Saturday, May 16, 2020

Adjustments


Before anything else, I would like to thank all those who have sent their condolences on my recent losses. Many are people who have not commented on my blog before, which is very gratifying; even if they don’t read my blog, or read it regularly, to take the time to express their feelings of sympathy is generous. Those who do read my blog know how much the cats are a part of my life, and know what the departure of Cammie and Raleigh  mean. But then, almost everyone who has or has had a pet realises what a death does, so I need not go on about it in general.

I will be thanking each respondent in the comments section of the post in which they wrote; it may take time, but I think it is both necessary and right, and it is my pleasure.

Though it is invidious to thank any one person more than others, I must record my gratitude to Ann of Zoolatry, who has created beautiful remembrance badges for my two. There are many in the Cat Blogosphere who have benefitted from her artistry and generosity; I have in the past, and I have again, so I thank her.

Now, the adjustments begin.

Almost everyone has experienced a death in the family, so describing the effects here, in general, are unnecessary. But each person and animal is different, each has his or her own personality. That seems particularly true of cats, and Cammie and Raleigh’s personalities made a big difference here in the Cosy Apartment. I will write about each individually later, but for now, let me simply state that things feel strange here.

In terms of medication alone, I am sometimes at a loss as to what I should be doing, because I feel I should be doing something I’m not. Cammie had blood-pressure medicine rubbed into her ears twice a day, her kidney-ailment Simentra once a day, and, lately, her fluids once a week. Raleigh had his Prednisolone hidden in his food twice a day, an appetite-stimulator every three days, a laxative every couple of days and, not so long ago, an anti-biotic. None of that needs doing now. Now, I give insulin to Tucker and Neville twice a day. It’s no wonder I felt that I overlooked something this morning.

Raleigh and Cammie were high-maintenance. I will describe a morning’s routine with Cammie. While preparing others’ breakfasts, I dished out my princess’s. She ate the tinned Z/D, horrible, sticky stuff, to which I added several drops of water, then heated in the micro-wave oven. This I placed before her in the bedroom. She would eat some but usually not all the serving at this time. Then she would wander about, and I had to watch that she did not stumble onto another cat’s food while that one was eating, and help herself, even to a morsel. That would cause her allergies to flare up and be potentially disastrous. Nor did I want to shoe her back into the bedroom; I felt that chastising a blind cat for exploring was restrictive; besides, she just wanted to discover what was new that day.

Then, after the others were fed – coaxing Raleigh to eat recently was a chore in itself – I would hurry to make the bed. Cammie liked next to lie on the bed, though would not if it were not made. But she would keep trying, climbing the stairs if they were there (I had to move them to make the bed) and turning away again upon discovering that the bed was not made. She would repeat the trek around the bed from her own cat-bed a dozen times while I pulled up the blanket and smoothed the bedspread. I would tell her, “Not yet, Cammie, wait, wait,” and she would turn and walk back, only to turn again before she had gone a couple of feet. Eventually, I would thump the top stair; this signaled  that the bed was made, and she could lie on it at last. Then I would serve her more food; this was when she ate most, especially if she were hungry and wanted several servings. I would also rub her blood-pressure medicine into her ears.

I would have placed a litter-box and soaker-pad in the bedroom by then. She was sequestered each day to give her freedom from the stress of others blundering about her dark world while I was at work. She received her own litter-box, but I found that if I placed it early, she would actually use it, rather than wetting on the soaker-pad. But then I would need to scoop it, along with the other boxes. I would have re-charged her water-bowl first thing upon waking, as Cammie liked a long draught of water before anything else, so I would fill it again before I left for work. After placing her hard-food bowl on the floor, I would say ‘good-bye’ to her, and leave her for the day.

Raleigh’s routine was simpler: after his FIP started stealing his appetite, I had to offer him a variety of food to tempt him to eat (consuming his Prednisolone with it). If he didn’t eat, I would have to force the pill into him – simple, but not easy or pleasant. That would involve catching him, though he didn’t have the energy to run as he neared his end. But Raleigh had begun wetting on the store-room floor in front of the litter-boxes. This was not due to anything physical but was in imitation of Josie’s much more random instances of sticking her bum out the front of the box. Even so, it usually meant washing the floor. Accidents will still happen, I am sure, but much more rarely.

I don’t know if all the time spent doing this in the past will be saved from now on. Cat-work tends to be like a gas in a jar: it fills whatever time one has.

But there are other, subtler adjustments I will need to make. Feeding only four, instead of six, makes me think two are missing (which they are). I count ‘six’ in the mornings when I leave, to make certain  everyone is present. I am sure I will fear I’ve lost someone in the weeks to come (which I have). Checking at odd hours to see if Cammie is hungry will no longer be necessary, and spending five or ten minutes after each snack-time to rub Raleigh’s chest won’t happen. The sound of someone wretching would send me running to see if it was Cammie beginning one of her episodes, while I no longer need the pharmacy’s number catalogued in my telephone for calling and ordering medicine.

