Monday, February 24, 2020

The Matriarch

Though Cammie’s stroke has made her feel her age more than she otherwise would, fifteen years is not the end of a cat’s life. Indeed, Josie is a year older and doing quite well (knock on wood - or the melded fragments of wood-pulp that pass for it these days).

Josie is suffering from mild kidney issues, but nothing that isn’t connected to her advancing years. She has plenty of water-bowls from which to drink, but tends to yell at me if a bowl isn’t freshly filled for her consumption. I don’t mind.


She is active enough to climb cat-trees and steps, to get where she wants to go. She even jumps from time to time from the bed to the cat-tree by the window. It’s encouraging not only that she can accomplish this but that she feels confident enough to attempt it.


My Chubs is not really chubby any more. She continues to lose weight but, as of her last measurement, very gradually. My gratitude is great for her continued appetite. As a cat ages, there is always the danger that she will lose interest in food; that, thankfully, has not been the case with Josie. She does want food in between meals. I always give in to these demands (unless it’s only an hour until the regularly scheduled dinner or snack). Her stomach may not be following the routine, but if it wants filling, I am not about to refuse it, not at Josie’s age. I am also grateful that I can offer her something she likes; right now, it is Merrick’s ‘chicken divan’, though she will eat other foods.


The Great White became more demonstrably affectionate a few years ago, and now we have certain times together. She will periodically turn around on the saddle of the taller bedroom cat-tree and, instead of facing the window to look out, she will lie down toward me, and tell me she wants some face-rubs. As well, she has her place on the bed at night, on the near side by my shoulder. If she finds Renn already there (my big boy comes to bed when I do; Josie arrives later) as she sometimes does, she will squeeze in between and lie or squat still, and very uncomfortably. Renn usually moves; I sometimes urge him away, as he has his own spot on my other side.


Josie and I have been together for more than eleven years now. She will be sixteen this summer. Despite her seniority, she is in good health and seems happy with her life. Comfy places to lie, a spot on the bed at night; water whenever she wants it - even if it isn’t always as fresh as she likes - and plenty of tasty food; even a short excursion out into the exciting corridor beyond the apartment’s front door: Josie doesn’t demand much, and enjoys what she has. I hope it is enough to make her happy, because she makes me happy.

18 comments:

  1. I'm quite sure that Josie couldn't possibly have a better forever home, and it seems that she's very happy, in her cat-way. I hope she has at least several more years of good (or easily manageable) health with you!

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  2. Josie; we could all hope to look as gorgeous at 16 !! though I can't agree on the ingredients in your favorite food; I am happy you're appetite is strong; might I suggest a nice; oh.. salmon, trout, cod or tuna for a meal sometime, not that I haven't been forced to eat BURD myself at some point, like just last night but here I am rambling ~~~~~~~~~ I hope your day is FABulous...hugs from dai$y =^..*= ♥♥

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    1. Daisy, I think you'll be glad to know that another of Josie's favoured meals is Fancy Feast's ocean whitefish and tuna...

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  3. Josie aging catches up with all of us, glad you are doing so well!

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  4. Josie, you are such a pretty kitty, and it's good to know that you've got your routine, and seem to have a terrific thing going on.

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  5. She's a beautiful girl, and doesn't look like a "senior" at all!

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  6. Josie really is such a pretty girl and she deserves the happy she has found with you.

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  7. I love looking online at all the adventurous cats that travel on bikes, or hike through forests, but best of all your cats who seem perfectly content living the quiet life. Good on Miss Josie for being such a calm senior girl.

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  8. Josie looks terrific, and I'm so glad to hear that she is in good heath. No doubt that's do to the great care you've given her over the years.

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  9. Bless!x Lovely story..happy story..!
    HeHe! Still made me cry..! :o).

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  10. Josie is looking great, and of course at her age has earned the right to have an extra meal if she wants it.

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  11. Josie is a lovely girl with a sweet expression and I am happy that SHE is happy and content with her life. The knowledge that our little ones are content...happy...and enjoying their days, for me, makes the days better. Not a lot more will make me smile more than the days going well with them- contented and enjoying their lives with us.

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  12. 11 years with Josie! How wonderful for both of you. She looks great
    and has no serious health issues on her right now. I think maybe
    Precious will have to be older to loose weight. But I wish she
    was thinner now while young. Aging on a cat can be unpleasant.

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  13. It is such a joy to have a cat decide to be a part of your life and to lay with you at night. Our crew all have their own spots and it is a part of the normal order of life with cats. May you have many more good seasons together

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  14. Sweet girl! Isn't it funny how they know where their spot is at night? Neither Sasha nor Saku will sleep where Sami once did. They have their own place.

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  15. She is so beautiful! It's amazing how they all know their own spots and use them. Cats are such a comfort. I wish that I had cats earlier in my life. I love my dogs but love the independence of the cats personality!

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