Monday, August 5, 2019

Dreams Out of Sight


There have been many changes, I am certain, to Cammie’s psyche since her blindness, but one I have noticed particularly has been that she now and then wakes from a slumber with a small, hoarse cry. It may be that she has been dreaming, perhaps of something startling. I expect her sight is whole in her dreams, but may be affected by her current darkness to make some weird and unsettling half-world.

I recall that Tungsten had nightmares periodically, though she would usually call out after she had woken; she wanted to know that I was present. She would start purring when I came to her and told her everything was all right. I can’t expect Cammie to sleep completely untroubled when she has gone through such a traumatic alteration in her life. But, like her late sister, the princess too seems comforted by my assurances that all is well, once she is conscious. She purrs then.

I worry that she is frightened from her sleep while I am absent. To be scared by a nightmare, only to wake to darkness in which any danger might lurk hidden, must be daunting indeed. But I like to think that Cammie knows that she is safe in her home, and the only real hazard is bumping into another cat unseen and unprepared. I talk more now that she is sightless; when I walk into a room in which she is lying, I tell her so, and before I pet her, I let her smell my fingers, and brush her whiskers; petting her suddenly is a bit of a jolt for her, I have observed.

So her adjustment continues. It may be a lifelong struggle to cope with her new world. But she still purrs, still lies on my chest – when she knows I am beside her – and enjoys being stroked and petted, perhaps more than she ever did. Her sleep may be troubled every so often, but I hope that her waking life still has some light in it.


17 comments:

  1. I think Cammie's life has Light in it, because you provide it to her.

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    1. Yes. I was just thinking a similar thing and then I saw your comment. It goes to Katie's blog of a few days ago. Katie said that all the Kitties and woofies on the CB are the most fortunate of beings, for they are so well loved and cared for. As is Cammie.

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  2. You are Cammie's purrsonal body and mind guard!

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  3. we have to assume it's the same for animals, as in humans, when one sense is diminished the others become more acute. I'm hoping over time; maybe in the "adjustment phase" that cammie either smells or hears that all is well in her world ♥♥♥

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  4. I've heard that people who go blind later in life do still see in their dreams. I'm guessing Cammie is no different. If such is the case, I wonder if it confuses her to "see" when she is asleep but not when awake.

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    1. I've wondered about animals dreaming. I don't think they can recall their dreams, otherwise the sudden transition from dream to waking life would be inexplicable and very confusing to them. Or perhaps they simply don't consider the dream once it is over; it just doesn't figure in their thoughts afterward. It would be an interesting field of study.

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    2. Scientists have studied this, and they've found that warm-blooded animals go through a stage of REM sleep, which is when humans dream. Whether cats or other animals do so as well, nobody can say, since they can't tell us. I believe animals have a much more "human" mind and consciousness than most people think, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if they do dream.

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    3. I agree that animals dream. Watching my cats while they sleep, I am sure of it. But I’d like to know whether they remember their dreams and if so, how they interpret the sudden change from dream to waking. They may actually just disregard the dream, knowing it is a dream. Wouldn’t that be something, if they could have such realisations?

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  5. I think Kea said it perfectly...Cammie's life has light in it - You!

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  6. She is doing terrific and you will see that continues for her.

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  7. Poor wee girl. We are glad that she is doing so well with your care.

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  8. I have also heard that people who have gone blind still have sight in their dreams, so it is possibly the same for animals too.
    Cammie knows that she is safe with you, and I agree with previous comments that you are the light in her life.

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  9. Cammie has made adjustments and so have you! This is a new world for both of you. I'm so happy she still purrs and needs your presence and you're there to provide it for her. I'm with the others-you are her light!

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  10. Poor girl, my immediate thought is she may be remembering that moment when she had her stroke. But perhaps that is too far fetched. In any event I'm certain she knows she is safe with you. I cannot say often enough how thankful I am that she is with you.

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    1. I don't think it is far-fetched to think she may be remembering her stroke. It must be one of the worst moments of her life, the poor thing. If anything would have an effect on her sub-conscious it must be that.

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  11. I am sure all cats dream as when our brood is in repose from time to time it sure looks like they are having quite a time of it. We are so glad Cammie enjoys herself and purrs when she knows she is safe and comforted

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