We Both Survived The Weekend

 Lukas and I had a not-so-great weekend. He was still learning his way and had three soiling accidents-one in his box bed which soiled his blankets, another less than a foot away from his litter box in the bedroom and a third in his favorite chair in the sitting room. As his devoted servant, I cleaned. cleared and washed, hoping the Nature's Miracle enzymatic cleaner would do its job which apparently it has as there is no lingering odor anywhere. He did well getting his fluids and the vet knows to call regarding this situation.

Early this morning, before day break, Lukas went to his litter box, water bowl and out to the sitting room where his box bed is located without incident, so I hope the worst of this learning curve is behind both of us. He ate well at breakfast and took his medication from my hand. He purrs and licks me when I take him in my lap most of the time though his back legs are apparently a bit painful and his pet sitter who is a vet nurse suggested I watch how he's positioned as that may have been why he growled the other day.

Through my recent reading and observation, I was initially concerned about cognitive decline but Lukas's ability to locate and properly use his litter box, find and sleep in his bed box, eat, drink and recognize me with affection. all suggest that his loss is visual rather than cognitive, at least at this point. I'll see what vet has to say later today. For now, all is calm. Thanks for your care and concern. All good thoughts are appreciated.

And Growling Was Heard...

 Things have not been wonderful of late, especially watching Lukas continue to struggle. I believe his vision is gone altogether from the way he is behaving and it breaks my heart. He will walk the length of a room, and miss a wall or fail to notice a treat or his food bowl unless either is shoved beneath his nose. Yesterday he fell off the end of our bed and he no longer jumps up there or to his favorite chair in the front room. 

When I call to or talk to him, he looks from side to side as though looking for me but will walk away from the sound of my voice rather than toward it. While he knows where his cardboard box with blankets is, goes to his litter box in the bedroom and finds his water bowl. he will often just sit or cry in the middle of a space. I caught a whiff of something only to discover that he had urinated in the cardboard box he now prefers to sleep in. Cats do not generally sleep where they go, so this is a sign of stress. He may have found it too hard to navigate to the bedroom in the night. Since he seems otherwise okay. and is eating and drinking and has used his litter box, I am not concerned about sickness or a bladder infection at this point, although his vet will be hearing about all of this.

He is currently napping and I'm keeping an eye out. I wish thus was easier...

2 AM

 The cat is up and awakened me. After giving him some attention and medication. he has retreated to his box in the front room for a sleep while I struggle to return to bed. He meows for attention a lot these days, mostly during the night. Perhaps he wants to know he is not alone. that I am nearby. I have never had a cat do this, even in advanced years so I am merely guessing and will need to consult the vet yet again.

Meanwhile, I can put away laundry, deal with trash and recycling and the growing pile of paper on my desk. bleary eyed though I may be.

Still Here

 The last days have been challenging as Lukas is loosing his sight. He has some light response but it is minimal. I did as his vet suggested and put LED nightlights around the abode so he would have a bit of help but it has been hard watching him re-learn his house and trying to keep everything in place so he does not get confused. The situation is complicated by osteoarthritis and loss of muscle mass in his back legs. making it painful for him to jump up or down which he has trouble judging due to his dimming sight. I help him when I can and most of the time he seems content.

I'm slowly working through closets and drawers and plan on tackling pantry and kitchen as time allows.  My usual method of removing everything from a space so I can see all needs to be done when Lukas is in another room or asleep, otherwise he gets overwhelmed and starts to meow a lot. signaling irritation or bewilderment. The fact that I generally  have less stuff than a lot of people I know doesn't matter much when it is out for us to run into.

As for my recent reading, Sr. Karol Jackowski makes a compelling case against blind obedience, Her superior, when signing the papers for her profession, locks eyes with her, and asks, "If you were told to go and teach a chemistry class, would you go? Jackowski replies, " That isn't a subject with which I have any experience so I would need some time to learn in order to benefit the students." 

There was nothing to do but admit the reasonable reply. and Jackowski has been a professed sister since the sixties as well as an author. Her spark remains,

Any spark in your life these days?

Wishing all a good weekend.

Happy Mother's Day For Those Who Celebrate

 Wishing everyone a happy Sunday.

Blue

 That describes my feeling all day after learning that my worst fears for my elderly cat were coming to fruition. He has been bumping into things, and turning his head from side to side as if looking for something. Because of his previous history of ear infection and vertigo I was concerned about recurrence but also asked that his vision be checked. Thorough person that she is, his vet called while he was getting fluids to tell me that Lukas:

Does not appear to have a vestibular problem but is showing signs of an ear infection;

Had higher than desired blood pressure despite medication ;

Has developed cataracts which impede her from seeing his retinas and which have impacted his vision.

His blood pressure medication has been increased and he has ear drops. His vet says he will adapt to vision changes or loss and suggests a night light for help in the dark.

I feel so bad for him. He really did not need another major health issue. 

Forever and ever, amen

 That is the title of a memoir by Karol Jackowski, nun and author of several books. I am enjoying this as Sister Karol, who went into her religious order in 1964, is humorous, entertaining, honest and  a decent writer who candidly shares her adventures and surprise at not being kicked out of the novitiate after repeatedly butting heads with her superior. Unlike other authors of this genre, Jackowski did not leave her order and happily remains a nun. I've not yet finished this book and will have more to say when finished.

In the meantime, cooking, cleaning and the grumpy orange overlord remain the priorities of the sunny but windy day. I've had mail picked up and flowers left on the doorstep. so all in all a pretty good day.

Cheers!