Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Clawed

ClawedLook what that ferocious feline Taco did to me. I was picking him up to remove him from the kitchen counter, as I must do multiple times each day (thank God for Lysol pop-up wipes), and I must have startled him. Or either his inherent clumsiness kicked in. At any rate, one of the claws on one of his back paws embedded itself in my inner arm. I had to actually extricate the thing from my flesh before I put Taco down. It wasn't merely a scratch; his claw was embedded in my arm. And it hurt! Boy howdy! And yeah, I disinfected the site, so hopefully I won't come down with tetanus or cat-scratch fever or whatever else such an injury could cause.


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On 09/18/2013, Joanne said ...

Owww! That's painful even to look at! Take care.


On 09/18/2013, Linda Volz said ...

Hi Susan -
Ouch, I know that hurt plenty. I'm sure Taco didn't mean it. Keeping the furry buggers off the table and counters is a constant battle.

Lots and lots of neosporin. If it starts to look red and swollen or if your arm feels hot you should see your doctor right away.

Take care of you! :-)


On 09/18/2013, Pauline said ...

There's a product called Ssscat that's a cat training aid. Ssscat’s automatic spray system combines spray technology with a motion detector to protect indoor areas and objects within a one meter radius. When your pet is within the one meter radius, the system will detect their movement and send out a burst of spray in their direction. The spray is harmless, odorless, and stainless, you won’t have to worry about damaging either your pet or your home. Because the spray catches your cat off guard, he will turn away and learn to avoid that area. I started using this product a couple of months ago and my cats never get on the counter anymore. They used to get on the counter all the time. Actually, the biggest adjustment was my being careful not to set it off myself.


On 09/18/2013, Sue G. said ...

Ouch!!! I felt that as I read it!!!!Your doing right so far. Rinse it with peroxide a few times, is good at preventing infection. And don't forget the neosporin too!! I'm sure Taco Cat feels bad. Animals sense those things when it happens. Hope you feel better!!


On 09/18/2013, Sandy said ...

I feel your pain. I foolishly reached down to break up a fight between two of my cats and one of them bit my hand. It went all the way thru my hand at the base of my thumb. Stupid me! I know not to ever do that again. I just let them fight it out and settle it between themselves. Tough love! About keeping the cats off the counter, I read a tip that works. It said to tear off about 6 inches of clear wide cellophane tape (it's about 2 inches wide) and place it sticky side up on the counter where they like to sit. It's the really thin tape, not like duct tape. I got mine at Walmart. When the cat jumps up there, the tape sticks to their feet and they hate it. It doesn't hurt them but really scares them and they think twice about jumping up there again. Hope this helps and I hope your arm heals quickly with no problems.


On 09/18/2013, Karen in Michigan said ...

Oh, yes. I love my fur boys but Pumpkin still gets me from time to time. I keep the site clean and use an antibacterial goo on it. I suppose I shouldn't tell you how my friend Faye wound up in the hospital for a few days. Some cats just seem more prone to reacting than others. I used to keep the boys off the counter by reaching for the spray bottle. Now I just use the wipes . . .


On 09/18/2013, Pesky Patti said ...

Yipes! Perhaps Taco could benefit with a trip to the swimming pool with you. As far as him feeling bad...cats know how we feel...they just don't give a darn...


On 09/18/2013, Sue, the Florida Farm Girl said ...

Susan, please keep a close eye on that arm! My kitty bit me one time while at the vet's office (joy, joy). I had to have antibiotics, but it healed up okay.


On 09/18/2013, Nancy in Utah said ...

OUCH Susan!!! You know...you really need a tetanus shot if you haven't had one in the last 7-10 years and be sure you get into the doctor for some antibiotics if the deep one starts to get red and inflamed. Remember where your cats feet have been, LOL. I'm telling you this because my daughter is the manager of a PetCo store and several times she has been helping the groomers when they work on cats and of course the poor things get more panicky than dogs (usually). Well she has been bitten and scratched several times and each time they got badly infected very fast. So keep an eye out. And I'm betting you just startled him...been there, done that. didn't get scratched quite that bad but still...OUCH!!! Hugs...


