*Product below was provided in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own & not influenced by the company.

am always looking for ways to make Watson's life easier.  Watson is determined to go just about anywhere, however, even the normal routine places, such as the litter box, can wear on his front legs.  Although I have steps and cushions for other places in our house, I hadn't found a solution to the litter box.  

I recently had the opportunity to try Kitty Box Ramp, an innovative product to help cats get in and out of the litter box. 

Kitty Box Ramp arrives in a thin cardboard box.  All it takes is a few simple folds and the ramp is ready to use.  It sits right in front of the litter box with a tab the goes under the box, allowing the weight of the box to hold the ramp in place.     
Kitty Box Ramp is made in the USA with 100% recycled and recyclable material.  

Watson's litter box is large so that he can easily maneuver his way around, and Kitty Box Ramp made sure to keep this in mind by making the ramp adjustable to three different heights.  I tried the ramp out with litter boxes varying in height, and the adjustment was very easy. 


The ramp comes with removable tread pads that give a little extra grip.  For kitties that have the occasional accident, this strip is easily replaceable.  The instructions give suggestions on how to get your cat introduced to using the ramp, but Watson and Peach needed no introduction.  The ramp is made entirely out of cardboard, and if you have any experience with cats, you know the obsession they have with cardboard. 


I expected the ramp to help Watson, but the results exceeded my expectations.  Not only does it stop him from just jumping in and out, but it also allows him to take his time and use his hind legs to step into the litter box, completely taking any pressure off of the front leg joints. 


Thanks to advances in health and nutrition, many cats are living longer and just like people, they can develop age related ailments such as arthritis.  One sign of these aches and pains is urination outside of the litter box.  Many people associate this with behavior or mental state, however, it can mean that your cat is having difficulty stepping in and out of the litter box.

Kitty Box Ramp can make using the litter box easier, meaning less pain for them and a cleaner house for the rest of the family.  If your cat's behavior changes or you suspect they may be in pain, be sure to schedule a visit with your vet to determine the reason. 

Kitty Box Ramp can be found at www.kittyboxramp.com.  
For questions, email info@kittyboxramp.com
or call (310) 592-6736. 

Allons-y! 



*Discloser of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above in return for my honest review.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."









By Mary Nielsen, Founder of FelineLiving.net

When you realize your cat is sick, it's likely his mood and behaviors that tip you off. He hides. He may hiss or spit at you. Symptoms of illness can help confirm your suspicions and prompt you to make an appointment with your vet.

Avoid Chronic Kidney Disease
Providing sufficient water and the right kind of cat food can help your cat to avoid kidney disease. Antifreeze is especially dangerous. If he does get sick, talk to your vet about treatment.
Prevent Diabetes
By watching what your cat eats, as well as how much, you can help him to avoid developing diabetes. Monitor his weight, and if symptoms develop, get him to the vet right away. If he is diabetic, the vet will develop a treatment plan.
Protect Against Feline Leukemia Virus
The best protection against FeLV is vaccination. Don’t allow stray cats to socialize with your cat—the disease spreads through close contact. If your cat does get sick, discuss treatments with your vet.
Defend Against Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Feline coronavirus is spread in the feces and saliva of infected cats. It mutates, becoming feline infectious peritonitis. If he does get sick, discuss managing his symptoms with your vet.
Shield Against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
FIV makes your cat vulnerable to all kinds of infections. There is a vaccine available, but it’s not appropriate for every cat. Talk to your vet about this, then decide about vaccination.
Manage Feline Hyperthyroidism
Watch your cat for symptoms of hyperthyroidism (matted, greasy fur, weight loss, increased appetite, restlessness, drinking more water and gastrointestinal symptoms). Decide on treatments after discussing with your vet.
Guard Against Lower Urinary Tract Disease
Some cats seem more vulnerable to developing FLUTD. If your cat is diagnosed, lifestyle changes, a new food and medications may help control his condition. Discuss these with your vet.
Safeguard Against Rabies
Rabies is spread through the saliva of infected animals. There is no cure; rabies vaccinations are mandatory, so have your cat vaccinated.
Shelter From Upper Respiratory Infections
Cats get colds. Vets can prescribe treatments that will help your cat recover, including eye drops, antibiotics and nose drops.
Cushion Against Worms
Worms may be present in the feces of infected cats. Never allow your cat to eat other cats’ feces. Discuss de-worming testing and treatments with your vet.

