Keeping Calm When the World Goes Nuts: Creative Thinking

Everyone knows about the current health crisis, and I am going to address some of the issues many of us fur parents have or may run into. Companies are changing the way we work whether it is telecommute or staggering shifts, grocery shelves are ransacked, our online retailers are sold out, and brick-and-mortar stores are devoting special hours to the high-risk population. That is a LOT of change. Add on self-isolation or illness, and we find ourselves with even more challenges.

First, and most importantly, stocking issues at grocery stores, pet supply stores, and your online retailers should start to resolve. Most companies are putting quantity limits on items that sell out quickly, so no one can either hoard items or resell them for insane amounts of money. In the meantime, if you are waiting to be able to buy kitty’s low-carb food, there is a homemade solution – meat! Kitty is a carnivore after all. You can cook up a piece of chicken, a pork chop, or even steak if you are feeling real generous as long as you DO NOT season it. While I absolutely love garlic, it is not good for kitty. If you end up resorting to “homemade”, I highly recommend keeping the rest of the food routine the same – feeding time, Kitty’s regular food dish, etc. Otherwise, you will have a lot of extra help when you cook for the rest of existence. I already do, but most people aren’t as bad a pushover as I am.

Staggered shifts can change Kitty’s routine depending on how the employer is doing it. In this case, you try to stay as close to the normal routine as possible. Be diligent, but understand that temporary change is not the end of the world. Some adjustments may need to be made in insulin dosing and testing or feeding schedules, but really, everyone will adapt, and it will be okay. If you are telecommuting, be prepared for extra administrative help in the form of pen and pencil stealing, desk napping, and Skype call interest by your fur babies. I have been telecommuting for most of my life, and for some reason, these things never get old. Even my oldest will still try to “catch” the mouse arrow or swat at different moving screensavers. Save your work frequently! Trust me on this one.

If you are self-isolating or actually ill, getting supplies can be a bit tricky if you cannot leave your house. If your area has closed schools and you know a driving-age teen or college student – you can have them deliver! There are also multiple food delivery businesses depending on where you are, so you are not stuck cooking, especially if you don’t feel well, with pizza as your only deliverable food. It is also helpful to put a note on your door to let delivery folks know you are isolating and to please leave the items. I have also seen a lot of people offering to help with errands, shopping, and delivering on my local NextDoor online community for the elderly, high risk, and those that are self-isolating.

If Kitty starts having problems while you are stuck at home, most veterinary clinics are happy to talk to you via phone. Some practices are even using telemedicine (and more will likely do so now), which is great if Kitty has a routine issue they have had before or chronically and small things that won’t require a physical exam. If this is an option for you, USE it. You don‘t have to grab kitty and drive to the vet for simple questions or minor issues. I used telemedicine myself this past week for the first time for a migraine I couldn’t get rid of. It was easy and fast, and I didn’t have to leave my chair! Obviously, telemedicine cannot walk you through setting a broken bone or stitching, but they can prescribe most routine medicines (as long as not controlled substances) and/or advise you on next steps. I do not endorse any particular tele-vet service, but a search list is here, and you can also ask your veterinary practice if they use or recommend a particular platform.

Lastly, do NOT panic! If you have to stay home, enjoy the time. We have streaming for a reason! Catch up on your reading or pull that project out from three years ago you never got around to finishing. We have busy demanding lives, and while this health crisis can be inconvenient and less-than-desirable, I am taking the opportunity to spend time with my animals, my husband, and my daughter, and at least considering those unfinished projects or maybe Spring cleaning. We never have enough “time” for things. Now you do!

I sincerely wish all the sugar babies, mommies, and daddies the best of health in the weeks to come. You are not alone in this. If you need help, do not be afraid to ask for it, and if you can give help, offer it. As always, the Feline Diabetic Support Group on FB is a great resource with great admins and community members who are caring and very, very helpful.