Hi everyone. As most of you know I am Maverick, and this is the Christmas Edition of “Cat Tales.”
It’s been a while since my last column. That’s because my mom has been ill, and I am helping to take care of her. Back on November 11th, she became ill in the night and was taken by the rescue squad to a nearby hospital where she was admitted for a couple of days. When she got home she had some home health care until she was doing better, and she also had surgery scheduled for November 19th. On the 19th, she was in the holding room and was next in line when the surgeon came in and told her he couldn’t do the surgery because she wasn’t well enough. He said he was afraid if he did it, he would have to resuscitate her while on the operating table. He said she had too many things going on that needed to be looked into. He prayed for her. She was crying and then he admitted her. She was in the hospital for 3 days that time, with extensive tests and scans done. They found two big issues; the third issue they’re guessing may have been due to some changes with her medicine. The surgery was then rescheduled for December 4th, but my mom was not feeling well and canceled the surgery. As of right now, the surgery is scheduled for February 4th. We’re praying she is feeling up to it and can have it done then.
I have been busy snuggling and cheering her up. Many nights, she couldn’t sleep in her bed, she had to sleep upright on a chair so she hardly got any rest. When she was finally able to sleep in her bed, she slept 17 hours. That’s how tired she was. Right now, she’s fighting a cold or flu. I wish I could make her better. We pray a lot. She has to use a walker for a bit. She’s supposed to start physical therapy soon, but there’s a glitch because she has new health insurance, starting the first of the year, so she will have to get approved again. And with her surgery on February 4th, everything is up in the air so to speak.
Every month I get an auto-ship order from Chewy with my special food. When it came this month, it was in a bigger box than usual. My mom took out the 3 boxes of food, but there was another large skinny box inside. It’s sitting in front of the end table next to the sofa. I think it’s a Christmas present for me. I wonder what it is. It’s rather large but skinny, and it isn’t large enough so that I can jump or play in it, and it’s too big for me to shake to see if it rattles. I can’t wait for Christmas.
I was talking to Spaghetti Betty the other day. She says her Grandma and Grandpa are visiting from California. They came before Thanksgiving and are staying until just after New Year’s. Spaghetti Betty, nor her family can believe how much snow there is. She had never seen snow before. I tried telling her about it when she first moved here, but seeing it firsthand is a whole other experience. She overheard her parents talking and it sounds like her Grandparents want to move here to be closer to them. She hopes they do. I wish my grandparents were still living. My grandma used to call me and my brothers “precious.” She used to give us change for our cat bank. One time my brother, Alex, caught my mom writing an IOU note and putting it in our bank. She borrowed some money from us. She would tear up the note as soon as she paid it back.
Spaghetti Betty and I recommend the children’s book, “Winter Cats” by Janet Lawler, and for the adults, we recommend, “A Cat Cafe Christmas,” by Codi Gary. Make sure to have extra books on hand for snow days and the holiday season. Remember to visit your local library where you can find lots of books and enjoy activities.
Here are some things to keep in mind for your pet’s safety during the Christmas season:
Food: Don’t feed your pet table food, chocolate, or Christmas pudding and mince pies. Grapes and dried vine fruits can cause kidney failure.
Plants: Keep poisonous plants away from your pet, such as poinsettias, amaryllis, mistletoe, balsam, pine, cedar, and holly.
Potpourris: Keep potpourris out of reach, as they can damage your pet’s eyes, mouth, and skin.
Toys: Keep tiny toys out of your pet’s reach, and elevate them if they’re a choking hazard.
Candles: Keep candles away from your pet.
Christmas tree: Don’t let your pet drink the water from the tree, and avoid dangling decorations.
Gifts: Don’t put food-filled gifts under the tree.
Space heaters: Use space heaters with caution.
Also, remember to keep pets away from tinsel and ribbons. They are extremely dangerous for your pets. When decorating the tree or putting ribbons and bows on packages; keep in mind your pets’ safety.
Stress: Christmas can be stressful for many pets, especially if there are significant changes to the household.
Traveling: Talk to your vet before traveling for the holidays.
Poisonous substances: If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a poisonous substance, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
I leave you today with this quote: “A meow massages the heart.” – Stuart McMillan
Stay safe everyone and Meow-ery Christmas.
Love Maverick
- ‘Tis the Season - December 15, 2024
- Tears of Frustration - November 15, 2024
- It’s My Anniversary - November 8, 2024