The worst adjustment, however, is simply not having Cammie and Raleigh here, knowing that I will never have my princess lying on my chest and purring as I pet her, or Raleigh slowly, warily, making his way toward my out-stretched fist for a head-rubbing. They are gone, and my world is very different. The truth is that the biggest adjustment I must make is reconciling myself to the fact that, despite the joyful presence of these wonderful four below, the world is simply not as good as it once was.


41 comments:

  1. Medicating Cammie and Raleigh did take a lot of time, but I know you wouldn't have begrudged them a second of it.
    Everything will be different and will take a lot of getting used to. My thoughts remain with you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It’s true that the world is a lesser place without Raleigh and Cammie. I’m still very sad about what happened, but I’m convinced animals, as well as humans, have an afterlife where they’re free of their earthly miseries. Raleigh is no longer ailing or timid. And Cammie can see again.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am just so sorry they flew away without us. I will always miss them and reading about them. I became very close with them though I could not hold them. I did the same with Parker. Rest in Peace darling Cammie and Raleigh. You are both beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The adjustments are the difficult part. I also count and after Buddy left in Jan I kept thinking "6 who is missing?" and would then stop and know it was my big gray fellow. He also had a routine for breakfast and dinner, which was at night on the bed when the others get treats. Now treat time seems to fly and the as the little containers I keep for that time empty with no waiting for the big fellow. It is sad but there were good times and the sweet memories are forever. Sometimes I wonder when I am gone will anyone remember but they say this medium is forever and maybe it is. Much support to you in this sad period of adjustment. It is not easy and in my experience can be quite hard. Thinking of you all

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Buddy's death must have been a great wrench. He was, if not top-cat, then the foundation of your cat-household, 'elder statescat', as you titled him. A very special fellow.

      Delete
    2. I found this quote in a comment from Timmy, back when Cammie returned from her horrible abortive adoption in Regina: "He [Dad] says the late bloomers can sneak deep into your heart." Timmy was comparing Cammie to Miss Fitz. How right he was.

      Delete
  5. I agree with Undine. I believe that we will be reunited with our animals at Rainbow Bridge. Losing a beloved pet requires an adjustment, but as long as the animal remains forever in our heart, and as long as we have memories of it, it is never really gone. My thoughts and prayers remain with you, John.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope very much to see them all again. Maybe Cammie will have stopped hissing at all other cats by then...

      Delete
  6. I remember crying the first time you posted a pic of Raleigh in your lap; it was such a beautiful thing to see. It was a joy to get to know them both, even a little bit, through your writing. Thank you for sharing their lives with us.

    The new routine will seem odd for a while, as it does each time we lose a beloved companion, all the more so when they were high-needs. But the missing...that never leaves us.

    I'm continuing to keep you in my thoughts, continuing to wish you peace and healing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I remember that picture. The final photo I took of my Peach has him on my lap again. He crawled there the day before he died. I felt very good at that.

      Delete
  7. Came to you from Eastside cats
    I am so very sorry. FIP is horrible.
    We lost an 8 month old kitten Bear to it last year at this very time.
    Each cat is such a unique gift to us. During this strange isolation COVID time, my cats seem aware of our worries.
    May you know that you gave those two beauties the very best a mere human can give!

    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know many kittens are lost to FIP. Raleigh was no more than four years of age, but to leave at eight months is very unfair, very unfair. Thank you for your sympathy.

      Delete
  8. We know how tough it is and the adjustment makes us seem totally lost sometimes. Raleigh and Cammie were so very special and it's super obvious that they thought you were too. Hugs from all of us here.

    ReplyDelete
  9. John, I've followed you for years but seldom commented. Cammie and Raleigh just MUST have crossed together. He so wanted a buddy and somehow she remembered. The cat blogworld will miss them and sends hugs to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If there is life beyond life, it must be where all loneliness is left behind, and all are friends. Cammie and Raleigh must be together now, with all my other cats. I like to think that. Thank you for visiting me at this time.

      Delete
  10. We just learned about this very sad news. We are so sorry these two kidlets had to fly away, but your being with each as they got their wings is the highest love possible. We hope you take comfort in knowing that in this sorrowful time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I could never have left them alone at such a time. I wanted the last thing they smelled, heard and felt to be the person who loved them. Thank you for visiting with me.

      Delete
  11. You are now undertaking the long journey through grief. While others may share that grief we all walk it alone. There are no right or wrong paths, no proper way to carry oneself on the trek, no set amount of time to complete it. Some steps will come easier than others. There will be rogue waves of grief that you won’t see coming, and knock you back days. But you will come through it. If you get lost let us know. We have been through it before and we might be able to help you find the way out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it is always a road to travel alone, but such thoughts and sympathy as yours help tremendously. Thank you.

      Delete
  12. Your home must feel emptier with the loss of Raleigh and Cammie, but I hope you can make use of the extra time to relax. You did a fine job of caring for them, and we all share the grief with you.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I know you'll find yourself looking for them in their places and wishing you'd find them there. I'm glad the other four are there - they'll demand your attention and you'll be there to provide for their needs.
    I was thinking of you this morning, and wondering how you and the rest of the crew were doing. When Sami passed, Saku who she absolutely detested seemed devastated (as evidenced by his marking throughout the house), while Sasha who she was attached to at the hip went on as if nothing had happened.
    Take care,
    Eileen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My surviving cats don't seem to have any reaction. They can be very matter of fact like that. They leave the reactions to loss to me.