Check out Feline Living for more tips on how to keep your feline fur kids healthy.
Note: Mary Nielsen is not a veterinarian. The advice she shares is based on experience and research.  Her goal is to find the best information to share with other hardworking pet parents.  
For more information, check out her About Us section on Feline Living.    



Watson's story is spreading once again.   

To the left you can see Watson made the cover of the UK's Real People Magazine.  Salma Haidrani, Junior Writer for Real People Magazine, spent lots of time talking to me about Watson's experience.

The article is written in first-person, which gives it a much different feel than anything we have done before.  It is a fun read that you will definitely enjoy and is a good reminder that although Watson's condition is serious, the journey can still be loads of fun.

I hope you enjoy it and share with everyone.

Have a lovely Saturday - Melanie & Watson
Allons-y! 


Watson got to show more people what it means to be happy and healthy even though he's different.  Today our podcast with Pet Radio Show was released.  You can listen to it by clicking the link below.  The video above was something I made to promote the podcast.

I can't thank Pet Radio Show enough for allowing me to share Watson's story and spread the message that all animals deserve a chance.  Listen in and let me know what you think of the podcast (Yes, I know I need a better microphone, and I used a few filler words haha).  


Keep an eye out for more stories about Watson to come in the future!  

Watson is jumping into the spotlight, and his story is spreading quickly.  Just last week, I was inside the Local 4 building getting my microphone set for our news segment on Detroit's Live in the D. 

This all came after I received an unexpected call a few weeks earlier from an agency in the UK interested in spreading Watson's story.

Little did I know at the time that this phone call would not only lead to his story being spread throughout the UK, but also would give me a chance to broadcast his message to people in the United States.  

Watching the news can oftentimes be disheartening as channels are plagued with the responsibility to share dreadful reports of what is happening around the world.  Amidst the negative, Local 4 has devoted an hour every weekday to airing positive local stories on Live in the D, and has served as a guide in helping me get to know a city I am still somewhat new to.  
On the set of Live in the D! 
Last week, Live in the D allowed Watson and me (along with my husband Joe who supported me as Watson's official wrangler) to share our story with viewers and help spread the message that disabled and injured animals deserve a chance.  I had the opportunity to tell the public that there are fully attainable options available for animals with special needs.  These pets may take extra time and patience, but if you are willing to invest that part of your life, helping an animal that has had a tragic start can be a successful and extremely rewarding undertaking.

I was honored to be a part of Local 4's effort to share the joy and inspiration that pets bring us.  It was surreal getting to sit next to the people I listen to each morning and see the world from the other side of the camera, and everyone was just as friendly as they seem from my living room.  
I have to give a special thanks to Chris Delcamp for his patience while behind the camera at our house, along with Ken Haddad and Tammy Sortor for giving me the chance to make this happen.

You can watch Watson's story here.

Please share his story.  Each share increases the likelihood that it will reach someone with an animal in need, and their decisions could be impacted by the information you share with them today.   
Local 4 is making a huge effort to share the joy that pets bring us everyday. Check out all4Pets for more stories about cute critters in the Metro Detroit area.


Allons-y! 

Watson's story is all about getting the message out that there are options for animals like him that are accessible to normal people.  This past week we have been able to make great strides in getting Watson's story out to as many people as possible.  In less than a week, a story about him developed in the UK and is making headway in multiple news stations.












Be sure to check out Watson's story and share with people you know.  Every time you share his story you increase the likelihood that it reaches someone that will someday have an animal in need, and their decisions could be impacted by the information you share with them.  

Check out the links and share on social media & anywhere that reaches people.









