Crista: Will you come over and feed the kitties while we are gone for a few days? I have a cat sitter coming in during the day for the wet food, but it would help if you did the night feeding. We are taking the kids to Savannah during spring break.
Mom (me): Why sure! How hard can it be, I thought. When will you be gone?
Crista: Just for a few days. And you’d need to come over just one time each day, Sunday through Tuesday. We’ll be back Wednesday. I have a sitter for the other feedings.
Her Serene Highness, Daisy
Me: Okay, that sounds easy enough – Tell me what I need to know.
Crista: Well, Smoky, the younger cat, tries to edge out Daisy, the older one, and wants to eat her food. He’ll eat both trays of food if I don’t separate them.
Daisy’s food has to go inside the pantry, so Smoky won’t steal it. You have to shut the door. Remember that! And don’t worry about Daisy. She won’t bother Smoky’s food at all because she doesn’t like it.
A demonstration ensued, and then I took an iPhone shoot of the food with labels, so I wouldn’t get the meals mixed up.
I also made a mental note that though they are similarly colored, Daisy is fatter, has more white on her back and a “raccoon” tail; Smoky has a blacker back and a dark tail.
The first day, all went as planned. The kitty cats behaved well and ate their dinners, Daisy in the pantry and Smoky beside the refrigerator.
More?
Then, after the second day, separation anxiety began to set in. Smoky, who had never been left home alone before, stopping eating and drinking, which curtailed the family’s vacation by one day. Neither the sitter nor I was able to get the younger cat to eat properly.
“Where’s Mommy?”
* * *
On my night table: ROAM, A Novel with Music
Nelson, half beagle-half poodle, wanders away from the home of Katey and Don, beginning a harrowing canine journey. Roam, a story of survival and enduring love, explores the strong bond between “man’s best friend” and his owners, a couple trying to cope with their very own human conflict.
Author Alan Lazar, an award-winning musician, features a soundtrack of his original music accessible via QR Reader at the end of several chapters. The novel’s theme evokes the stories of John Grogan’s Marley and Me and Charlie Chaplin’s Little Tramp.
Listen to Kitten on the Keys
Have you had to make accommodation for a pet (or a person) beyond what you had originally planned?
Has your pet helped you deal with stress these days? Motivated you to walk more? Pause more?
Another “pet” story to tell?
I am so glad we have Dot as we are only allowed out to walk our dog, and only around the neighbourhood. The cats are cute. We used to have two black cats that looked a lot alike but one was bigger. The bigger one would steal the smaller ones food. After a few years the bigger one died, and the smaller one grew to be twice her size. Take care my friend.
Your black & white cats story sounds a lot like mine, Darlene!
I know you are glad to have Dot to qualify you for outdoors’ walking. I wouldn’t want to be a dog – or cat now, but they know how to live in the moment, blithely unaware of a global pandemic.
You too take care, stay well!
A cat who won’t eat because they care about their owner? Such a tender-hearted fellow. This gives me pause. [Or paws if I’m being cornball.] I know cats are finicky, having been a slave to a few, but ours never seemed to notice if I was there or not. Me being merely another member of staff to them.
Cornball is allowed these days, especially if your name is Ally Bean – ha! Commenters later on confessed to having finicky cats like Daisy and Smoky. Take care!
I’m curious if Smoky resumed normal eating habits after the family returned? Our spring and summer hummingbirds are always hungry!
Yes, instant improvement! Crista said the cats leaped for joy. Still, they plan to take short trips (after the travel ban is lifted of course), so Smoky can be “trained” to tolerate absence better.
Can you work from home these days, Jill?
I’m happy to hear that, Marian. Yes, thankfully I’ve been able to work from home since last Tuesday. It’s wonderful not commuting into the city. I haven’t even left the neighborhood! Stay well. <3
🙂
Good morning, Marian! It all seems perfectly normal to me. 😀 I am afraid to leave because I’m pretty sure one of our cats would not eat. One daughter is our designated pet sitter, but they only eat wet food, so it’s twice a day, and I don’t want to take advantage of her. Though we’ve helped with their pets. Unlike Ally, our cats definitely know and care that we’re around.
Yes, your kitties are a constant presence in your house. You probably even think of them as muses to your creativity and cooking. Your photos would suggest that.
