10 January 2007

My Cleo...




Some of you know this, but for those of you who don't...

This is my darling Cleo*. He** saw me across a busy street and decided that he was going to live with me (or at least get regular access to me). He saw that I usually visited a certain house and would cry on the front porch until we (the exbf and I) came out. Somehow, this black and white ball of fluff joined the brood...I knew he claimed me as his one and only when one evening, when the exbf was teasing me incessantly (as he is wont to do) and I growled at the man...Cleo thought I was being attacked and came to my rescue, getting into "attack" posture. Since then, he has been my champion. I know, it's a bit of a boy-meets-girl-story...

Almost every time I visit, he's there, with a constant purr that could rival a diesel engine--and I do mean almost every time...I think he hasn't been at my side three times in eight years. He gazes at me, miaos for attention (if I'm reading or something), stretches out a padded, furry paw and then hops up to settle in for a snooze or a cuddle. He is the most calming influence I have in my life.

Christmas Eve he got into trouble--his lungs filled up with fluids and if he weren't already at the vet's for a bit of a "spa treatment" he may not have survived. We took him back to the exbf's after Boxing Day and things seemed to be getting better. The vet, a wonderful and kind person, doesn't know what's really happening to my darling little Cleo--it's not cancer, it's not heart disease. What it is is lymph fluids and fats getting into his lungs, causing him to drown. How and why are mysteries.

Dr. B commented on his eyes--they aren't like regular cat eyes--they're almost human. In them she sees the lives of a 1000 cats. She knows there's something there...I know there's something there too.

As I said, he seemed to be getting better.

Yesterday, Cleo got in distress again, panting heavily and not moving well. The exbf took him to the vet's. Within an hour, Cleo let out a wail that cat specialists know as the wail of a cat that can't breathe and is about to pass on. She saved his life again...he bounces back, but breathing is hard. Dr. B's a strong-willed woman who won't let him pass (if she has any say in this). His motorboat runs when I'm in the room. He knows what the oxygen tank is and that he feels better when it's near.

He also tries to escape his cage and wander down the hallways and visit the other cats who aren't doing nearly as well. He's that sort of being...

We may be able to take him home soon, but until then he'll remain at the hospital, and we'll visit nightly, hoping to see him the next day...hoping to hear him the next day...


jasmine
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*No, I haven't forgotten that this is a food blog...but my mind has been elsewhere as of late...

**Yes, "he." We thought Cleo was a female because of behaviours, but when Dr. B met him, she corrected us--but he responded to Cleo, and didn't mind the name, so "Cleo" he will always be.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

My heart goes out to you Jasmine. It is always a wonder to me our relationship to our "animals" who are so very much and more human than some humans.

Anonymous said...

I hope everything turns out all right. My dog is my baby as I'm sure your cat is yours, so I would feel what you are feeling if my puppy were in distress.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts are with you and Cleo, I can't begin to imagine how worried and upset I would be if anything ever happened to my Mr. Woofy!

PretaMulatta said...

cleo is in our prayers. me & lady miss rosabella... who looks as if she could b cleo's cousin.

Erin said...

Isn't it funny how cats find us? I was "found" years ago by a lovely cat. She passed on, but her babies are taking good care of my mom now. I hope all goes well with Cleo and you both find the strength in your love for each other during these difficult times.

Lis said...

You must be out of your mind with worry. I'm so sorry Cleo is going through this. I hope he gets better soon. I know I'd be a wreck if any of my 3 furry kids were to get sick.

We're praying for Cleo!

jasmine said...

Hello all

Thank you for your kind words -- a bit of an update-- Cleo went back to the exbf's on Thursday. Royally miffed about the entire thing, my darling kitty spent as much time as possible avoiding him. When I came for a visit, Cleo purred...reluctantly. I'm told he's doing well for now.

(Pretamulatta--welcome!)

j

Anonymous said...

Jasmine, my thoughts and best wishes are with you. I'm sure your sweetie pie Cleo will pull through.

Anonymous said...

prayers

Anonymous said...

i have two very special cats at home -- so i thoroughly empathize. i will be rubbing buddha's belly and thinking positive thoughts for you both.