We have a 15 year old grey tabby, and he has bowel cancer. We thought he was on his way out, but once Seanna got pregnant, suddenly the kitty chemo started to work. He’d curl up on her belly every night, and we wondered what conversations he was having with the baby. Now that Teddy’s approaching one year old, Slick is still kicking his younger, larger fur brother’s rear end, his labs come back perfect at each chemo treatment, he doesn’t seem to be in any pain, and he keeps a close eye on the wee one. Teddy’s given him a new lease on life, and certainly has extended his life by 18 months. It’s worth cleaning up an accident a few times a week. He’s part of the family, too. They’re always part of the family. I hope Féline makes a full recovery and takes to three legs easily, Claire.
I'm so glad Slick is hanging in there. My brother's cat Pites, who is sadly no longer with us, was amazing with Leo when he was a newborn. This was an extremely aggressive cat--she's swipe at you for fun and practically take your head off if you annoyed her. But with Leo, she was gentle and protective as a lamb. They absolutely understand the concept of "the humans' kitten."
While dogs are definitely more loyal, my experience with cats is that they’re more intuitive. When I get sick, the cats settle down and behave. Toby, on the other hand, keeps barking his head off and demanding long walks, even though he has a good sized back yard to play (and poop) in. Cats just seem more aware of what’s going on below the surface. I think they get a bad rap because they’re also stone cold killers.
I've never understood what people say about cats. Their reputation for being cold and aloof? I just don't know any cats who conform to that description. To the contrary, they're needy hysterics! My cats spend the day glued to me, constantly demanding more scratching and cuddling. (It can get a bit sweltering with so many fur coats draped over me.) They're profoundly emotional--their emotional lives are clearly as rich as our own--and they're *intensely* loving. And yes, as you say, they're highly sensitive to my moods. They always know if something's wrong.
My guys are not stone-cold killers. Owing to their highly cosseted indoor life, only one of them--Féline--has ever killed anything bigger than a bug. Féline killed a mouse, once, in Istanbul. But her brothers and sisters have never killed a thing, although they've practiced on a dazzling array of toys.
Our boys stay indoors, but they enjoyed hunting crickets before we hired the exterminator. I wonder if he’ll stick to the ants and leave the crickets for the kitties? They enjoy the sport of it.
I admire that you have not visited her and await the proper time to bring her home. In my own feline lunacy, I couldn't bare not to visit my little Tinky after I subjected her to being spayed and declawed (due to my husband being on blood thinners and constantly "springing leaks" after a playful romp). She was completely blitzed with bandaged paws which made me feel her medicated misery. This too shall pass for you both. I wish her a speedy recovery
I thought we were gonna talk tanks. I bet I'm one of a small number of your membership who has actually moved M1 tanks across Europe for the purpose of putting the screws to the Russians. So...I wanted to talk about tanks!
As a veterinarian for over 30 years, the deep attachments we form with animals of all species (and they with us) continues to fill me with wonder and awe. Are thoughts or support and love are with you.
Dear Féline! I had a cat, once, who learned to trust me the way she trusts you. She’ll forgive the indignity, as long as she is allowed to continue to purr in your presence. ❣️
So sorry to hear of Feline's travails, but hoping that she does, indeed, regain her bounce once she is back home again. I imagine she knows you are worried about her, and is anxious to get home to put your mind at ease. The bond between cats and their humans is something wonderful, and way too deep for me to understand. How do cats know the stuff they know? I hope Feline comes home soon, a happy cat (Felis cattus felix?).
We have a 15 year old grey tabby, and he has bowel cancer. We thought he was on his way out, but once Seanna got pregnant, suddenly the kitty chemo started to work. He’d curl up on her belly every night, and we wondered what conversations he was having with the baby. Now that Teddy’s approaching one year old, Slick is still kicking his younger, larger fur brother’s rear end, his labs come back perfect at each chemo treatment, he doesn’t seem to be in any pain, and he keeps a close eye on the wee one. Teddy’s given him a new lease on life, and certainly has extended his life by 18 months. It’s worth cleaning up an accident a few times a week. He’s part of the family, too. They’re always part of the family. I hope Féline makes a full recovery and takes to three legs easily, Claire.
I'm so glad Slick is hanging in there. My brother's cat Pites, who is sadly no longer with us, was amazing with Leo when he was a newborn. This was an extremely aggressive cat--she's swipe at you for fun and practically take your head off if you annoyed her. But with Leo, she was gentle and protective as a lamb. They absolutely understand the concept of "the humans' kitten."
While dogs are definitely more loyal, my experience with cats is that they’re more intuitive. When I get sick, the cats settle down and behave. Toby, on the other hand, keeps barking his head off and demanding long walks, even though he has a good sized back yard to play (and poop) in. Cats just seem more aware of what’s going on below the surface. I think they get a bad rap because they’re also stone cold killers.
I've never understood what people say about cats. Their reputation for being cold and aloof? I just don't know any cats who conform to that description. To the contrary, they're needy hysterics! My cats spend the day glued to me, constantly demanding more scratching and cuddling. (It can get a bit sweltering with so many fur coats draped over me.) They're profoundly emotional--their emotional lives are clearly as rich as our own--and they're *intensely* loving. And yes, as you say, they're highly sensitive to my moods. They always know if something's wrong.
My guys are not stone-cold killers. Owing to their highly cosseted indoor life, only one of them--Féline--has ever killed anything bigger than a bug. Féline killed a mouse, once, in Istanbul. But her brothers and sisters have never killed a thing, although they've practiced on a dazzling array of toys.
Our boys stay indoors, but they enjoyed hunting crickets before we hired the exterminator. I wonder if he’ll stick to the ants and leave the crickets for the kitties? They enjoy the sport of it.
I admire that you have not visited her and await the proper time to bring her home. In my own feline lunacy, I couldn't bare not to visit my little Tinky after I subjected her to being spayed and declawed (due to my husband being on blood thinners and constantly "springing leaks" after a playful romp). She was completely blitzed with bandaged paws which made me feel her medicated misery. This too shall pass for you both. I wish her a speedy recovery
There is a fine woman named Claire
Who writes far better than fair
Her cat lost a leg
We must buy it a peg
I’ll send you a check just say where
I thought we were gonna talk tanks. I bet I'm one of a small number of your membership who has actually moved M1 tanks across Europe for the purpose of putting the screws to the Russians. So...I wanted to talk about tanks!
As a veterinarian for over 30 years, the deep attachments we form with animals of all species (and they with us) continues to fill me with wonder and awe. Are thoughts or support and love are with you.
Dear Féline! I had a cat, once, who learned to trust me the way she trusts you. She’ll forgive the indignity, as long as she is allowed to continue to purr in your presence. ❣️
Beautiful, poignant words. (And I’m allergic to cats.)
So sorry to hear of Feline's travails, but hoping that she does, indeed, regain her bounce once she is back home again. I imagine she knows you are worried about her, and is anxious to get home to put your mind at ease. The bond between cats and their humans is something wonderful, and way too deep for me to understand. How do cats know the stuff they know? I hope Feline comes home soon, a happy cat (Felis cattus felix?).
How personal, how poignant!
Now you must help Féline convalesce with the same tendresse!
The tanks can wait, as can the whole rest of the world. Look after your lovely wee cat.