Protectors of Felines

When I got out of the car this evening, I almost burst into tears thinking of the death of Mouse.

After writing my entry on the 29th, I searched for a cat forum and found one at About Cats. Among the forums was one for "Support & Encouragement." I copied and pasted most of the journal entry into the forum.

Those who read and responded were very understanding. Among the notes was a reference to Rainbow Bridge.

Tuesday evening, I came home and immediately fed the kitties. But I noticed that one was missing. I ambled back to the bedroom, and he was on the bed looking very listless. I could tell he was sick. So I debated what to do and then called the emergency animal clinic. I bundled him up in a towel and got him into the car. By now, he was very upset and let me know it. As we drove, I picked him up and placed him in my lap and told hime everything was going to be ok.

The quickest way to the clinic is down the Interstate, but within a short distance I noticed that traffic was bumper to bumper, so I got off at the next exit. But the cross street was also bumper to bumper. As was the next street. Finally, I got to the clinic, bundled him tightly in the towel and rushed inside.

After the customary paperwork, I held him and wept. He seemed so fragile. Soon the doctor called us back. The doctor said it looked like he had a mild urinary infection. He gave the kitty an antibiotic shot and, I think, an injection of water. And said the fever should be gone within an hour. Oh, and he gave me some drops to give the kitty.

I managed to get the two of us home without an accident. Never was I so glad to see my house. I carried him inside, set him down and he headed directly for the food bowl.

Next morning, I tried to coax him into taking his drops. But that was a disaster. He ran all over the house, upset the other kitties, and sprayed the wall. But in one of his howls, I was able to slip the drops into his mouth. But I was a basket case. In the evening I tried again, by sneaking up on him, but I was only partially successfull.

Thursday morning, he ran and hid the first time I looked at him. In the evening, I decided to not even try. He was becoming so upset, I thought I might be making him worse.

Thankfully, for the last couple of days, things are more stable. He looks fine, as do the others. In fact, three are snoozing at the end of the couch. Another is curled up on the arm. And the fifth is surely on the bed.

Last year, Science magazine reported in Early Taming of the Cat in Cyprus that special relationahsip between humanity and felines may date back almost 10,000 years. Far earlier than previously thought.

I've often thought that somehow there is a balance to the functions of individuals in the world. Some are "meant" to be warriors, priests, kings, jesters, scribes, magi, poets, etc. Now to this grouping, I would add protectors of felines.

PAX!