Fiber Follies

Catnip first since he’s so sick. He’s been to the veterinarian daily for expression. His urine came out all bloody so the vet preferred to express herself until the bloodiness is cleared up. Antibiotics and a muscle relaxant have been added to his meds mix. He’s easy to pill, I’ve pilled him most of his life. He has a huge appetite! I’ve mixed his food with 50-60ml water each feeding to ensure good fluid intake. He doesn’t like to drink water but loves his soupy food. I prop him up to his food dish and he digs right in, but soon flops over so paws his food to his mouth. He’s quite a mess when finished but I give him time to wash up, then wipe off any remaining particles before putting him into his basket. Five to seven meals daily and he’ll still eat more if I offer it. He’s uncomfortable and sometimes just plain hurts. If he’s comfortable and I move him he’ll let me know that he is hugely displeased. He hisses if one of the other cats pokes its nose too far into his basket. I’ve been giving him PT, just bending his legs at the joints, flexing his toes, moving his tail, then gently rubbing. Still no voluntary movement but he’ll stretch his legs straight out when I move him. Yesterday the vet said if he’s not shown improvement in a couple more days that it’s time to consider QOL. She’d been optimistic the day before so this announcement was grim. I pray for miracles but don’t want my old boy to be miserable. Right now he’s arranged on my lap, purring, and batting at the feathers I’m waving by his face. Why can’t this happy go into his back end and make it right again? I’m taking him in for expression and general follow-up this aft so maybe he’ll be improved somewhat. I don’t think so. He was pretty uncomfortable this morning. Except when eating.

The other cats are feeling a little put out since Catnip needs such vigilant care. I give them whatever moments I can in brushing, play time, pets and conversation. Here are Splash and Aslan enjoying their Sunday afternoon. I love the double decker image. These two rarely interact outside of play times, when they’re after the feather toys along with most of the other cats. Otherwise they’ll rest or sleep in separate rooms. Here, too, are a couple of nice profiles. The others were scarce to be seen most of the day so missed out on portraits.

I really enjoyed my yesterday despite Catnip’s sad condition. One of my newest Knittyboard forum friends came over to visit. We’d planned on meeting bluecanary at the farm, but I had to remain home with the poor fella. I cancelled out with everyone, letting bluecanary know she’d be a welcome sight if she could drive all the way to my house but she had to decline with a mass of unfinished tasks. Tesoro came, along with a packet of scones. Now, we’ve met a few times before at the coffee shop, purportedly to knit. Yeah. Forget knitting, nothing was accomplished except a deal of talking and laughter. So, when I bailed on the Sunday outing she rang with the idea that she’d stop over for a while. We noshed scones and orange segments and tea and coffee. We took a short break away from Catnip late in the day to visit The Husband’s shop, which tesoro loved. Aslan rode with us and entertained her with his shop personality which is quite-well-entertaining. I’d asked if she’d like to stay for dinner and she did. We had a tough time letting her go home! Good on you, tesoro! You really made my day. Even the cats were enjoying your presence. I tried to teach her to spin, but am not accomplished enough to be much of a teacher. I might have to work a bit to get her to sit for another try. Maybe when we get to the farm Bob will teach her, he’s automatically a good teacher.