Cat Saturday: Cat Naps, Coughs & Elephants
Photo quote de jour
Feral Domino graces our photo quote de jour. He's doing well, enjoying his heated lair and gallivanting, with no interest to come indoors. We really tried, but the call of the wild speaks more loudly to him. Recently, he found a stray bush of catnip in the herb garden and enjoyed a very relaxing ahem afternoon.
NEWS & MEWS
What a week! Foster kitties Odin and Gris Gris have adjusted well, to put it mildly.
It's hard to believe that just two weeks ago, old Gris Gris AKA Shadow looked like this at the fine shelter Cat Assistance NY Skittish and skinny, he was dying to get into a larger space. It looks like his foster home with us will be a permanent one.
His rough coat is turning silky and he's filling out nicely. He and one-eyed Odin are fast friends.
They often nap together, wrestle like WWF pros and gallop as loud as a herd of elephants. If you're hesitant to adopt a senior cat, think again. Gris Gris is twelve but acts like twelve months. Nimble and playful, he's as kittenish as Odin and doesn't seem to mind he only has one tooth. Unlike the sucky cuddle monster Odin, Gris is more reserved. He enjoys being petted but (thus far) hates being picked up and forget about lap sitting (for now).
Odin is a non-stop cuteness carnival; eating, playing, napping, exploring and learning at full tilt. He's everywhere and I mean everywhere. The eyes in the back of my head get constant use. He'll hop into the dishwasher, refrigerator, bathtub with me in it, crawl under, over and into nooks and crannies I didn't know existed. Every object is a toy, a predator to be vanquished and when he's done, he goes limp in my arms for a purr fest. Thankfully he's mouse quiet all night in the safety of his room.
Now, for the not so good news. Last Saturday, Merlin (seen here graciously sharing the primo window spot with Odin) fell very ill with a URI, possible tonsillitis including a fever. He started antibiotics, responded and his vet, the A+ Mobile Vet Squad arrived Monday morning to check him out. He rallied, then fell into a roller coaster of ups and downs, constant monitoring, coddling, hand feeding, Reiki, rescue remedy and continued antibiotics. When he's ill, he won't sleep in my arms or purr. For one week, I could count the purrs on one hand and my arms remain empty. He's only felt well enough for a few of our under the covers snuggles. The other cats are sweet but there's only one Merlin. To complicate matters, I've suffered similar fluey symptoms for over a week making me feel like something the cat dragged in. Please send healing energy or prayers.
During a respite of 24/7 under the duvet sleeping, Merlin demonstrated his hospitality with his house guests (as we are calling them). It's beyond weird seeing new cats sitting in the same spots where Merlin and Coco used to commune at. It reminds me that the only constant in life is change.
I'll be attending a cat writers conference and cat show next week but Cat Saturday will be posted, hopefully with all GOOD NEWS. Until then, love a cat or two, or three...
Feral Domino graces our photo quote de jour. He's doing well, enjoying his heated lair and gallivanting, with no interest to come indoors. We really tried, but the call of the wild speaks more loudly to him. Recently, he found a stray bush of catnip in the herb garden and enjoyed a very relaxing ahem afternoon.
NEWS & MEWS
What a week! Foster kitties Odin and Gris Gris have adjusted well, to put it mildly.
It's hard to believe that just two weeks ago, old Gris Gris AKA Shadow looked like this at the fine shelter Cat Assistance NY Skittish and skinny, he was dying to get into a larger space. It looks like his foster home with us will be a permanent one.
His rough coat is turning silky and he's filling out nicely. He and one-eyed Odin are fast friends.
They often nap together, wrestle like WWF pros and gallop as loud as a herd of elephants. If you're hesitant to adopt a senior cat, think again. Gris Gris is twelve but acts like twelve months. Nimble and playful, he's as kittenish as Odin and doesn't seem to mind he only has one tooth. Unlike the sucky cuddle monster Odin, Gris is more reserved. He enjoys being petted but (thus far) hates being picked up and forget about lap sitting (for now).
Odin is a non-stop cuteness carnival; eating, playing, napping, exploring and learning at full tilt. He's everywhere and I mean everywhere. The eyes in the back of my head get constant use. He'll hop into the dishwasher, refrigerator, bathtub with me in it, crawl under, over and into nooks and crannies I didn't know existed. Every object is a toy, a predator to be vanquished and when he's done, he goes limp in my arms for a purr fest. Thankfully he's mouse quiet all night in the safety of his room.
