Cat of the Month, May 2019: Zee
Zingiber (aka ZEE), a 4-year-old orange male tabby cat, faced an uphill battle after a recent urinary obstruction, but thanks to his caring mom and the team at Rainier Veterinary Hospital he is on the road to recovery.
Zee was christened Zingiber by his herbalist/herb grower owner as he is the richest of orange in color and the epitome of a ginger, thus Zingiber, which is the botanical name for ginger.
“Zeezee, lovecat, boyboy, little kitty, stoop cat, etc. are all the various nicknames he gets called throughout the day,” said Zee’s owner Mackenzie. “His name can truly become whatever I am doing that he is interested in followed by the word cat.”
Continued Mackenzie, “he was very interested in my breakfast one day so he was ‘breakfast cat’ for the day. Additionally, I often come home to him sitting on the stoop in the sun so he is ‘sun cat’ or ‘stoop cat’ a lot of the time.”
Zee found his forever home in June of 2015 when his now owner was invited to see a litter of half Bengal/half rescue kittens at a friend’s house. It was love at first site and he was quickly on his way to his new home. In fact, he has continued to make fans wherever he goes.
“When Zee was staying with us at Rainier Veterinary Hospital, he just warmed our hearts,” said Dr. Colleen Cassidy. “Poor little guy was feeling so under the weather, yet he was affectionate and kept trying real hard to be his normal, happy-go-lucky-self.”
How did Zee come to be at Rainier Veterinary Hospital? Well, as can happen especially with male cats, Zee was suffering from a urinary obstruction. This situation can be life-threatening to pets and in Zee’s case resulted in hospitalization. He stayed with us at Rainier Veterinary Hospital until the obstruction had been resolved and he was able to pee again on his own.
“A urinary blockage occurs when there is an obstruction in the urethra, often from crystals that have formed in the bladder,” shared Dr. Cassidy. “When this happens, it is difficult or impossible for the pet to empty its bladder, making it a life-threatening emergency.”
Continued Dr. Cassidy, “if a pet has been treated with an obstruction, it is also very important to be diligent about their urinary health moving forward as this will be a long-term health management issue. We encourage pet owners to ensure your pet is well hydrated and that they are eating a diet of quality prescription foods that are carefully pH balanced for this condition. Always consult your family veterinarian immediately if you feel your pet might have a urinary issue.”
Luckily Zee has adapted to his new canned food and plenty of running water lifestyle. If he hears the can opener, he comes running and, at this point, enjoys drinking out of the available faucets.
The rest of Zee’s time is spent being the perfect ginger cat that he is. He likes hanging out and being around people pretty much 24/7, and is always asking to be picked up by his armpits so he can enjoy a big stretch.
“Zee doesn’t usually sleep in anyone’s bed,” said Mackenzie. “But if we have a guest stay over at the house, he will definitely decide to bunk with them.”
Zee also likes to befriend any dog that he shares his space with including a malamute mix and border collie, a pit mix and his owner’s roommates’ Boston Terrier and Chihuahua.
“I am so grateful that Zee is back home and back doing the things he loves,” said Mackenzie. “It is a special part of my day when he shows up in the garden where I am working. He gest very excited and runs around crouching in the grass like a tiger and manically digging like a dog; just enjoying everything the world has to offer this little orange tiger.”
About Our Cat of the Month Program
Here’s how our Cat of the Month program works: Each staff member provides a nomination for the distinguished honor, and then we vote. The highest vote wins! Any kitty patients who visit us during the prior month are eligible.
