Aside Archives

Miranda Survives An Arrow Attack

I have been asked to let Miranda’s friends know what happened after she was hit by an arrow. Thankfully she survived but Friday 21st of September is not a day we, as a family, want to relive again.

It is only when a cat almost slips through your fingers you realise how much they really matter to you.

Discovering Miranda

I heard a couple of cat cries early, around 5.30 a.m. but did not realise what had happened until I went and checked outside.

Miranda was hidden beneath a large tangled bush. When I moved it out of the way I went still with shock. I realised she had a ‘stick’ near her shoulder. When I examined it, as carefully as I could, the stick turned out to be an arrow that was stuck through her body.

I raised my voice a little to cat dad Paul who had appeared in the doorway. I spoke as calmly as I could so I didn’t stress Miranda. “Get dressed, get the car out. We need to go to the After Hours Vet.”

Between us we lifted Miranda from the bushy foliage as gently as we could and carried her into the car. We laid her carefully on blankets. Then we were off like lightning to the emergency vet, known locally as the ‘After Hours Vet’. We telephoned ahead to let them know to expect us and gave them an idea of why we were coming.

No time to wash or brush hair, we just threw on clothes and drove.

The After Hours Vet

The veterinary staff were ready and, thankfully, there was no-one else ahead of us when we arrived. The calm and friendly staff whisked Miranda into the back for an assessment and immediate urgent treatment. Their calm attitude made a huge difference to us as worried cat parents. It seems Miranda’s body temperature was dangerously low and she had lost a lot of blood so their first priority was to warm her up and give her strong pain relief.

We were told she would be going into surgery after her blood pressure increased and she would need a blood transfusion. I have added a note about the transfusion below because it is something I knew nothing about but it could save the life of another cat whose owner reads Miranda’s story.

Back of a cat showing healing injury cut. — Calm and Quiet At the Vet

Dr Sally, came out and gave us her initial assessment.

Miranda was touch and go. Arrow wound survival depends where the arrow goes in, what damage it does and if it can be removed safely. We nodded and tried to ask sensible questions. Then Dr. Sally said she would need to take x-rays (you can see one of them above) to see where the arrow had travelled before operating.

Arriving at the Local Vet

Cat Blood Transfusion

This was a ‘did you know?’ moment, because we had no idea this was possible, and you might not know either.

Miranda had a transfusion to replace her lost blood and it was donated by the vet’s dog. Yes, you read that right – dog blood can replace cat blood for transfusions.
Dog blood lasts longer. Cat blood only lasts two days. No. it doesn’t keep well!
Miranda (and every cat) can only have ONE dog blood transfusion because antibodies build up subsequently.

We were told to go home and return to the After Hours surgery closing time (9 a.m.) to collect Miranda for transfer to our own local vet. Here in Wellington, New Zealand the After Hours surgery works overnight, not during the day.

When we returned from home we were told that Miranda had come through her surgery successfully. Dr Sally explained the surgery they had performed as well as showing us an x-ray of the arrow in place which had been taken after Miranda was anaesthetised.

The arrow had entered the front of her shoulder, travelled along nicking the top of her collarbone (scapula) and clipping the tops of several of the bones on top of her spine (vertebrae). She had been unbelievably lucky and the vet had been able to take the arrow out safely.

We took the arrow with us to report to the police. I am not sure they would be able to do anything but we needed Miranda’s attack to be recorded by the Police.

Tuxedo wrapped in blankets with wound on neck. — Entry wound on Miranda’s neck.

Moving Miranda To Our Vet

Miranda was transported to our own vets and placed in their kitten incubator, the thought made me smile on a stressful day. Dr Alix said she would be resting at a cosy C28/(F82) and they would monitor her throughout the day before deciding if she needed to stay overnight or if she could come home to us.

Thankfully after a very long and traumatic day the vet told us Miranda could come home. The vet surgery believed she was strong enough to cope with cage rest at home. She had strong pain killers that we would administer twice a day.

Miranda had been shaved while at the After Hours surgery. She looks dramatically ‘punky’ from her front shoulder across her back, different from our tuxedo girl’s usual confident and sleek black and white self. On the positive side, we saw her first sign of recovery when she hissed at Toulouse as he passed her crate. (Toulouse teases her when they are out in the garden and she hadn’t forgotten him.)

Cat licking her lips. looking to the right. — On the road to recovery

Miranda at Home

While we waited for Miranda to come out of surgery I informed my local lost and found pets group on Facebook. I gave a general area of the attack’s location to warn as many people as possible.

It is essential for my American friends to remember that here in New Zealand the predators that roam the U.S. like Coyotes and Eagles do not exist, although generally most cats are home before dark.

I have also been updating the After Hours vets about Miranda’s progress as dealing with the event must have been as traumatic for them as it was for us. I was able to tell them that alongside her pain relief she had managed to eat a portion of smoked salmon her first morning. It didn’t not take her long to start planning her break out from cage rest.

