Friday, June 5, 2020

After the Leveller Visits

Neville’s enlargement of his world continues. I won’t repeat what I’ve already described about his explorations, though I will mention that each night, about ten o’clock, he has jumped on to the bed and lie there, purring and flexing his paws, happy at his new surroundings. This of course pleases me.

I had written earlier that Nevsky’s newly expanded horizons coincided with Raleigh’s passing, and that the newest boy probably thinks that now he is free to spend the time with me that Peachy took up in the past. I think that is accurate. But in speaking with an acquaintance about the Nev, I told her that he is now spending a great deal of time on the bed, both during the day and the night, and she responded that it must be because Cammie is no longer spending her time in the bedroom.

This is true, of course, but I hadn’t thought of its effect on Neville. The other three, having known Cammie a long time and lived with her before her blindness, had no reluctance in coming into the bedroom whenever they could. I often had to evict Josie, and sometimes Renn, from the room before going to work, so I could sequester Cammie there for the day. Neville’s trips into the bedroom had been furtive, and he ran out again if noticed. Now, he boldly jumps up on to the bed, rolls about, stretches and snoozes.

My princess is gone. She had priority, on the basis of seniority and disability. Now, however, it’s time for other cats to stake their claims, and on a basis of more or less equality. Death is indeed the great leveller, but it can level things for those who remain, as well as for those who go on ahead.

27 comments:

  1. dood....big time awwwwz heer buddy....N joy yur new found snooze place; we bet cammie iz happee ta noe her spot iz bee in used... in her honor ~~~~~~~~~ ☺☺♥♥

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  2. It’s hard to know what to say. I’m happy Neville is coming into his own, but it’s just so sad that it took your losses to help that along.

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    1. It's the natural way of things, I suppose, and nature doesn't pause long for sentiment.

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  3. It sure looks like Neville has taken over your bed, John. Oh, look at that sweet face. Just like at my house - the cats take up most of the bed, and I'm left with a tiny corner.

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    1. At night, there are sometimes four on there. Do all of yours sleep on the bed?

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    2. Cassi, Joey, and Willow usually sleep on the bed, and sometimes they will be joined by Alex. Danni sleeps under the bed.

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  4. We do understand that, the new dynamics are always surprising but they work out one way or another!

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    1. They do work out, no matter how much we may want some things to stay the same.

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  5. May I pet that Nevsky belly? He looks so chillaxed...

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    1. He likes having his chest rubbed - until he decides he doesn't, then watch out.

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  6. He looks so relaxed and comfortable—so happy for Neville ❤️

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  7. Sounds as though there ALL readjusting
    to their lives and change..! Things of
    course have changed for them, as well
    as you John..And! It's All coming together
    nicely by the sounds of things..there ALL
    putting their best foot..sorry..paws forward!
    And..Neville is certainly coming out of himself,
    Bless him..!x

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    1. I'm sorry it took Cammie and Raleigh's deaths to bring Neville out of himself, but that seems to be how it is with many multi-cat households.

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  8. Nev looks so relaxed and happy with his feet curled. I am glad he feels confident to spend his time there.

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    1. Yes, he's decided that he is able to do much more now.

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  9. OH he looks SO happy and comfy and just blissful!!!!

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    1. Last night, I fell asleep to Nev purring - and this during a thunderstorm.

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  10. Neville certainly looks like he is where he wants to be, the bed!
    Maybe he was used to that previously, and with Cammie there he needed
    to stay away. You'll never forget the pleasure of Cammie resting on
    the bed, or of Raleigh trying to get comfort from you and the other
    cats, but it is wonderful that you do not have an empty home because
    of their passing.

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    1. He may have had that in a previous home, though I wonder how much attention he may have gotten in any former home. In any case, he is more receptive to it now.

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  11. My sadness to you on the loss of your Princess. Ayla is MY Princess and she turns 13 this month, so I know what is coming.

    I undertand what you mean about cat-dynamics, and how things change when one leaves. While we all wish it didn't have to happen, it is a bit fascinating to watch. Iza was the primary lap cat. Now Ayla is on my lap more often. Marley is surprised to have another cat eating with him in the kitchen. Laz (Lapis Lazuli) the new younger cat sometimes even wants to share bowls

    Marley is a laid-back cat and accepts this. But this is changing somewhat in the house. We share observing changes..,

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    1. It is indeed fascinating to observe. I note as well, now that Cammie and Raleigh are gone and, perhaps, that those losses have cemented Neville's place, Tucker is less antagonistic to Nev.

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  12. I am coming back to see what others have said and if you responded. Fascinating to me reading the dynamics in all the homes of cat parents who have responded. As only ever having a single cat in my home at a time, it is all a learning experience for me.

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    1. No matter how many cats one has, it's always a learning experience, I find, probably because each cat is such an individual.

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  13. It is truly sad that Neville only now can relax, but Cammie had a presence, that was clear. I'm just happy that he has found his place...and it seems to be much of the bed. :)

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  14. Our house is settling out after Buddy Budds passing and it does take cats some time to process things. Toby is the needy one at the moment that has caused some problem but we will work it out. Love that photo of a very relaxed Neville

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