Friday, November 27, 2015

The Weight on My Shoulders

Cammie threw up but good following dinner yesterday. I was beginning to worry about her, as I know that cats cannot go without food for more than a few days before their internal organs are adversely affected. She was hungry - I heard her stomach growl - and wanted to eat, but could not keep anything down.

So I tried another tactic. At snack-time, I fed her only half a teaspoon of her favourite soft-food. She wanted more, but I denied it to her. It was hard to do it, but I thought that her stomach might be able to handle a small amount better than a large. I would give her a similar amount a couple of hours later, if she retained the first.

This seemed to work. At ten o’clock, I gave her another half-teaspoon. This too appeared to stay put. I did not hear any wretching during the night, and found no evidence of it this morning. I was concerned that Cammie was drinking a great deal of water; my concern was that too much water with not enough food could upset her stomach. But if she was throwing up, she was losing fluids, and needed to replace them.

Whatever she ate last night must surely be digested by this morning, which means some nutrition has been absorbed. She ate a small breakfast - again a reduced amount - and this too was kept down. I am less anxious about her being hungry than about her keeping down whatever she does eat.

I think Cammie may now be over the worst of her illness, whatever it is. I’ll know for sure when I go home tonight. Such incidents take years off my life; I am listening constantly for the sound of a cat throwing up, looking at her to see if she wandered off to vomit where I can't hear her, and wondering if she can stand a bit more food.

But we had a good time last night, as well, my princess and I. She enjoys a session on my chest when I lie down, so I took a comfy position on the couch, made sure the other cats were occupied sleeping and invited Cammie over. She purrs continually, and it’s the only time she pushes her head against me. The photographs here are bad, as I took them with one hand with my telephone while also stroking Cammie's head and back. I enjoy such times as much as she. This is a weight on my shoulders I can manage.


18 comments:

  1. Praying that Cammie is feeling so much better today.

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  2. I hope she feels better. Our Georgie actually developed fatty liver disease this year from eating less than her normal amount. I was shocked as I had always thought they had to go without eating for 24 hours or more before they had serious problems. Purring for Cammie to heal.

    Cats of Wildcat Woods

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    1. It's frightening how fast cats can be affected by small things - not eating for a single day, for instance. It's not a big deal to humans, going without food, or much of it, for a while, but cats' bodies must love their routine as much as cats' minds do. How is Georgie doing?

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  3. Goodness, I hope Cammie is feeling better. It is so hard when the kitties are sick. You wish you spoke the same language!

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  4. Glad to hear she's holding some food down. Hope that means she's on the mend. So happy that she lets you cuddle her now. I remember once upon a time she wouldn't! Hope you have a nice quiet weekend!

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    1. Yes, she actually likes cuddling, though I suspect she doesn't want anyone to know it. And it's always on her own terms, of course.

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    2. That's why she is the princess! I, also, am ruled by one!

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  5. Our prayers are with your dear girl. Thank Goodness she's keeping some food down. How you fed her was perfect. Even if she still might be ill, she was able to digest food to prevent further complications.
    Do you think she might be upset about the events surrounding the sale of the house? Might she think she's being sent away again to suffer the same nightmarish treatment as in her previous adoption? Just letting her sit on you and feel close to you will help her to feel secure and comforted. (I have an old man Siamese laying across my leg now. My foot's fallen asleep.)

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    1. As of Saturday, Cammie is doing well. She has brought up nothing since, I think, early Friday. I will continue to feed her in small portions for a while. I think all the fuss over showing the house is probably having an effect on her. It's funny how we will endure such inconveniences for our furry loved ones.

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  6. I hope Cammie is feeling better now. It is such a worry when they either won't eat or throw up when they do. I know how desperate I was when Flynn was refusing all food. I had to liquidise and syringe feed which he hated, but at least it kept him going. Thankfully, apart from his "off days" he has a fairly good appetite.

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    1. I follow Flynn's condition on his blog, of course, and can understand how you feel when there is even a small change in it. Cammie is indeed feeling better, and I hope Flynn continues to have good day after good day.

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  7. We are sure glad to hear that Cammie is doing some better. We're sending one big ton of just-in-case purrs her way.

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  8. I hope Cammie gets well soon. It is always so distressing when our feline companions are not well. I always feel at a loss when my Jessica is not well - trying everything and anything to make her feel better. It seems your strategy of serving Cammie tiny portions is working. Give Cammie a pat from Jessica and me.

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    1. I will update Cammie's condition on Monday, but I can say that she seems recovered now (Saturday). I am still serving small portions, but food is staying down, and she even played a little last night.

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  9. I'm glad to hear Cammie is keeping her food down and seems to be recovered.

    Saku is much like Cammie in that is his favorite cuddle position. And like Cammie is only happens when he wants it to, even if it isn't entirely convenient to me.

    Have a great week!

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  10. I send lots of purrs for sweet Cammie. I hope she keeps up a good work and getting better.

    Paws crossed

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  11. I am sorry she wasn't feeling well, but am glad she is feeling better

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  12. I have three cats too http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3i9zgv_three-cats_animals

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