Meezers.com Update

It's been over four years since my last post to introduce Boo Bambalam (AKA Little Black Kitten). After the death Patrick in 2009 I really lost interest in updating this blog. We then had to put Stanley to sleep due to illness and I didn't even bother with an update. Gato is getting older and having health issues but she still enjoys her days in the sun. Boo has grown up and thinks that she runs the house now. We also have a new edition to the family. Tony Cheeto, a beautiful orange classic Tabby, (reluctantly) moved in with us over a year ago.

The addition of Tony has been an interesting experience. I'll have to summarize the last 17 months in a future post. Unfortunately today we have a house divided, with Gato and Boo standing off against Tony. My boy Tony has his own bedroom and we have to swap him out with the girls every few hours so he can run around. Integration has been a long, slow process but we won't give up! One day we will all be together in the same room...

Napping in the sun

It's a beautiful, sunny day in Grayslake, and Gato hopped into the chair to make the most of it. She'd doing better lately and no longer howling in the morning. Stanley is doing well too. He's even using the litter pan more often. I think Stanley never really felt secure enough to use one while Patrick was around. He preferred to sneak down into the basement instead.

We took a drive into Wisconsin in the bus this morning, but didn't take Gato with us. I don't think she cared very much. It was a nice morning to nap in the sun.

Patrick is calm

We have spent most of the day sitting with Patrick. Actually, he came out this morning and sat near us. He napped in the sun and stretched out near us. He still isn’t eating, but I am glad he didn’t spend the day in the dark closet. Gato and Stanley spent some time with us as well. He seemed to perk up after he received the sub-q fluids this morning. We also cleaned him up so he wasn’t wet. I am sure that made him feel a little better.

We called our new vet earlier today and she will be coming by the house tomorrow evening. I’m having a hard time keeping my emotions under control, but I’m trying not to appear upset when I’m near Patrick. He seems calm today and I do not want to disturb him. I want his final days to be as quiet and peaceful as possible.

Patrick is resting

Patrick is downstairs, sleeping near me as I write this. He had a big day with family staying with us over the weekend. Patrick spent most of his day on a heating pad, with Gato nearby. Unfortunately, he hasn’t had much to eat today. He didn’t sleep with us last night and I bet he would stay downstairs tonight if I were to let him. I’ll probably have to carry him back upstairs to bed tonight.

Earlier in the week, Patrick began peeing where he sat. We thought he was getting weak and losing control of his bladder. Our home vet determined it was a bladder infection and prescribed antibiotics. After a couple days on the antibiotics, Patrick stopped having accidents. We wonder if the medicine is upsetting his stomach and keeping him from eating.

I am disappointed the prescription that the animal pharmacy provided was bubblegum flavored liquids for the antibiotics. I can’t believe there isn’t some other cat friendly flavor. Patrick takes the twice a day dose better than we expected. In fact, he has been the best patient for his daily sub-q fluids. He stays on his side without putting up much of a fight. The boy even kissed me on the nose a couple times while we held him still. So much for the “Caution” warning, he came with.

Gato and Stanley have been very kind to Patrick lately. No one has tried to take advantage of his weakness. I'm very proud of them. I don't think the three cats have ever spent this much time sitting near each other without fighting. Until last night, they had even been sleeping near each other in bed. I don't think has ever happened before. They are certainly watching over their big brother.

Patrick is out and about

A mobile vet stopped by this week, to check on Patrick. He has been doing better ever since. Patrick's appetite has increased and he didn’t sleep in the closet last night. WHISKAS® PURRFECTLY™ Fish and plain yogurt are his current favorites. It is still a little hard for him to walk. The stroke has taken away his balance. I hope that he’ll start getting some strength back in his hind legs. We have increased the sub-q fluids, so he’s getting it every 12 hours now. The vet is coming back out today for a second look. The biggest concern right now is that he hasn’t pooped in a few days. That is obviously painful and he is making unsuccessful attempts as using the litter pan. Overall, we’re very happy with the progress Patrick is making, although he still has a long way to go.

While Patrick has been recuperating, Stanley and Gato have become closer. Gato can tell Patrick is sick, and she has been keeping watch over him. I just think Gato can tell that Patrick isn’t ready to cuddle full-time yet, so she’s picking up the slack with Stanley. They’ve been spending a lot of time together. Gato needs a cuddle-buddy.

Meezer sun time

The kittens spent a lot of time in the sun today. Stanley sat by himself (like usual), while Patrick and Gato cuddled in the kitty bed. Patrick gave Gato a good grooming and cleared out her ears. He hasn't groomed himself in a while, so it was a welcome sight. The meezers have different personalities, but one thing is certain, they all love their time in the sun.

Breakfast time!

I woke up this morning thinking about Patrick. We got up and looked at his bed, expecting to find him, but Patrick wasn't in it. The search started and we looked all over, eventually finding him downstairs, waiting for his breakfast. He hasn't come down for breakfast in a few days. I think this is a sign that the fluids are working and he may be getting back to his old self, at least a little bit.

Patrick scarfed down his food and then turned his attention to Gato’s plate. We had to steer him back to his own plate a few times. Patrick is a habitual food bully, so I think this is another good sign his old personality is coming back. Stanley focused quietly on his food and ignored what was happening across the room.

Introducing Gato

Gato (AKA Supermercado Gato) came to our family in 1997, as a six week old, blue point Siamese kitten. From the start, she was a very dominant kitten and her personality has not changed. There's no question she's a Meezer! Over the years, we have spoiled Gato and she has no idea how rough the world can be. Unfortunately, some of our other cats have not been so lucky. Her roommates have come from various shelters in Texas and Illinois, most have sad stories to tell. Fortunately for them, the rest of their lives will be spent with us and their new sister Gato. We will do our best to give them all happy home.

This blog is dedicated to Gato and all of the cats that have lived with us along the way.