Now, for the not so good news. Last Saturday, Merlin (seen here graciously sharing the primo window spot with Odin) fell very ill with a URI, possible tonsillitis including a fever. He started antibiotics, responded and his vet, the A+ Mobile Vet Squad arrived Monday morning to check him out. He rallied, then fell into a roller coaster of ups and downs, constant monitoring, coddling, hand feeding, Reiki, rescue remedy and continued antibiotics. When he's ill, he won't sleep in my arms or purr. For one week, I could count the purrs on one hand and my arms remain empty. He's only felt well enough for a few of our under the covers snuggles. The other cats are sweet but there's only one Merlin. To complicate matters, I've suffered similar fluey symptoms for over a week making me feel like something the cat dragged in. Please send healing energy or prayers.
During a respite of 24/7 under the duvet sleeping, Merlin demonstrated his hospitality with his house guests (as we are calling them). It's beyond weird seeing new cats sitting in the same spots where Merlin and Coco used to commune at. It reminds me that the only constant in life is change.
I'll be attending a cat writers conference and cat show next week but Cat Saturday will be posted, hopefully with all GOOD NEWS. Until then, love a cat or two, or three...
Posted by Layla Morgan Wilde at 11/13/2010 7:01 AM 
Categories: Cats, Westchester County, Spirituality
Tags: cat writers conference
Categories: Cats, Westchester County, Spirituality
Tags: cat writers conference
Sorry to hear that you and Merlin haven't been feeling well. Sending lots of purrs to help you both get better. Some positive thoughts too.
Gris Gris sure does look better. Glad you are thinking about keeping him.
The antics of Odin sound hysterical. He made you smile didn't he.
Take care and both of you get well.
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Marg, thanks and yes, smiles help heal.
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I'm so sorry to hear Merlin is sick. Sounds like maybe one of your new house guests (and you really need to stop calling them that!) brought a little housewarming present from the shelter with them. Sending Reiki and healing purrs to Merlin.
The transformation in Gris Gris is stunning. And the photo of Domino on a catnip high is hysterical.
I can't wait to see you next week!
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Ingrid, the vet said, it's not uncommon for cats to get sick when new cats are introduced. They very well might have brought something since they were at the vet's the day before arriving here. Can't wait to see you at the conference!
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Your cat posts always make me smile so much. I'm so glad Odin and Gris-Gris have found so much love in your house. I'm concerned about Merlin too. I get panicky whenever a baby of mine gets sick. And Domino just makes me smile to see his rough and tough look with a loving heart under all his bravado. A Cat writing conference? Oh, I want to go and can't wait to hear all about it. Sending love to you and babies, and I hope you and Merlin recover quickly! I think kitties help us so much with their healing love.
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Thanks so much!
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I love the ongoing story of the cats adjusting to the new surroundings. Thank you for sharing it and the wonderful pictures of the cats.
Blessings, Frank
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Thanks, Frank!
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Hugs and prayers to Merlin, who I'm certain will be better soon. Really great that Odin and Gris Gris have taken to the new digs and to all the cats. I think you've got a great house going there.
They are all so cute. Have fun at the show.
Did the catnip grow wild or did you plant it?
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Thanks, Kathryn, hopefully Merlin's flu will run its course. It's a regular rodeo of laugh with kitties. The catnip was planted originally a few years back.
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Lots of healing purrs and Light to Merlin and to you from us! Is it only a couple of weeks that Gris Gris and Odin have been with you? Somehow it seems longer. They both look terrific, are blossoming under your care, and that shot of Domino is fabulous.
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Thanks so much. I know, it does feel longer than two weeks.
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Layla-sounds like you hit a home run with your two new house friends. I can already sense the joy they're bringing into your life. Hope by the time I finish typing this, you and Merlin will be well and up and around again.
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Thanks, we're getting there...
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I thought of you, Merlin, Gris-Gris and Odin as I dropped off blankets and towels at the local Humane Society Shelter today. Three cats languished in the front office, not looking at all well. Only one was able to reach out a paw to my finger. I am sending you all lots of strong healing energy.
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Pat, thanks, this is much appreciated. Merlin's vet stopped by today to rehydrate him and give new antibiotics.
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