Gratitude

Everyone knows how amazing their vets can be when put to the test and I know others will have stories similar to Miranda’s. So everyone will empathise with our gratitude for Miranda’s recovery. I am deeply grateful to Dr Sally and Sam at the After Hours Vets, and Dr Alix and the staff at Valley Cottage Vets here in Stokes Valley for their kindness and care, and their continued interest in Miranda.

Miranda Victrix. Tuxedo lounges on a wooden railing

I want to end on a positive note. Miranda is home, on the road to recovery and being spoiled. She will get the best of care and the insurance (thankfully) covers a large portion of the bill.

Let me finish with a photograph of our girl in her summer prime.

Miranda Update

The Cutest Scritch Scratch Capture

I have to share this lucky capture of our neighbour Taz! A scritch scratch from cat dad Paul brings out a purr of kitty pleasure from our friend. It certainly makes me smile.

The weather has been unseasonably warm here this weekend and we were able to sit out on the front deck weeks ahead of when we usually start doing so.

Also, the builders were not working across the back fence on Saturday so we made the most of the quiet time. Of course I took my camera out as well as a glass of wine and a good book. This may not be the purrfect cat capture but it gets a cute and sleepy look.

black cat having his head scratched — ‘The Scritch’ – ISO 200 55 mm f 4 1/200

I also need to confess the day was not an entirely idle one of sitting in the sun. We worked in the garden and cleared some of the raised beds with a bit of help from the cats before they decided it was too warm and they went to nap in the shade.

Hutt Valley View

On Friday we had to take our car to a specialist mender in another suburb. We went for a walk around Naenae suburb while they took a look to see what work needed doing. As it was a chance to see a new part of the Hutt Valley I took my camera along too.

Paul commented that this is an excellent view of the Hutt Valley where we live. The flat and fertile lowland greenery of gardens and playing fields contrasts with the sweeping valley sides; much of which is filled with houses as some people pay a fortune for a view (but sometimes not so much garden).

Landscape view of the Hutt Valley from Naenae

Ten Years Ago Today

On the 6th of September 2013 Dash Kitten was killed by dogs in his own back garden. Life has not been the same since and a lot of the lustre disappeared from our lives and home. This post is a tribute and a thank you to all the friends who supported us all after I lost my muse and greatest gift.

We were so stunned that a friend had to point out to me that the great Sockington himself had tweeted about Dash’s loss. The tweet went around the world. To be noted by a cat who was renowned himself before cat influencers became a ‘thing’ was a huge tribute to Dash. We were so proud and it remains a stunning tribute.

Friends Felix and Jasper (who do not blog anymore) gave Dash a Best Friend Award which made us smile so much. They were kind cats and good friends, thank you boys.

Our friend Puppy Number 7 on Twitter send us some beautiful memorial cards that still sit by my computer where I look at them daily for inspiration. Thomas himself is now a Bridge resident and his vibrant personality is missed.

A group of friends under the supervision of Newt the Cat created a wonderful blanket that still comforts us today. So much skill, care and love, especially by Newt’s Mum Lise who joined the squares together.

Dash Kitten Memorial Blanket Newt The Cat

Thankful Thursday Graphic at Dash Kitten

Best of all our friend NikePurrfektCat quietly arranged a memorial collection for Dash Kitten and raised $600 for a local cat rescue in his honour. A stunning tribute to a cat who threw himself into fundraising and helping others when Twitter had amazing parties to help the less fortunate members of our cat community, which included Bootsie, left in a trailer park with chronic ear issues – saved thanks to fundraising after Brian Frum alerted the world to his plight.

Friends worldwide created memorial graphics for Dash and we finish our post with a slideshow of these lovely tributes.

Dash Kitten Portrait
@Sockington not an award but much treasured as it commemorated Dash and means a huge amount to us.
Dash Kitten Memorial Nikau Palm 2013
Dash Kitten

The Character of a Cat #Portfolio

This week I want to present a selection of images that show Toulouse growing from newbie family member with his first portrait, to his recent balancing excursions as a ‘character of a cat’ series.

The first photograph was taken on his very first day with us. He is sat in a window ledge and (if you look closely) you can see that the window is slightly open on a catch. Toulouse was curious about outside but didn’t venture out of the cat flap for 18 months.

Cat in a car looking out of the window. Back of a man's head. — Look closely and you can see Toulouse looking forward.

Tabby cat looking out of a window — Toulouse the Tabby First Day at Home.

Cat Posing Expert

It did not take Toulouse long to decide that Marjorie with her camera was something he could ignore. This meant that he spent more time looking elsewhere than at me as I focused me new telephoto lens on him!

Toulouse Portrait with Telephoto Lens a character cat — Showing off his Bokeh Background.

The ability to zoom in from a distance means I begn to learn to capture bette shots of Toulouse further away, like this first peep between two branches of a small tree. He is definitely showing his character cat credentials.

Junior Tabby Cat Toulouse climbs a tree on an adventure — Not perfect but high up and the ‘whut’? look.

As you can see from the last photograph, I got a bit better and Toulouse didn’t hide away quite so much.

