Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Renn's Side-effects

In September, I discoursed about Renn’s fur. Specifically, I wrote about how much of it was being tinged with a redness to an extent not previously seen. He had always had a ruddy hue to his black hair, but it was usually observed only in certain light. By this time, it had become apparent in every-day illumination.

Now, the hair along his flanks has taken on other qualities. I mentioned in the prior article that Renn had had grey hair behind his ears that was of a texture different than most of his hair. This is again happening, but along his sides. Some, though not all, of the fur there is growing longer than its surrounding fur, and, as much as the redness is growing, so is a whiteness. And, as with the hair that used to grow behind his ears, this is of a coarseness not common in the rest of his coat.


I don’t think these are indications of problems; they are likely just changes that my big boy is undergoing as he ages. After my earlier description of Renn’s hair, I was informed that the process was called ‘rusting’ and was indeed a sign of creeping age. Even so, I will get Renn checked out by a veterinary in the new year, when funds are available. Though I no longer take the beasts in for regular examinations ($60 or more for three minutes’ prodding and listening is a bit much, I think), I will have them checked more often. The big boy and Cammie will both be seen to, just because they haven’t been lately.

Until then, however, I will watch Renn, and see what other metamorphoses he undergoes. With that cat, though, the old saying is apt: “The more he changes, the more he stays the same,” despite his side-effects.

21 comments:

  1. Goodness, Renn's fur is beautiful. I noticed our Adam as she got older her fur "rusted" too.
    Cats continue to amaze me.

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  2. Much the same has happened to the fur of my Mac. (You know, the one who could be Renn's twin brother.) He's about 14 (he was a stray, so I don't know his exact age) and still in fine health.

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    1. I think there are certain patterns of colour repeated in different cats (for instance, there is a cat in Ontario with the same white-with-dark-tabby-patches-and-ringed-tail as my Josie), and the patterns may change the same way over time in these cats. That's why Renn and Mac are aging similarly. This is my theory, anyway. Renn is in very good health; I hope that is a characteristic of this pattern of cat, too.

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  3. He is so handsome!
    Yes by all means send me a friend request on FB.
    That incident was one that is happening all over FB right now and there is really no way to stop it. Thankfully due to some very quick action this particular spoofing was shut down right away.

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  4. I haven't heard of that expression, "rusting." It stands to reason, though, that non-beings have changes in their appearance as they age. I see it in Nicki's face especially, because he's lean. (Derry's just an ever-growing butterball and still has a baby face.) Derry's fur has more light brown to it (tinges of) than he used to when he was young. Too bad my hair wouldn't turn a different colour OTHER than white! :-D

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    1. I had a dog when I was young; she was black with a bit of solid white on the chin. As she aged, the white spread from the chin but in individual hairs. You're right that it is natural for animals to change appearance as they age. I'm glad ours are with us as they grow older.

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  5. it is strange and interesting some of the changes we notice in them....

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  6. Aaaaaaaaaaaw Renn be so handsum. Purrhaps he's gettin' more distingueshed. :) Big hugs to all.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Raena

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  7. My stars Renn; I hope it's not a sign of a vicious winter to come. I am part Norwegian forest and can predict by looking at my own mane; how vicious the winter will be. It shed's in spring//summer and grows slowly back in the fall; to date it's not over much, a good sign that winter will be mild. Purrhaps you know more about the future forecasts than the weather service itself ! ?? ~~~ ♥♥♥ dai$y =^..*=

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    1. I hadn't considered that. This may be a change characteristic of Renn's type of cat, but perhaps it only manifests itself at certain times of the year. My big boy's genes may remember the old wild days of the species.

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  8. As you mentioned, the natural aging process can cause changes in a cat's fur, and that's what may be going on with Renn. But that said, I'm glad you plan to have Renn and Cammie get checkups. When you speak to the vet, you may want to ask if giving Renn Omega-3 Fatty Acid would help his coat.

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  9. I'd not heard of rusting either. Only Saku has black fur and he's only 8 years old so perhaps I'll see it in him as he ages.

    I note the changes in Sasha, he's slimmed down even more and his muzzle is definitely more grey. He's 16 so it isn't unexpected.

    Good luck with the vet checks.

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  10. He is a lovely big boy. Such a handsome fellow. I am sure the changes in the colour and texture of his wonderful fluff is just aging. After all the colours and textures of our hair changes with age. But consulting with the vet makes sense.

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    1. I hope to take Cammie and Renn in for check-ups (blood and urine tests; not just routine stuff) in the new year. Better safe than sorry.

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  11. His fur looks in good condition so it is probably just an ageing thing. The Tabbies could also be right in saying he is growing a longer coat for a cold winter. Eric's fur used to get longer and thicker from early September as he got older.

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  12. MY Katie shows cinnamon in sunshine only. Otherwise she remains black. They say it is common with black furred cats. BUT she hasn't made any different colors than her ordinary Tuxedo colors. Renn is furry handsomes!

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    1. I once saw a friend's two black cats lying next to each other in the sunshine; one showed a red tinge, the other blue. It was interesting and striking.

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  13. Oh, I got some gray furs too but I am getting older...gracefully!

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  14. Thank you for your kind thoughts for Treasure.
    We miss him.
    Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ


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