SNEEZIES AND WEEPY EYES

On Saturday I reported that Mauricio had been to see Dr. Neel at what he now wants me to call, “The place that shall not be named” to be referred to in the future as “TPTSNBN.” All his housemates seem to agree with him on that one; even though, the other five now sick did not have to go there.

I always try to catch the first sneeze and get that kitty to TPTSNBN in the hopes I can keep whatever the ailment is from spreading to the whole crew. It didn’t work this time. By Monday, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Josette, Giulietta and Misty May were all sneezing or had a weepy eye. A call was made to Dr. Neel, and she confirmed that we’re dealing with a virus and it would have to run its course unless one of the fur balls showed signs of infection. I’m crossing my fingers that does not happen.

As Mauricio is the universal bather (taking over for Madison after he passed away) and the others his recipients with some reciprocation, I was not surprised when others started to show symptoms nor when Lily Olivia did not. She is not a big fan of the others, especially Mauricio and Misty May, and vice versa. What I couldn’t and still haven’t figured out is how Fiona has avoided catching it. She and sis, Giulietta, spoon, cuddle, snuggle and bathe each other all the time, and Giulietta is one of the weepers.

What did surprise me was finding Mauricio bathing Lily in the middle of the night two nights ago. She was soundly sleeping and her fur was sopping wet. Unless he’s been secretly grooming her in the middle of the night for the past nine years, this was a first. As I watched him, he let out a huge sneeze spraying both Lily and me with his germs. That woke her up and she immediately swatted him. No surprise there!

I contemplated this strange occurrence briefly and quickly realized that he wasn’t trying to be nice; he was trying to make her sick and miserable too. I can only guess since she alone went through the same thing in the fall that she has some immunity.

Though they are sick, when not sleeping, all kitties are meyowling to go outside. But not even the well ones are getting to venture forth. It is just too darn cold and windy. And we still have snow on the ground from a week ago with more on the way. Misty May just gave me an earful regarding her displeasure but has now headed off to bed.

Calista Jo has been spending most nights curled up next to me under the covers with Lisbeth sometimes joining her. CJ’s daytime hours have been spent balled up in my lap with her head resting on my arm. It makes for very difficult typing. This morning, however, she and Astrid decided to have a little sparring match. As they were lying on the kitchen rug (atop the heated floor) swatting at each other, they also were sneezing in each other’s faces. On completion of their bursts of energy, Astrid had a fit of constant sneezing.

This afternoon Calista started playing, so though her eye is still weeping, she must be feeling a little better. And Astrid sat on the counter next to the computer watching me add the photos to this post instead of napping. Near the completion of this process, she anointed the computer screen with the contents of a huge sneeze. Agh!

Of course, none of them has lost his or her appetite. Breakfast and dinner bowls are licked clean and dry food bowls are emptied daily. At least they are keeping up their strength during this ordeal. I wouldn’t want anyone to waste away.

Tags: All Blue KittiesAstridCalista JosetteFionaGiuliettaLily OliviaLisbethMadisonMauricioMisty MayTBTSNBNveterinarian