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Practice Cats 1

Residents of The Cat Clinic of Norman

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Norman is situated south of Oklahoma City and is the third largest city in Oklahoma state, as well as being the home of the University of Oklahoma. It's also the home of The Cat Clinic of Norman, and we're pleased to feature what are so far our only resident 'practice cats', with information courtesy of the practice manager, Christopher Davey.

The Clinic was founded in early 2001 by Chris's wife Dr Letrisa Miller. The first cat to be adopted, actually before the clinic opened, was Monster. He was a sickly kitten who was not thriving; he had bladder infections from an early age and was often in hospital. When he was brought in with a ruptured bladder, Dr Miller offered to adopt him so that he could be given the ongoing care he needed — his owners accepted the offer with some relief. It turned out that Monster had some very unusual 'plumbing'; although outwardly a male, he was actually a hermaphrodite, with some female urinogenital organs — this explained the frequent problems. Several bouts of surgery later he was much improved, growing well and behaving as a kitten should. A few months later he was the obvious first candidate to be a 'practice cat' when the clinic opened. Shortly afterwards he was entered in a cat show sponsored by a local animal shelter — and won three awards including 'best in show'! He loved all the attention.

There are still occasional medical problems, but now Monster is a favourite with clients, loves sitting on the reception desk to greet people, and given the opportunity he will even make himself comfortable in visitors' cat carriers, or try to get into the bags of cat food they buy. He can still be a 'monster' and bite if people pet him for too long — and he has been known to pee on someone's shoes!

The next practice cat, One-eyed Jack, also had his problems when very small. He was brought in, after probably having been abandoned, with a bulging, infected mass where his left eye should have been. We'll skip the details: he lost the eye, but as he was so young he's never known what it's like to have two, so he adjusted well. He's not very sociable, though; unlike Monster, he doesn't much like people, hates being petted and mostly keeps to himself — although from time to time he deigns to observe goings-on from a safe chair in the reception area.

Forrest Gimp has also lost an eye, this time the right-hand one. He came in with serious injuries and concussion from an encounter on the State Highway. Dr Miller patched him up and for some reason he reminded her of the character Forrest Gump from the movie — and because of his injuries he limped. His preferred name is TipToe, again because of the way he 'tiptoed' around the place during and after his recovery — he was very timid around other cats and most people, and always seemed to be on tiptoe! However, his shyness has now long gone and he has become an enthusiastic reception-desk lounger and front-doormat welcomer.

The newest of the present four residents is Momma Kitty, who as yet is also quite shy and is not seen much around the clinic. She's a bit of a flirt, though, and likes to cosy up to One-eyed Jack.

Details and more photos of all the cats, including two other much loved residents who suffered terminal illnesses and were gently put to sleep during 2006, are to be found under 'Clinic Cats' at the Clinic's website. There are some more cat pictures from clients and friends under 'Cat Clinic Miscellany'.

Northeast Veterinary Clinic, El Paso, Texas

We have found a companion for the Norman, Oklahoma 'practice cats' at the Northeast Veterinary Clinic in El Paso, Texas. CC (for 'Clinic Cat') came to the clinic in late 1999 via a garbage can in which he was found with a broken elbow and a dislocated hip. Surgery was needed to fix both injuries, and while he was recovering the clinic staff fell for him and so he became official mascot of the practice.

His duties include early-morning greetings, maintaining staff morale and acting as 'official paperweight'. When not on duty he enjoys knocking things off desks, pushing buttons on the phone during calls, and entertaining patients in the hospital. He also likes to join staff during their lunch breaks, when he often takes the opportunity of having a nap.

This information is from the clinic's website, where there are some more pictures of CC.

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Our featured feline at the head of the page is Socks, pictured in 2003 surveying his 'estate' in the early morning sunshine. Affectionately known as Soxy, he blossomed from a thin and hungry stray into a substantial and handsome cat who loved life and company, and his gentle ways endeared him to many friends. He is now no longer with us, but you can read more from his human companion here.

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