Vet visits are always stressful, because they are always a lose-lose proposition. If nothing is wrong with kitty, then you face the doctor's Why Are You Wasting My Time look. If a medical issue is discovered, then you face the doctor's Why Didn't You Come Sooner look ....
In this case, I noticed two days ago that Boomer The Cat had taken to disappearing into the basement. His appetite was off, but worse, he showed no interest in his raison d'etre: Going Outside.
His behavior change coincided with a wicked brutal heat wave -- yet that didn't stop him during the 90-degree-plus, humid weather we suffered two weeks ago, when Boo spent 24/7 outdoors.
(Look, I can't imagine hanging outside all day wearing a fur coat in 95-degree temperatures. But I'm not a cat named Boo ....)
Last night he fell asleep on our bed, and I observed him licking his left hind paw a lot. So I booked a noon appointment.
... Adding to the stress was our missing cat carrier. At 11:40 a.m., after ransacking the basement without results, I vaguely recollected someone borrowing it about nine months ago but have no memory of it being returned.
Time for Plan B, or should I say, time to think of a Plan B. First, I called for reinforcements -- fortunately No. 2 Son was available to drive. There ensued a 10-minute scramble chasing the cat around the house and up and down two flights of stairs. If there was something wrong with his hind leg, it clearly wasn't slowing him down. I figured I was in for the doctor's Look No. 1 ....
I finally discovered him hiding under the covers on our bed. I felt bad that he didn't realize the big lump on the bed was a giveaway ....
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| Undercover cat. |
By the time we arrived at the vet, I was every bit as hot, sweaty and hairy as Boo in my arms. I really regretted not changing into a tan shirt for the appointment. If I ever get another pet it will have to be either black or navy blue .....
Turns out, Boo is missing several hind claws, possibly from being dragged, possibly after being hit by a car. He received an antibiotic injection and was prescribed 1/4 of a baby aspirin every 3 days. He is in otherwise great health and expected to make a full recovery.
We're supposed to keep Boo inside for the next two weeks. I don't know if that will be possible (unless it rains), but I guess he won't pester to go out until he's feeling better. Right now he's back under the covers and I'm pretending I don't know he's there.
So I'm off to buy Boo's aspirin. I hope he doesn't mind if I help myself to a few later on and then curl up next to him .....
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