Zipper – Belle 'n' Paws

EDIT: Since the time of this posting, Zipper has passed away from his cancer. We’ve left the bio here as he will always remain in our hearts and always part of the family.

Hello. My name is “Zipper Mc’Doodles”. “Zippy” for short. I pretty much respond to any variation of those names and a few more. I’m currently 15 years of age at the time of this posting.

My mother (Bubbles) was a stray that wandered into my current owner’s home… pregnant.

What’s in a name

How’d I get the name Zippy? Can you imagine a kitten “zipping” around the house like it’s the Indy 500? That was me. At first, I wasn’t responding to any name, not even the name “Zippy”, but when my owners added the “McDoodles” on the end of Zipper, I knew. I looked them right in the eyes to let them know… “nailed it.” The name has stuck ever since. The name “Zippy” sounded a bit informal so it became “Zipper” for my official first name. That name “Zipper” was a name on the kitten list before-hand anyway. Nowadays, I respond to Zip, Zippy, Zipper, Zipper Dude, Doodles, etc…

I’m pretty particular about what I eat. I’m an energetic gray tiger striped cat (a tabby). I’ve had several issues over the years and maybe my experiences can help some others out there with similar circumstances.

I asked for my own web section and I got it. That’s right… on top of good looks I got pull BABY!.

I Have Feline Diabetes and cancer

I have been diagnosed with Feline Diabetes but I am currently in remission for the condition. Congratulations to me! I’ll have more to say on that another day. I have had a couple of other issues over the years. Some serious issues and some not so much. I have been neutered and I’ve had my appropriate shots.

As I’ve grown older, I have also been diagnosed with a cancerous tumor that is deep in my mouth behind my teeth. I am currently undergoing care for this condition at the time of this writing.

We’re working on it! I’m a good solid weight and I eat really well… and I remain in top condition (as I’m sure you can see).

New Friends helping me

I have several new friends that I interact with. I’m a friendly cat that likes hugging and cuddling when I’m not “zipping” around the house. I love to play, as long as my mouth isn’t bothering me.

When I’m not feeling well, I’m kinda lethargic and want to be left alone. I have a kitty hut atop a high tower I like to retire to. When I am feeling OK, the tower serves as a place for me to survey my domain. My friend Belle always seems to know when I’m not feeling well and hangs out with me. Creepy.

Unfortunately, if it’s time for my medicine and I’m not feeling well again. I’m a problem to get out of my tower. I can really stymie that plan if I want to. My owners always seem to find a way to get me to take my meds though. (editors note: Zippy certainly does not make it easy)

Cancer causing frequent infections

At the time of this dictation (posting), I’m on a couple treatments. One treatment has me taking a home made turmeric tea. There’s quite a debate on the effects of curcumin in animals. More on that in a later dictation (article). Every once in a while, I have to make a trip to the vet. I need an anti-bacterial shot because my mouth has become infected again. There’s a persistent little abscess that won’t leave me alone. However at the time of this writing; its been over a month since my last visit and things seem to be going well.

There’s a small tumor in my mouth. It effects me slightly when I eat. The best way for me to describe it for you is… picture yourself eating… you have some food stuck between your lip and your teeth. You use your tongue to clear the food from your lip, only it’s not food… and it won’t clear. Its a small tumor and its not moving. Well, I try and clear this fake food from my mouth for a couple minutes every time I eat. It’s a BAD habit of mine.

I really enjoy my new friends Belle’n’Paws. Belle is quite the comfort when I’m not feeling well and Paws can be fun to play with when he’s feeling mischievous.