      Delete
  14. I'm so sorry to hear about Raleigh and Cammie. Sending purrs of luv.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your visit. Your kindness is appreciated.

      Delete
  15. I am so sorry and sad that you lost your two furry friends. Indeed, your fur children.

    When Minko passed away, I too felt rather lost, as he had been a very needy klitty. (Hand/force fed 3x a day, meds 3x a day...for three years...) But he was more or less normal when I did all those things, but then he had a major stroke, which paralyzed him, and blinded him too. So sad...

    I add my condolences and my thoughts are with you right now as you sorely miss Cammie and Raleigh.

    ((((( ♥ )))))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The special needs cats do take up much time. But, unless their lives are painful and distressing, it is worth it to give them comfort and care. Thank you for your sympathy. I am sorry for your own loss.

      Delete
  16. It's early morning over here John..
    So, l've had a good read of your post,
    when l could see it..! :(.
    I've resorted to the bathroom hand towel,
    to keep my face dry..!

    The lovely thing of course is that you have
    your memories of each and every pussy~cat,
    and lovelier still..is that you share them
    ALL with us..! You'll never forget, pussy~cats
    that pass over..
    My first cat when l returned in 73 was one of
    Candy's..Candy was a next door neighbours cat,
    who decided to have her kittens, in my bedroom,
    nearly in the bed..But! l sorted out a box, lined
    it, and she had three kittens, and l sat with her,
    for an hour, while she had them...l kept one, who
    my little daughter called Darlinga, and gave the
    other two back to my neighbour..And..The rest as
    they say is history!

    God bless you John..As l've said before..Your a
    Diamond..! And, l know all of us will remember
    you in our prayers..! Take care now! And..look
    after yourself..!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The idea of having a kitten is wonderful and exciting, but I don't think I could handle one! I'll have to stick with oldsters, even though they leave so quickly, it seems.

      Delete
  17. I just read of your losses on Eastside Cats. I'm so very sorry. They were beautiful. Last year I lost both of mine three weeks apart, so I know how hard this hits.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know that three weeks apart is any better than a few hours. It is still a great and irreplaceable loss. I am sorry for yours. Thank you for coming to visit.

      Delete
  18. Cleo's dad here-Like so many others I so know the hurt you're feeling right now. It's like a punch in the heart, and I can still feel how bad it was when I lost my old Orbit and Isaac long before him. I'm dreading the day I have to go through it with this sweet old crazy lady cat who's taken control of our hearts here, especially knowing she's getting up there through her teen years. I know how dear Cammie and Raleigh must've been to you and how terrible it feels to know they won't be there in body any longer. This stuff stays with you for a long, long time. Reading of Cammie and Raleigh made me tear up again, and Orbits been gone for a few years now. They're like our little people, our kids, and they leave an indelible mark on one's heart for sure. Be well, take care, and know we all are right there with you in your pain and sorrow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. New losses, even when they occur to others, can renew one's own feelings of loss. Orbit and Isaac must have been greatly loved. Thank you for your sympathy.

      Delete
  19. Rumpy told us about Cammie and Raleigh and we are so very sorry to hear the news. Purrs of sympathy and paws of comfort from all of us here at ATCAD

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your visit to the Cosy Apartment. Your sympathy is appreciated; everyone's thoughts and kindness make the loss easier.

      Delete
  20. John, you have 4 lovely cats to fill your day with caring for them.
    The hole in life that comes with the loss of a pet is never easy to get
    past. After 7 1/2 years, in my mind I call Precious by the name of
    Seney, who lived with me for 19 years and 11 month. You never forget
    but you do have the knowledge that you cared for Raleigh so well after rescuing him for who knows what kind of outdoor life. And, Cammie, she was a princess and will always remain one to you. Lynn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Almost twenty years... I think Precious will forgive you the odd slip. Thank you for your kind words.

      Delete
  21. All of a sudden you don't have the caring to do. It leaves a big BIG hole in your life. No words are ever enough but know that all over the world anyone who has loved and lost will grieve with you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Grief is very strange, shared by so many and always suffered alone. Thank you for your sympathy.

      Delete
  22. The void of missing the cats themselves, and the routines that went with each, will haunt you for awhile. For me, after a few months, I figured I'd adapted, then some little thing would trigger a memory of a routine, and I'd have to talk myself off of that ledge again.

    ReplyDelete
  23. So sorry for your losses. Each cat brings a unique personality to your life, and each is missed in a different way. Each pet that I've lost has been a very different experience. Each was heartbreaking and we grieved for each one differently. It's always a difficult adjustment. Purrs to you during this difficult time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are quite right; eash is indeed unique, and each will be missed, terribly, for different reasons. Thank you for your thoughts.

      Delete