Outdoor Tabby Cat Pleasures

This trio show Toulouse’s increasing confidence as he ventured outside for some summer sun, where he made friends with his neighbour Wyatt and played with brofur Thomas, a tuxedo who is the master of quiet mischief. He loves to come sneaking up on Toulouse so they both to tumbling wildly across the grass.

Autumn Cat Posing for Blog — Tabby cat in motion. Stalking his friend Wyatt.

Two cats crouch by a fence — Wyatt and Toulouse playing.

Two cats tumbling in the grass — ‘Action’ Tumbling tabby (Toulouse) and tuxedo (Thomas).

Thankfully no harm is ever done and Toulouse can stalk away with his dignity and young man-cat pride intact. This portrait of him striding confidently down the path is one of my favourites. I focused on his face, withsoftly focused grass behind him and a determined look on his tabby face and a splendid show of whiskers.

Striding Tabby Cat Walks towards Camera — Striding Confident Tabby Character

Up To Date Toulouse

I finish with recent portraits of our now ‘so grown up’ tabby. He still plays like a kitten but has gained confidence and often visits our neighbour (Wyatt’s mum and dad) claiming he has not been fed for days, (and days and weeks!) and is very hard done by.

As we are usually still alseep with this happens (!) we can hardly be accused of neglect and Wyatt’s mum laughs at his antics. We try to reciprocate by offering Wyatt a bowl of our Royal Canin ‘Exigient’ which is the Dash Kitten Crew’s all-time favourite snack. He accepts our treat graciously.

Tabby cat walking across grass looking to our right — Perfect Tabby Portrait.

Tbby cat looking dwon from a high point in a tree,surrounded by green leaves. — Tongue Out Tuesday and Up-A-Tree-Thursday combo!

This is a lovely collection that shows the character of a cat called Toulouse. Mischief maker, cheeky tree climber and handsome tabby.

Have you ever done a set or series of cat portraits that capture your cat’s personality? Were you pleased with the result? Or, is this something you would like to try from the digital cat photographs you have saved? Remember you can crop, and edit your cat photographs to make them brighter if you think they will look a bit better.

RIP BONHAM

Bonham of our friends and lovely regular colleagues in the selfies the Lone Star Cats passed suddenly this week, with no indication of ill health. Needless to say he leaves behind a family heartbroken by his abrupt departure and there are dozens of grief-filled comments on this blog post.

Portrait of a Tree Climber Cat

Blue background and image of a camera on the right-hand side.

Ever had a day when every cat photo you take is a total disaster? That was my thought when I downloaded the captures of our tree climber cat Toulouse! The downloads looked like black ink – terrible. How could I put them right? Let me tell you.

Don’t be in a Hurry

I was, but to be fair, I had to act quickly as Toulouse almost seemed to fly up the tree like he had wings. I grabbed my DSLR for a chance of some potentially cute, fun shots! But this happened…..

As you can see from the first capture, the cat and the tree are almost impossible to see. But, as I had shot the photos in Camera Raw I hoped I might be able to rescue some of them when I downloaded the photos to my computer.

It is important to get the exposure within at least one stop of the ‘correct’ in-camera exposure. This is because if an image is overexposed the highlights ‘blowout’ and the detail cannot be rescued. [The same applies to under exposure – detail is lost]
Digital Camera

Why Camera Raw Saved the Day

If you look at the quote from Digital Camera, this is why my photographs were under exposed. I was more than one stop away from a good or correct exposure setting. Thank heavens for Camera RAW when I totally fluff the settings on my Canon!

RAW saves each cat photograph as data, not as an image. You can imagine it looking a little bit like computer printouts full of figures you can’t figure out. Shooting this way means I was able, this time, to adjust the images in Affinity Photo afterwards.

TIP: The one thing RAW cannot do is take photographs using Continuous or Burst mode because there is so much data being processed the camera ‘trips over its own feet’ and stops taking photos.

Check out cheeky Toulouse

Tabby cat looking down from a branch through leaves — ISO 400 100 mm f5 1/1000 (Edited)

To rescue this cat photo from blackness I had to:

Increase the brightness substantially.
Sharpen the clarity of the cat photo a lot.
But, I realised that the editing was worth it.

Look what Toulouse was doing! Not only is he surrounded by gorgeous dappled leaves, he is sticking out his tongue!

I was able to take a lot of photos but only a couple are worth sharing. I also want to share this second cat photo because it shows a cat’s intensity as it navigates along a branch using all its tree climbing skills. I had half my attention of focusing the camera and half ready to catch him if he fell.

Again, I had to edit like a crazy person as the original was sooty black but, with adjustments to exposure and sharpness a rather fun and dramatic image appeared.

Why were the photos so dark?

I had left my camera set to Shutter Priority after practising some movement shots of Toulouse the previous day.

Of course, I didn’t check to see if I had my favourite Aperture Priority on which might have helped. If I use Shutter Priority I find I need to bump up my ISO to 400 or even 800 for a decent cat photo, whether it is a tree climber or not.