On 09/19/2013, Barbara Anne said ...

Owwwwwie! I've endured such punctures and impalings by the two cats who share this home so know how it hurts. It sounds like you've done the right thing by cleaning the area well but do watch for a red streak to run up your arm and call the doctor if you see that. It would be wise to also look up symptoms for cat scratch fever so you know what to do if it seems that has befallen you.

I recommend a good dose of ice cream and/or chocolate because those things always help.

Big hugs!


On 09/19/2013, Ramey said ...

Hope you've had a tetanus shot in recent years. I had to get a tetanus shot and antibiotics, but it was from Allister who was a stray cat living on the mean streets of Leeds!


On 09/20/2013, edoodypdx@gmail.com said ...

OH MY GOSH! Taco got you good. I hope it heals quickly. The last thing you need is an infection. He must have gotten startled & grasped at anything he could reach - unfortunately it was you Suzy. Taco has always been your admirer, so I sure he is as sorry as a cat can be (cats seem to prefer tht humans forget that these kinds of accidents ever happpened).
I am so happy that you have started swimming for physical therapy. I think I mentioned to you last year that I started swimming laps in a heated pool when I had my first kmee replacements many years ago. I was the only non-weight bearing exercise I could do and while it was time consuming, it quickly became an addiction that made my joints & back feel better than it had for a long time. I'm on my 3rd set of knee joints and it has gotten my range of motion back quicker & better than most people who are in better shape. The exercises really do get you muscles & ligaments stronger and, thus, the pain decreases a lot. The best part was the pool gave me a way to exercise where I would become that good kind of tired out where I was so exhausted that I slept like a kid who has been running around all day. I really hope this continues to improve your problems & that nice warm water helps relieve much of your pain. I went to a local hospitals' pool and the first few weeks my therapy appointment was right after a senior water aerobic class. As I was changing into my suit, I would turn around to go to the pool and as I turned around I was suddenly looking at a row of about 12 older women (about 20 yrs. older than me) all naked with their backs to me. I could hardly make it out the door without howling with laughter. There was something about seeing all those wrinkly saggy tushes lined up that looked so silly and at the same time was a harbinger of this to come. Now, if I had a friend with me I really would have lost it & not been able to control my laughing at all. Clearly, it doesn't take much to amuse me. I started making sure I get a changing booth after that, because my buns are no prize either. Age & gravity do some very strange things to our anatomy. I swear, once in a while, I can be just as immature as I was in 7th grade.
I have been in the hospital for a couple of weeks, so I was just catching up on all your posts. Your Nancy Drew disappearing 9-patch came out great. I love the way the bright colors flicker across the fabric giving it a modern look mixed with a vintage theme.
When I am able to start another quilt I will be making The Gathering. I purchased it on eBay last year and it wasn't until I was able to read the text & saw that it was your pattern. I love the use of the blues & yellows and I have never made a basket quilt. I have been looking for just the right bee fabric all year, but have not found the right one yet. Some are too cartoonish & others too serious/ornate. Oh well, If I can't cut or sew yet at least I can search for fabric.
I saw where you & your daughter had a nice beach vacation. Lucky you. It was also great that Andy found the perfect setee for your porch. I hope you have some nice Fall days to sit out there drinking your coffee & relax.
Keep up the swimming. Soon you will be feeling so much better that you will no want to miss even one session - it is addictive. I hope you & Taco are still friends & that the scratches totally disappear in a few weeks.


On 09/20/2013, Beverly said ...

Yikes. Owie!!! That has to be sore.

We are celebrating the coming of Autumn on Pink Saturday this week. I hope you will join us.


On 09/21/2013, Nancy in Utah said ...

Hi again Susan! I was just checking in to see how your arm is doing. I'm hopeing it is healing well and not too sore. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for quick healing. Big Hugs...
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