cat across the world. 🥹 #cutecats #cuddlycats #specialbond #fridaynight

A realistic Saturday afternoon. Cappy's been incorporating a new probiotic and extra sardines in his daily meals. His 💩 is softer than ever (but in a good way!!). Cappy has always dealt with harder, more constipated stool. It's been my life journey making it a smoother process for him. Proud to share positive progress is being made! I love seeing his motility increase. Whenever he leaves surprises in his diaper (or on the rug lol) I get very excited and feel so proud. Soft doo doo should be celebrated for our little bear #disabledcats #paresis #specialbond #soulcat #petcare

A soul connection

Very demure, very considerate #cutecats

we all could learn a thing or two from cappy 💕what's something Cappy's taught you?✨ #disabledcat #specialbond #soulcat #petcare #lifelessons

Acupuncture for our sweet cappy bear. his little leg was hurting today. I noticed his walk seemed off on Wednesday despite him playing around like normal. He's favoring his left side & he indicated signs of discomfort when palpating his lower spine. It was seemingly onset and sudden. I'm leaning towards an acute injury, likely a fall on that side. Cappy is a very adventurous kitty! But even the most adventurous are not resilient to accidents. Hoping Cappy's plan for ultimate rest and relaxation is just what he needs for a speedy, comfy recovery. And EXTRA grateful for days like today where acupuncture therapy is extra important and essential at providing relief and comfort for our little bear. 🩵✨ #cutecats

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Caring for my disabled cat cappy is a similar time commitment to caring for a dog 🩵

Not the evening we had in mind, but just as grateful to spend it this way, especially if it means I get to spend it with my bears. Thankful for my support system in Scott is an understatement. His never ending patience and determination to learn more makes me feel much less alone when things seem difficult. #caregiver #specialbond #cats #disabledcat #catcare #accidentshappen

Caring for cappy 🐱

Cappy after dark countdown 🕐 always the best part of the day 🩵 thank you for all the kind words yesterday. today was a bit better #cats #cutecat #myworld #soulcat #gratitude

I cant believe hes real sometimes

Cappy's afternoon routine 🩵 He loved his new enrichment toy. It's so neat watching Cappy problem solve, fuel his adventurous spirit, and ignite his cat like instincts. #catenrichment #paresis #disabledcat #cattips #cutecats #petcare #meow

Happy international cat day (1 day later)

Daily Sniffies with Cappy & Lemony C Familiarizing Cappy and Lemony's scents with one another has been a helpful way for them to get more familiar with each other and create a bond. They can use their sense of smell to gather information and communicate. I think Lemony approves Cappy's bed #rescuedog #pettips #petcare #myworld #patience #trusttheprocess

Celebrating my soul cat on #gingercatappreciationday #orangecat #cutecat #snugglycat

#ad Travel prep routine for my disabled cat. Through the years, I've learned to be organized and intentional with Cappy's packing routine. A sense of order and a clutter free space is key! Cappy's suitcase is basically a mobile supply closet. So it's really important to know where all of his things are for easy access, since his routines occur throughout the day. I also don't necessarily like to unpack everything at the destination, but rather, be able to quickly access his supplies from his bag throughout the day. I used to organize plastic storage bins in my old suit case as a way to divide and separate Cappy's supplies, food, supplements, pants, wipes, etc. It wasn't pretty, but it was efficient and it worked! Im so excited for this travel upgrade to say the least 😭 We aren't actually traveling anywhere, but this was a great practice routine for when we do travel next. Cappy seemed to enjoy his new bag! The adjustable dividers and soft compartments were a nice touch. #catcare #orangecat #specialbond #soulcat #tipsandtricks #organization #traveltips

Homemade scratch board to trim my fearful dog's nails 💅🐶 Materials needed: -1 wooden board -Grip tape (I used one from 3M with a 4 inch width and sticky adhesive). ✨Then I worked with Lemony on raising his paw for a treat. And once he mastered "paw" I did the same thing but with the board in front of him. We've been working on it for a few days and it's slowly but surely making a huge difference in his nails!!!! 💅 👀For context...... I've cut Lemony's nails twice before. The first time he was very nervous but tolerated it. The second time he gave me a cue to stop, but I mistakenly didn't interpret his cue correctly. Lemony ended up snapping the air and jumping up in front of my face as a way to say "GIVE ME SPACE!" It was terrifying. I haven't tried trimming his nails since. And Lemony is extremely fearful and stressed in a clinical setting when being examined and restrained. He is unable to be handled unless he is sedated. Like fully sedated lol. Lemony is a good dog. Lemony is just a nervous dog that likely has very little experience with grooming and basic handling OR likely was handled without consent and learned that snapping and lunging got people out of his way. Ooooof. This is new territory for me. But I'm learning so much about listening to Lemony's cues and needs. I've started a cooperative care program with a new trainer. I'm so surprised how much progress we've made in just 10 days. I've learned how to teach lemony to "opt in", how to make care routines fun for him, and how to read his behavior when he's "opting out" and respect his choice. It's all about patterns, routines, marker words, and lots of snackies! #dogtips #cattips #pettips #fearfree #petcare