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Nothing cheers you up after the loss of a beloved cat quite like – another cat.
Especially a goofy boy like Little Man.
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Grant belatedly thinks we should have called him Jack and to me he is still Longfellow…
Jack Longfellow.
But he responds to Little Man, so why change it?
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Recently Little Man decided he needs to supervise my ablutions. He escorts me to the bathroom then sits on my clothing while I shower.
He also helps me brush my teeth by clambering over my shoulders, down my back and around my waist. I have a network of scratches across my torso.
Little Man’s scratches are minor things. I’ve carried actual scars from cat interaction since I was a small child. And I have one badly mangled finger as a souvenir.
Treasured souvenirs.
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All my own fault, I should point out.
Perhaps not the scars left by Mohammed. He latched onto an arm as I lay on the floor exercising, I’m not sure why. He was large and strong and did damaging bunny-kicks.
When I protested rather strongly, he let go. It was as if he came out of a trance and he looked mortified – inasmuch as a cat can.
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What Little Man really likes is for me to sit on the throne. Then he clamours to be picked up and cuddled, something he doesn’t do when we are sitting in a chair or on the sofa.
But he always ends up on the right shoulder, nuzzling against my head.
He is a therapy cat.
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We stopped by the veterinary clinic to drop off what remained of Muffin’s thyroid medication in case anyone can use it. I sat in the car, but soon Grant was waving at me to go in.
Sam, who is one of the vet-techs, had her latest foster-cat with her as it still needs constant care.
A farmer had brought the kitten in for advice and when the necessity of frequent feeding was explained to him, he looked overwhelmed, so Sam agreed to add to her already impressive list of dependents.
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It is a delight to watch Sam with animals.
She is one of those people they respond to as if recognising a kindred spirit.
Sam has a heart of gold and we are lucky to know her.
Indeed, the entire staff of Cambridge Valley Veterinary Clinic is wonderful and we are very fortunate to have them so nearby.
Jon Katz’ photo of Asteroid is much better than mine.
Big name for this 5-week-old scrap.
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Back at home, it was time to offer Sophia another meal.
She is not as demanding as poor little Muffin, but she is terribly thin and never refuses food.
With Tinkerbelle’s passing, Sophia found the confidence to venture out and join the rest of us.
These days she may be seen playing…
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A thick rubber band is her favourite toy.
Is is such a joy to see this 18-year-old cat playing like a kitten.
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My Willow is confused.
When it became obvious that Muffin must eat constantly, I tried discreet dawn feeding, with a hasty retreat to bed for another forty winks.
But Sophia was always awake, so I fed her as well.
And how long was I going to keep that a secret?
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When Muffin lost her voice, Willow kindly stepped in to do the dawn wake-up call and turning off a cat alarm is more complicated than a clock.
Sophia needs to eat but she does not need breakfast at a quarter to five and I don’t really want to rise at that hour if I don’t have to.
Muffin’s wake-up call was demanding.
Willow’s is pitiful.
Which is just as effective, but I’m being hard-hearted.
For now.
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Nice to be the first to like, Carolyn, and I like this post a lot! Little Man in his joyful position is a treat,, as are all other cat stories, and the girl with a heart of gold, Sam! You are being truly spoilt by Little Man, but than you are spoiling everyone else too! Thank you!
Joanna
Good to see such an old cat playing. They are funny with toys, you can get them an expensive cat toy, and they play with a rubber band or a ribbon instead. The tiny kitten looked happy with the Vet nurse.
Best wishes, Pete.
Now, let’s see how long you can hold out!
Both my Siberian Husky and mini Golden Doodle have more than one name and they respond to all of them! I am sorry about your loss of Muffin. I have been through that more than once and it never gets easier. Take care.
No, it doesn’t! Thank you.
awww –
On our last cat. She’s a short timer, but hanging on. Keep her comfortable, feed her what she likes. When she’s gone I’ll never see another litter box.
It’s late, but I want to say how sorry I am about your loss of precious Muffin. I read the news earlier, but had an appointment and didn’t have time to comment right then. I know how real the pain is, but her passing couldn’t have been more perfect and peaceful. I think if Muffin could have chosen it, this would have been the way she wanted it to happen. Gentle thoughts for you, Carolyn and Grant.
Thank you so much. Yes, I’m glad she could do it in peace. She was a dear little soul.
So sorry to hear about Muffin, she was so adorable. I’ll have to read back on your posts.
Little Man is very cute, as is the kitten – this is coming from a dog lover.
It’s lovely to see how Sophia, in her senior years, enjoys playing with something as simple as a rubber band! Little Man was sent to you especially for days like this when there is a sadness in your heart due to the loss of another cat. And I just love that little kitten (for a moment I thought you were going to foster this little one 😻).