Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Progress, Bit by Bit

I want to thank everyone for their kind comments on Cammie’s stroke. She continues her recovery. My princess has found the courage to jump up into the top saddle of the taller cat-tree in the bedroom; that is one of her favourite spots. A frustrating development, though, is her sudden aversion to the Z/D food she has been eating for months. I have given her portions from two different tins, and the result is the same. Sigh. Living with cats is like being in a pinball machine, bouncing from one problem to another.

However, I am grateful for the princess’s adaptation to her circumstances. As I mentioned just recently to a friend, she’s a marvellous little creature.

And I have reason to be grateful for other things. This is Raleigh at play. He likes to play, trying to scoop up the string-toy with his paddle-like feet. He has recently discovered that the boxes on the floor make excellent platforms for play, or just for rest.



I suspect he has been watching the other beasts. Tucker and Parker especially like decent boxes, and the former enjoys battling toys in a box-lid. But they too find the constricting limits of a cardboard box, in which the body is twisted or compressed, the head resting on a knife-blade edge, to be the height of relaxation.


But Peachy has been developing as a cosy apartment cat in other ways, too. His regression into timidity with me is easing a little. He will still run without provocation (at least provocation that I can sense) but, more often now, he allows me to rub his fuzzy head. And he has never minded the other cats.

Josie was a good choice for a couch-companion. My Chubs doesn’t mind other cats being near, as long as they aren’t too near. Any closer than this and she might have leaped away. But Raleigh is learning from the others, I am sure: the joys of boxes here, the comfort of a couch there. Bit by bit, he is progressing.


And as long as there is progression, whether by Cammie or Raleigh or someone else, then bit by bit is probably the best way to go.

16 comments:

  1. what is the nursery rhyme; "slow and steady wins the race" quoted the turtle. I do hope everyone continues on the road to recovery per say; I remember you take your vacation time soon and it may help both Cammie and Raleigh to "continue" to adjust; if this makes sense; because you'll be home more ~~~~ we all send big time lovez N hugs

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    1. I feel like I am letting them down - especially Cammie - whenever I leave for work. I will be glad when my holidays come - for a number of reasons.

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    2. Reading your post, I was just wishing I could "cat-sit" for you while you're at work, until it was certain she'd have no problems being on her own all day.

      Still, that's fantastic news that she's adjusting so well so soon after her stroke. It's good to see Raleigh at play, too. :)

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  2. Why a sleeping cat seems to be okay with their head on the edge of a cardboard box, is beyond me too! New box, old box, chewed box, lid, square or rectangle! Maybe Cammie would like stinkier food, so her nose is attracted, like sardine juice?

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    1. Cammie has severe food allergies. The merest lick of anything but her awful Z/D food (either hard or soft) will cause her to start vomiting, and keep vomiting until she receives an injection of Cerenia, the only thing that helps. I know she would love some tasty Fancy Feast, but she can’t even have treats.

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  3. I hope Cammie and Raleigh continue to progress. Continued good thoughts to you all.

    Yes, your holiday is coming up soon, if I recall. It's hard, as a pet parent, not to feel guilty at leaving the fur family all day--I feel guilt every single day and right now I don't have the pet health concerns that you do. Vacation time will be good for all, I hope!

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  4. It seems that everyone is progressing little by little, and that's good news. It's always hard to leave the "fur-kids" especially when some of them may be ill. But your holiday will be here soon, and you'll be able to spend time with them and hopefully, get some rest and relaxation!

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  5. I did not realize Cammie had a stroke. I am glad she is OK. I will add her to my prayers.

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  6. Wonderful progress for Raleigh, I hope Cammie continues to improve too.

    I'm not certain my cats are happier with me here most of the time. They do however have the schedule for breakfast and lunch down pat.

    Enjoy your upcoming vacation. I hope you get some rest while you're off work.

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  7. Boxes. I wonder if the tast of Z/D is affected by Cammie’s stroke?

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    1. That's certainly possible. It may also be her medicine; they will be temporary, fortunately.

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  8. I so admire your care of your bunch, with all of their needs and care, especially now with Cammie. I hope you can find some food that settles her tummy. Would she tolerate the wet food maybe heated? A friend of ours would microwave the wet food for his cat so they didn't eat it cold.

    For all the fancy warm options that Miss Poppy has to sleep in - her $4 shopping bag is by far the favorite sleeping spot.

    Julie and Poppy Q

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    1. I always warm food for Cammie, and several others, as most don't like it cold. I think it may be the medicine she is taking.

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  9. I wondered about the medicine..but discarded the idea. However I am thinking again that must be it. I hope so. Have you "tested" the Princess to see if possible some of her vision has returned? Maybe she has a veiled bit of vision...maybe?

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    1. Her eyes are looking better, but any tests I've tried on her I've considered to be inconclusive.

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  10. Seeing Raleigh becoming a family member is so dear to see. In one way or perhaps another, love always wins the way. And they have ample love in your home.

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