Wednesday, August 14, 2019

How to Kill a Cat-man

As those who read this blog regularly know, my cat Cammie has a problem with food allergies, and has had episodes of severe and continual vomiting from time to time, the causes of which sometimes elude me. Consequently, I am very careful regarding her access to food.

I am also sensitive to signs of her throwing up. I almost always wake when I hear that dreaded sound in the night, and leap from bed to determine if it is indeed the princess puking. A few nights ago, I heard such a sound.


Cammie had thrown up a hairball that day while I was at work. That didn’t concern me: a hairball is quite different from an allergic reaction. But this evening’s deposit was no hairball; it was thick, clear and slightly foamy, just what I’d expect her to bring up if she hadn’t eaten for several hours beforehand. I couldn’t think what the princess could have consumed earlier in the day to cause her problems this time, but I feared another of her episodes, all of which end with her going to the hospital.

There was a chance, however, that this was not going to turn in the usual direction. Cammie burps sometimes and has, now and then, brought up nothing more than some sputum. I hoped this was the case now. But I wouldn’t know until she had or had not thrown up some more, over the next day or so.


Well, she didn’t. I came home that afternoon from work and searched the bedroom in which she is sequestered each day. There was no unwanted debris. So it has continued since. The truth is not always apparent, even after a day or two, since her episodes are, though rarely, delayed reactions to her eating the wrong thing. After an initial vomiting, it is a matter of holding one’s breath for several days.

This is life with Cammie. Periods of calm punctuated by dread. Each of my beasts has his or her own way of terrorising me, of shortening my life-span. They will eventually kill me, I’m sure. But not this week.

13 comments:

  1. This statement pretty much sums up what all cat 'owners' strive for: "There was no unwanted debris." You certainly have your hands full with your cat crew, but really, would you have it any other way?!? Other than, less 'debris'...

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  2. We sure hope Cammie is doing better with the tummy soon.

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  3. That's how I feel, mostly about Nicki--that he's shortening my lifespan.

    I hope there are no further "incidents" with Cammie, and that you do, indeed, survive the week...and beyond.

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  4. If I had a dime for each time I said "Cats will be the death of me," I'd be able to afford a garage crammed with Fancy Feast.

    Cammie looks quite content there. Here's hoping for an end to "episodes."

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  5. what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger, you should be more powerful than all the super hero's combined by now !!!

    cammie....we hope yur feelin aye oh kay soooper grate bye now...♥♥♥♥♥

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  6. Ahh...you're a typical cat parent, John. I think everyone who has a cat has stayed awake at night nursing a sick animal or has felt their life span has been shortened by their cat by at least 20 years. But then, we wouldn't have it any other way!

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  7. I am glad it was a oe off event. You need to go through a peaceful phase.

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  8. I think every care giver feels the same way. I do think though that you are doing such a good job of caring for your team. How lucky they are to have you looking after them and tending to their needs.

    Poor wee Cammie. Could you give her a pat from us.

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  9. I know that galvanizing effect the sound of vomiting can be...leaping from the bed. Admiral was my girl with that type of problem.

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  10. Do hope that this incident was just a one time thing. You both need a break. Hope your princess is on the mend!

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  11. Oh dear, I hope Cammie continues not to exhibit any further symptoms of a reaction. And I hope the stress doesn't take too many years off your life.

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  12. You have summed it up well. I feel as you do about my babies. I do hope Cammie continues to do well.

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  13. It is difficult to be carer for cats and more so when they have a difficult to treat condition. I feel that the stress is offset by the good feeling that comes from doing ones best for those who need us the most. Purrs for dear Cammie

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