Community Chat

[lolakimono]

Sciencegeek,

How is our lovely Clover today? Has she settled into new "routines?"

[sciencegeek_1]

Clover is doing really well. She's a bit clingier than before, but to be honest, I like clingy kitties.

She's always been playful, but has really stepped it up the past week or so. I'm thinking she's all settled in and used to me and not having Shamrock here.

In fact, I'm starting to wonder if she needs a playmate. Is it too soon to start looking for a new friend for her? How would I know?

Also, Clover was front declawed by her previous owner. If I do look for a new kitty friend to adopt, should I look for one that is front declawed like Clover? I want to be sure they'd be on even footing. Or does it even matter? Just another of my endless questions.

[Mama Mia]

On 4/15/2014 sciencegeek said:

Thank you all for your kind help and encouraging words.

Sadly, Shamrock died during the night. I know that fatty liver disease is very serious, but I was sooo hoping that syringe feeding him would get him through it.

Clover woke me up this morning as usual, herding me into the kitchen to feed her. She did her usual dance to get me to hurry up, and ate with her usual vigor. I discovered Shamrock a little later--she hadn't done anything to bring him to my attention. When I left to take Shamrock in for cremation, I expected to come home and find her withdrawn and hiding. But she was in her window seat, soaking up the sun. I've removed his litterbox, and she's since used hers normally. Now she's in her bed sleeping, all cute with her head upside down the way cats do when they're really comfy.

It's weird, because I thought animals knew these things? Do cats go into denial like humans? Or is she somehow hiding it in plain sight?

So now I have another question--what should I expect from her, and how do I help her with her brother's loss?

Sciencegeek, what a big loss for you, losing precious Shamrock in the night. My goodness, you just did everything in the world right for him, so I hope you realize this. I just feel he knew how much love you had for him. That sweet Clover seems to have really settled in to her home, and into your heart. I love hearing about her too.

Do cats go into denial? i don't really know, but they definitely can feel our emotions and come up and nuzzle and love us. When DH found Carmichael this morning and came in and told me, our furry girl, Gracie sat about two inches in front of me, and one of our dogs came right up on the bed with me too, so I know they feel it.

When of our dogs or cats had to make a vet visit, the others were all very concerned when they were gone. You could see their relief when the other came home.

It seems that Clover is dealing with Shamrock's death in a very healthy way to me, and I don't think you need to worry about her.You play with her a lot and I think she loves her new Mommy a lot. Just watch her as I know you are.

You're a sweetheart, i can tell. May God Bless you always Thank you for your love of kitties like we do. Again, I am so sorry for your loss of Shamrock. With love.

mm

[Topaz Gem]

On 5/4/2014 sciencegeek said:

Clover is doing really well. She's a bit clingier than before, but to be honest, I like clingy kitties.

She's always been playful, but has really stepped it up the past week or so. I'm thinking she's all settled in and used to me and not having Shamrock here.

In fact, I'm starting to wonder if she needs a playmate. Is it too soon to start looking for a new friend for her? How would I know?

Also, Clover was front declawed by her previous owner. If I do look for a new kitty friend to adopt, should I look for one that is front declawed like Clover? I want to be sure they'd be on even footing. Or does it even matter? Just another of my endless questions.

Not necessarily. Just look for one that is a real mushball and gets along with other kitties. The shelter will be able to identify one that will be purrfect. There may still be a bit of hissing and swiping the first several days, but that is normal. Eventually they will establish their own pecking order and all will be well.