Emergency Auxiliary Backup Cat #2 health scare

[Mermaid]

How old is the cat with the head tilt?

[vorlon13]

5 or 6

[brewer]

Thanks for the update. I was wondering earlier.

[Mermaid]

in a cat that young, I'd be very surprised if it had a brain tumor. I hope the ear infection/mite issue is cleared up completely soon.

[vorlon13]

It was just a coincidence we had another cat with a brain tumor. But such a terrible shock when the first symptom we noticed this go round was the eye dilation thing.

[vorlon13]

2 has had final vet apt for the inner ear problem and is back on his annual visit schedule.

He still holds his head crooked, and has a somewhat unsteady gait still, but he's fine otherwise. Even a little more demonstrably affectionate now, LOL.

And vocal, he's much more likely to be making his weird little squeaky meow attempts now.

[vorlon13]

Something new today:

curled up next to me on the couch


This is VERY affectionate for this cat. I'd almost say he's clingy now. And he's just content to stay there, I'm not getting the stink eye thing that indicates his litter box is needing tending or the feeder is empty.

[vorlon13]

Well, 2 months tomorrow we've been dealing with this.

#2 is mostly OK, except he can't run without falling down, and the head tilt continues. He did fall down about 3 steps while heading to the food bowl a few days ago, but managed his "it wasn't me" look immediately afterwards.

He remains more affectionate, a good idea considering what this cost.

In actuality, he is just fine with things, having adjusted to whatever degree of impairment remains, it's just a little tougher for me with the continuing reminder of the head tilt and my knowing what he's been through.

I know he's relieved to no longer being fetched to the vet, not being medicated, and of course, enjoying a lack of ear mites.

[vorlon13]

We've had our annual vet check up.

Vet informs any lingering effects from the infection are most likely permanent. The head tilt, not being able to run in a straight line or without falling down, unsteadiness going up and downstairs for the most part.

Attitudinally, the cat is fine. He's still more vocal and more affectionate. During harvest he was home alone quite a bit more than he'd prefer, and was really clingy as a result. I just feel bad we weren't able to get the cat back in show room condition. If he was in the wild, he'd be totally disabled, indoors, it's hard to say; his impairment is much less severe without having to hunt for food, but his skills are diminished substantially.

His fondness for crisps continues, a dropped tater chip, pringle, or as we've just discovered, a Tostitos will disappear in seconds. And while I've never given him any, ever, he seems very interested in the home made caramels. He has eaten one wrapper, however. (wax paper mini baking cup, no ill effects)

Primary cat is OK on weight after my accidentally misprogramming the cat feeder last winter and running his weight up. Curiously, during the period of increased rations, he seemed just as hungry as ever, and after I reset the feeder, he didn't react any differently to less food. I guess if a kitty is always hungry, the kitty is always hungry. Regardless.

Vet remains amazed at the Dremel claw grinder results, and that I am able to wield the thing with out being mauled by either cat.

Primary cat has been somewhat more mindful of late. Maybe it is penetrating his thick skull aggravating me isn't a good plan any more. He's been better about going back to his quarters with either a pretend food bribe, or with these new treats that are drastically smaller than the old ones.

The 'water thing' continues to be a 'thing'. #1 is fascinated with water, in the bath tub in particular. I draw a bath, and he sits on the edge and plays with the spigot and the stream. He won't jump in yet, and while I think about pushing, I don't. Yet.

[Autumnlicious]

The first time the cat falls into the tub is the funniest. Keep that in mind.