Ever felt like giving up?  Meet Chance.  This little superhero is sure to inspire.  Chance has had a pretty rough start in life.  He was born a normal kitten, able to run and play, able to partake in all adventures sought by kittens.  However, things took a turn for the worst when Chance landed in a kill shelter.  About to be euthanized, he got the first of his second chances when someone pulled him from the shelter thinking he might be a fit as a barn cat, but soon after leaving the shelter, Chance developed hind end paralysis.  He was left to dragging himself by his front legs.  Upon examination, no explanation was found – no fractures, displacements, or anything that could point to something fixable or non-fixable.  Many animals in his place would not have gotten the chance to keep fighting.

Chance’s dashing personality and unrelenting spirit quickly won over the heart of Denise Najera, a dedicated volunteer at 4 Paws 1 Heart, an organization established to reduce the number of abandoned animals by funding medical treatments for abandoned, abused, and stray companion animals that otherwise would, in most cases, be euthanized because of a lack of resources to pay for and treat various conditions.  


When Chance first entered Denise’s care, his hind legs were stiff to the point of no movement.  Denise took Chance to Pawsitive Steps Rehabilitation in Rochester Hills, MI where Chance met with Dr. Kern.  After a couple weeks of physical therapy, which included exercises to explore whether or not Chance would regain strength and feeling in his legs, it was determined that he would be a good candidate for a cart that would allow him support the back half of his body on wheels and walk more like a normal cat.  The first cart Chance tried out was made out of pvc pipe and mesh material.  He did so well in this cart that 4 Paws 1 Heart, along with some generous Facebook friends, came forward and provided all funding for Chance to get a top-of-the-line cart from Eddie's Wheels.  After lots of measurements and a few weeks, Chance received his cart. 

Animals always amaze me with their resilience, but I was especially amazed when I saw Chance fly off in his cart.  The room had to be cleared of any obstacles so he could zoom around freely.  He continues to zoom around in his cart for multiple short intervals each day that gradually increase so that he can get accustomed to his new set of wheels.  Denise also does exercises and stretches with Chance multiple times every day to relieve the stiffness in Chance’s legs.

During this period of transition, Chance goes to rehabilitation once a week to work with Dr. Kern at Pawsitive Steps where he undergoes various treatments and gets the full spa experience.  When he arrives, he gets to show off the week's worth of practice in his wheels.  Chance also gets some alternative treatments that are really interesting.  Most people are familiar with acupuncture, but acupuncture isn't just for humans.  It's hard to imagine your bouncing ball of energy settling down for acupuncture, but Chance loves it!  Acupuncture stimulates the nerves that communicate with Chance's brain helping to improve communication. Apparently it's one of his favorite parts of the weekly visit.  In addition, he receives laser treatments.  The laser treatments use light energy to stimulate cells to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation.  Each of these exercises helps to relieve the stiffness in his legs so he can regain movement and feeling.

The most amazing part of this process is still yet to come.  After the stiffness improved and he was able to support his weight with his cart, Chance actually started using his legs on his own.  The cart has allowed him to focus on the strengthening and movement of his muscles.  He is slowly regaining his ability to walk.  He may need the cart forever, but time will only tell.  There is one thing I can attest to – Chance is one happy little guy.  He doesn’t let anything slow him down.  Be sure to like Chance's Facebook page ‘A Second Chance for Chance’ where Denise posts lots of pictures and updates on Chance.

The reason Chance got his second chance is all due to 4 Paws 1 Heart.  4 Paws devotes almost every penny received to getting animals treatment so that they can be ready for adoption.  They have raised quite of few pennies in the past 3 years since their establishment in August 2010.  In 2015 alone, 4 Paws has paid over $100k in medical bills for animals to receive treatment they otherwise wouldn't be able to receive.  99% of donations go to funding medical bills.  You can follow 4 Paws 1 Heart on Facebook here.  

If you are interested in helping animals like Chance visit 4 Paw's Donation Page.  

Allons-y!