Norah has always been the quiet kitty, the somewhat timid and skittish one who didn't demand a lot of attention. I have to admit there are different things I say to the different cats, based on their personalities and traits. With Norah I have always used a gentle tone of voice and always tell her what a pretty girl she is. She's my full figured kitty and I relate to that - so you know, I always wanted her to know how beautiful she is. Are cat people crazy? I contend they are no crazier than dog people. Well .. er .. as long as they don't have like .. 17 cats. But I'm betting that the things any of us say to our pets when we are alone with them would sound crazy to anyone else.
This isn't a eulogy, but Norah is still at the clinic. The docs removed her IV today for a little while so we could see if her back legs were working any better. Cats are funny. You put a harness on them and they fall over as if you've killed them right there. So with the IV in Norah's front leg, she wasn't trying to walk at all. Without the IV she was walking a bit, walking and sitting down, walking and sitting down, and sometimes sort of looking like a seal moving across the ice. I don't have a clue what you would call that kind of movement. Not exactly scooting .. . Cute actually, but pretty ineffective.
Her numbers are a little better is some ways and not in others. We are weighing everything but the bottom line is looming, will I even be able to take her home? She isn't using the litter box and we don't know if it's her lack of mobility or if she doesn't have control, she has been eating a bit but the food doesn't seem to be moving out of her stomach. I am afraid she's not doing well.
When I went to see her today she was so happy and full of purrs and snuggles and wanted to be close and mark me as hers over and over. Her personality is there but her body isn't working right. I've never had to consider putting an animal down, and I am so hoping it doesn't come to that. Norah is built for comfort not for speed, but right now she's got neither. It's just so strange how everything seems to have come together for a perfect storm for her, if one thing gets better but another doesn't .. is it enough? I don't know. But we're giving her the best chance we can.
.
Her numbers are a little better is some ways and not in others. We are weighing everything but the bottom line is looming, will I even be able to take her home? She isn't using the litter box and we don't know if it's her lack of mobility or if she doesn't have control, she has been eating a bit but the food doesn't seem to be moving out of her stomach. I am afraid she's not doing well. 
My heart aches for both of you! I have had to make that call a number of times, and it never gets any easier. Be good to yourself, listen to the Vet AND your own heart...it is definately tough stuff. Hugely tough stuff. I will be thinking of you both. Hugs for you and little gentle under chin scratches for Norah.
ReplyDeleteOh Lavender, I SO do not want to make that choice. If it has to happen I wish nature would just take it's course. Still, while I tend to be emotional, I need to be able to be logical and practical as well. Just don't wanna!
DeleteIt is hard to do, I have had to do it a couple of times and it never gets any easier. But you have to put your emotions aside and think of what is in the best interest of Norah. That is the best way to show her how much you love and care about her. She has been a good friend to you all these years, now you can help her when she really needs you too.Good luck, and I so hope everything works out for the best for everyone.
ReplyDeleteNever had to make the choice. Thankfully with Norah it's not here now, but her future is uncertain.
DeleteBetteJo you have had a number of bad days and putting this up on top of it doesn't make matters any better. We can only hope Norah will be better soon. The fact that she was happy to see you was a good thing. I hope with each day comes some good news, I wish you luck my friend and all the best for Norah. Do take care
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to look at it as - yeah I wrecked my car but I wasn't hurt. Norah has been sick but she's home now!
DeleteThanks Lady B. :)
ReplyDelete