Tangled Mind

Today I have mostly been fretting about ozymandias_cat, who has had a leisure break at the v-e-t due to constipation and being Not Himself. Vet was concerned about his laboured breathing, but I suspect this was stress -- it was very busy, vet was running an hour late and there were babies and frantic kitties and a Great Dane. Oz explained in great detail what he was going to do to each of them once he got out of his basket. He is not a timid patient.

Anyway, nothing showed up on blood tests, and naturally his appetite and bounce returned as soon as he had an audience. He is home now (they wanted to keep him in overnight, but I was plaintive, so he's back here on special luxury diet and strict instructions not to go out): back to v-e-t tomorrow afternoon.

Nearly had fresh cyclist to go with gooshy food, as someone decided to overtake me on the right, turning left, at a roundabout where I was going straight on. (No signalling from either party, but then *I* wasn't turning ...)

Anyway, we are going to have a quiet night in, perusing the Petplan website.

As cat-owners know, a cat in need of examination will sprout many extra limbs. Luckily, I was able to call upon the Extra Limbs of Caro, and between us we got a good look at the affected area: definite limp but no sign of swelling, heat, breakage, broken claws, foreign objects in paw etc.

Oz is still limping today -- though not as much as he was limping yesterday when he had an Audience. It's no worse, though, so am inclined to leave vet-trip until it deteriorates, or if he's still limping by end of week.

It is two years today since Oz came to Rustat Rd.

1. Why am I perched on the edge of my chair, in a way that cannot be good for my posture?
2. Why does my scalp bleed when I shampoo?
3. Why am I unable to sleep through the night?
4. Why is watching TV on the laptop, in bed, not an option?

Clue: see icon for Occam's Razor solution to all the above.

ozymandias_cat is stalking things that aren't there I can't see. Several different things. In different parts of the room. He is quite nervous about them all, poor kitty.

Sorting through chest of drawers: I can just about work out why there's a (used) Felimazole pill in there (legacy of my darling Sam-cat, though I have moved house since his demise) but why o why is my underwear drawer scented with a sachet of catnip?

Ozy is not generally a lap-cat, but today he decided he'd like to sit on my lap (purring like mad and being stroked). I had my legs braced against the bed so he wouldn't slide off. And now my knees are hurting from his GREAT WEIGHT.

Ozymandias, ever-so-stable and sociable rescue cat, reveals OTHER SIDE.

Something alarmed him last night -- possibly the alarming seagull feather I brought back from the beach for him -- and since then he's been neurotic and panicky. It's not playfulness: he's really scared of (for example) the cord of my dressing-gown, a hummock in the rug, a cup of coffee. One tentative paw then fast retreat. He spent most of the night in the bathroom, huddled in the corner. Poor kitty!

Seems a bit calmer this morning, though still very nervy. Perhaps the Blue Cross brainwash is wearing off ...

interweb going OFF now so no replies til later

Had nice evening out with (initially) childeric, then dinner with ladymoonray, zoo_music_girl and easterbunny: we dined at the Bustaurant, which was extremely good though yes, I can get slightly travel-sick in a non-moving bus!

This is the first time I've come home to this flat after a night out and not been met at the door by an indignant cat.

Luckily, it's also nearly the last.

It's all over, including the vet bill.

Thanks to everyone for kind thoughts and good wishes. I know it was the right thing to do, but it still hurts.

Going to de-cat the flat now: won't be online again until tomorrow lunchtime.

Vet called. Kidney failure, anaemia, high white blood cell count, possible cancer, maybe meningitis.

With extensive (and expensive) treatment, inc. 48 hours hospitalisation, she might last a few more months. But she could go at any time, and her quality of life is unlikely to improve very much.

I don't think I can put her (or me) through that. Final vet trip 10:30 tomorrow. Until then, quality time on sofa.