Cats
Remembering Copper
Wednesday 28 March, 2007
We recieved a card through the mail today from our veterinary practice, following Copper's death. I though I was pretty together but the verse in it just broke me up. It's by Isla Paschal Richardson:
...Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me,
as if I were beside you...
I loved you so -
'twas Heaven here with you.
Copper
Thursday 15 March, 2007
Today we said "goodbye" to our wee tortie cat, Copper. At close to her 18th birthday, she'd had a good long life and she was so poorly that the decision wasn't hard to make, in the end.
Copper came to live with us three years ago, as a companion for our old cat, Homer. She was a real character - a real "little madam" and I'm sure she must have been a real fiesty youngster. Although she was quite a big cat (a 5kg cat in a 6.5kg body!), she had tiny paws and bustled about - she was a very busy cat, with an agenda to stick to. Like many females, she was quite vocal and was very good at letting you know exactly what you were required to do. Because she didn't go out much latterly, her claws were quite long , and we would hear her tippy tapping on the wooden floor, through to our bedroom in the early morning for a quick cuddle. Because she wasn't able to jump up on to our bed, she would scratch the bedside cabinet and call loudly to be lifted up. Actually, she probably could jump up, but why bother when you have well-trained humans to do the lifting!
Bad news about Cassius
Saturday 10 February, 2007
We've had some bad news about our big cat, Cassius, this week.
He's been off colour so I took him to the vet on Tuesday. He had a canine tooth removed about a year ago. It was very deep rooted and we've never been able to get the site clear of infection, despite several "flushes" and courses of antibiotics. We've now been told that he has a tumour on the site. It is likely to be quite aggressive, so we have resigned ourselves to parting with Cassius in the not too distant future. He has lost a lot of weight and is on anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drugs now. We will keep him as long as he seems well - as soon as he starts to deteriorate, we will bid him goodbye.
Copper
Saturday 30 December, 2006
Regular visitors will know that our old tortie cat, Copper, was diagnosed with kidney failure a few months ago. She's now on medication and a special diet and has taken on a new lease of life.
She is such a character. She and Felix get along fine except today he patted her bottom from behind, with his paw. That's like "goosing" your granny. Boy, did he get a telling off!
She's a very vocal cat and calls to you from her room to come and play. To let you understand, when we got Homer, we needed to keep him in an enclosed space so he lived in the guest bedroom. When we got Copper, she kind of moved in with him and it's now Copper's room. I expect it will always be Copper's room, even after she's long gone.
Famous Five
Sunday 3 December, 2006
It's not very often that we see both dogs and all three cats together, but the open fire is a terrific draw. Dan caught them all together a few nights ago.
From left to right, Tess, Felix, Copper, Meg, with Cassius in front, in the prime position. If we had smellivision, you would be able to detect the scent of singed cat!
Copper's home
Tuesday 10 October, 2006
Thanks to those who sent us their support. It must have worked because Copper came home tonight, back, apparently, to normal! I can't tell you how relieved and delighted we are.
It is true that her kidneys are failing but she seems to have had an infection that made her poorly, so she has antibiotics plus medication and special food to help her kidneys function better. She goes back to the vet next week for a check-up and more blood tests.
The dogs seemed really pleased to see her - Meg was nearly in the cat box with her and Tess has been following her around all evening, which gives Felix, the usual recipient of Tess's attentions, a break. Cass, in his usual style, "welcomed" her home by trapping her in a corner and holding her there with a hard stare.
Tempting fate - Copper
Monday 9 October, 2006
Only a few days ago, I posted a diary entry saying how great Copper was doing for an 18 year old cat. I must have tempted fate.
Dan and I were away for the weekend and when we returned on Sunday afternoon, it was clear all was not well. Copper was endlessly drinking and weeing on the floor. She was fine on Saturday. I took her to the veterinary hospital immediately and she's still in.
It looks like her kidneys are failing. At the moment, the vets are still carrying out tests and trying to stabilise her. She's on a drip and not in pain - in fact, when I phoned to night for an update, the nurse said she was quite chirpy and displaying some "attitude"!
Copper
Monday 2 October, 2006
Copper, our tortoiseshell cat, has just been for her annual check to the vet. At eighteen, she's quite an old lady now but is good value. In fact, she's probably healthier that either Cassius or Felix.
We changed their diet a few months ago - they now get one tin of Whiskas between the three of them each day plus Hill's Science plan Senior Lite dried food. The good news is that Copper has lost 1.2kg since her check-up last year. When I took her last year, she was 6.95kg - I pointed out to the vet that she WAS a big cat to whcih he laughed and said she was a 5kg cat with add-ons. However, he felt, as I did, that dieting her at 17 was not the right thing to do. So it's good news that she's shed a bit of weight over the year.
Cassius, the hero
Sunday 2 July, 2006
A couple of days ago, I entered the kitchen to find Cassius, our big, black cat, on the cooker hood. I called Dan - I'd never seen him on there before - it's stainless steel and sloping, so it's not the easiest surface to stay on.
A quick investigation by Dan revealed a baby sparrow trapped in the hood. Al animals were sent from the kitchen while the rescue was completed. After a few minutes on the windowsill, the wee bird flew off.
I rewarded Cassius with a little saucer of cream, even though Dan suggested that Cass's rescue might not have been entirely philanthropic...
Felix gets stuck
Saturday 1 April, 2006
in the wardrobe. It was only a matter of time before this happened, he's so nosey. When I arrived home from work yesterday, there was no sign of Felix. All other pets were accounted for, but not he.
I shouted for him and heard a faint and pathetic mewing, which turned out to be coming from the wardrobe. He was awful pleased to see me, since he must have been in there since morning.
He'd made himself a nice bed by pulling most of the clothes off the hangers, but hadn't folded them first, so they had to be washed and ironed again. He must have known how much I enjoy ironing (not). Fortunately, he didn't need to "go" while he was stuck, so that was a blessing.
