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 smells a little better now

Patrick went to the vet yesterday to get cleaned up. He was a little dirty and starting to smell bad. He just hasn't been able to clean himself in a while. Patrick is still having a problem using the litter pan, and has been leaving a mess everywhere he sits. Now that our buddy has been cleaned up, we need to wipe him a couple times a day to keep him clean. It's not a pretty sight, but I'd do anything for my Patrick. I hope this is making him more comfortable.

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.