Community Chat

[Topaz Gem]

Sciencegeek, this is not what I was hoping to read when I logged in today. I am so sorry to hear about Shamrock. Please accept my condolences.

[kittymomNC]

sciencegeek, I'm so sorry about your Shamrock.

Having a sick cat of my own right now and trying everything to get her to eat and keep up her weight, I surely understand what you've been going through. There are some great suggestions on here, some of which I haven't tried yet. My pantry and fridge are sort of half human, half cat, with all the things I'm trying for my baby.

Keep posting about Clover - I hope she continues to do well. There are so many wonderful, caring pet lovers here - it's been a blessing to me.

[sciencegeek_1]

Thank you all for your kind words.

Lolakimono, I really appreciate the info you took the time to add. A couple of things stand out, and help me a lot.

Clover did approach her brother's body a couple of times, sniffing him before walking away. So that ritual was observed without any intention, but I think it was helpful for her.

Also, there was one behavior change that I didn't think much about at the time. Clover usually hops up on the bed at night, wanders around saying her version of goodnight and then hops down. She wakes me in the morning by landing on top of me. But a couple of days before Shamrock died, she started sleeping with me--right on top of me. At the time, I thought she was just getting more comfortable in her new home. But now I think she sensed how sick Shamrock was and was reassuring herself that she's not alone. She snuggled in with me last night, too.

So far today, she's eating and running and playing with me as usual. She's taking a nap now in one of her favorite places.

I'll keep you all posted on how she's doing, and if there are more changes. It's nice to know you're all here to help. Thank you!

[okBlonde]

One thing I'd like to say is don't blame yourself for this. If anyone is to blame, it's the shelter for knowing he wasn't eating at all and not doing a darn thing about it. I'd let them know what happened; you would think a shelter would know better that cats will get fatty liver disease if they don't eat for that long. Hugs to you.

[lolakimono]

Sciencegeek,

Just checking in on Clover today...

I have a recommendation for a toy that she might like. My little one plays with it by herself, but sometimes her brother plays with it at the same time. I got it on Amazon. They loved it so much they practically flattened it the first day, but as a master duct taper, I was able to make it a bit more permanent.

It's called the Mouse Tales Cat Toy

It is a mouse house, and they love to play on both sides. Sometimes I play with her and coax the mouse out, but she likes it for independent play too.

[sciencegeek_1]

Clover is doing well. She's a little more clingy, and she has curled up in a couple of Shamrock's favorite places, probably because his scent is there. But she isn't hiding in depression, she's eating well, and hasn't developed any bad litter box habits, so I consider us lucky.

We just had a really active play session--she practically demolished the wand toy, so we switched to the laser dot, which she loves. She tired herself out, and is snoozing in a box I stategically placed so it would get a morning sunbeam.

I did cancel our Easter plans. I had intended to go to my parents' house, about 2 hours away, taking the cats on their first visit to grandma and grandpa. When Shamrock got sick, I was playing it by ear, trying to figure out which would upset them the most, going somewhere new, or staying home one night without me, or if I should go at all. Now I've decided not to interrupt Clover's routine with the trip and definitely not me leaving her alone.

Lolakimono, that toy is adorable. She hasn't shown any interest in the more common hidey hole toy at all, not even when I try to play with her. So I think I'll pass for now, but maybe later.

[spot555]

What a good cat mommy you are. Clover's a lucky kitty.

[denisemb]

On 4/16/2014 sciencegeek said:

Thank you all for your kind words.

Lolakimono, I really appreciate the info you took the time to add. A couple of things stand out, and help me a lot.

Clover did approach her brother's body a couple of times, sniffing him before walking away. So that ritual was observed without any intention, but I think it was helpful for her.

Also, there was one behavior change that I didn't think much about at the time. Clover usually hops up on the bed at night, wanders around saying her version of goodnight and then hops down. She wakes me in the morning by landing on top of me. But a couple of days before Shamrock died, she started sleeping with me--right on top of me. At the time, I thought she was just getting more comfortable in her new home. But now I think she sensed how sick Shamrock was and was reassuring herself that she's not alone. She snuggled in with me last night, too.

So far today, she's eating and running and playing with me as usual. She's taking a nap now in one of her favorite places.

I'll keep you all posted on how she's doing, and if there are more changes. It's nice to know you're all here to help. Thank you!

I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Your bolded statements were very similar to my experience with our two cats when the first passed away.

I'm happy you have Clover to help see you through this tough time!

[grandkidsrgreat]

Just catching up here and finally read your posts. So sorry for your loss. Can't help but think that Shamrock felt your love for him and, if it had been possible, would have loved to have stayed here to be your kitty. Thank you for trying so hard to give him a loving, forever home. Bless you and your sweet kitty Clover. May you have many happy, healthy years together.

[Cyndog]

I was avoiding checking in, but I did, hoping for good news. So sad to read this outcome. Very sorry.