Also, I’ve checked your books on Amazon. Wow – more than a dozen, and mostly reference books. Are your poetry collections available anywhere online?
Stay stay, stay well, and stay away from NYC (or Philly)! 🙂
Thanks, Marian. We’re not going anywhere right now!
No poetry collections yet, Marian. Hopefully, it will happen at some point.
😀
No pet stories at this house. But I enjoyed yours!
Thanks, Shirley. Now over to check your new post!
Oh Marian! So stressful to watch a cat pine away. I hope Smoky is okay now that the family is back. I’ve had to pet sit. One cat of a two-cat household had a penchant for eating elastic hair ties. Had to make sure none of those were around. (She ate a metal bracelet once. You read that right.) Another two-cat household had the same issue with one cat eating the other cat’s food as well as her own.
You give new meaning to the word “hair ball” with these anecdotes about the elastic hair ties and a metal bracelet – gasp!
Yes, the cats were overjoyed when the family walked in the door. Thanks, L. Marie! 😀
Marian, I’m sure the owners appreciated your accommodation– and the cat who refused to eat, was very normal. We’ve had dogs who do not eat while we’re gone. Or at least not much.
I do remember taking care of a couple’s cats who had various meds they had to take, secluding one while you fed the other, and really, I understand not being able to quickly remember which cat is which without careful notes. Or pictures! Thank goodness for the ability to quickly snap things into our memory with our phones, eh. You did well.
Now, did I punctuate that use of couple’s — correctly??
It was a single couple, and you were correct in your punctuation!
😀
Yes, Melodie, they were both black and white so it’s hard to tell them apart. I’m no stranger to the kitties, but I’m allergic to cat dander, so I don’t interact much with them when I visit.
And, yes, Ginger and I both agree that your apostrophe was correctly placed: There was just one couple!
So sorry about poor kitten. How strange that animals also suffer from anxiety, but it just goes to show we are all sociable creatures. Glad they were OK in the end.
I love having a dog and wouldn’t be without one now: so good for our physical and mental health!
I believe your dog traveled with you when you were RV-ing, but I’m not sure.
Yes, dogs and cats are sociable creatures and allow us to be their keepers, one way to look at it. During this stressful time, I think they offer more comfort than we (or they) realize.
Thanks, Fatima!
My boy, Niko, a Maine Coon, is home in PA and I am missing him as we shelter in place here in FL. I am hoping he is not pining away since my daughter is now only visiting him and not staying there.
The kids next door, however, have stepped in and come over and spend time with him, watching tv and reading. Not what we planned for him, but it is working. Just hope Chewy comes through with the basic necessities! When we finally decide to start our trek north, I will be very anxious for cuddles with him. Hope he remembers us!
Yes, Carol, your “boy” is in good hands with your daughter, not a stranger, taking care of him. Still, you must miss him terribly. I’m sure Niko will go wild with joy when you return. He’ll remember your scent and sound and be anxious for cuddles too.
I hope you can begin your trek north soon. So sorry this has happened. As my Grandma Longenecker used to say, “This too shall pass.” Stay safe!
Marian — The photos are precious. Like Darlene, your first responder, I’m especially grateful that we have Willa because we’re allowed outside during the pandemic to walk her.
Before this phenomenon hit, you probably never thought of your Willa as a “pass” to freedom outside your four walls. Thanks for appearing here as always, Laurie!
Our daughter has three cats, each with their very own, unique personality. The yellow Tabby should have been a dog, he’s very playful and unique, at night he walks around with a stuffie and cries because the family is asleep and he misses them. The gray and white one is beautiful but somewhat aloof. She picks and chooses to whom she will relate. The black and white one belonged to a feral mother and hides when people other than family are around.
They also have a huge dog who is mostly outside. He is very gentle, but not when it comes to cats, so they have a big cage for him when he’s inside. Turbo likes to challenge him, and smirkingly walks all around his cage with her tail in the air. Our two grandchildren love their pets and take very good care of them, but it’s mostly our daughter who walks the dog.
These pets jump off the page with your vivid descriptions – appearance and personality. Thanks, Elfrieda!
Cats can be unpredictable sometimes.
That’s very true, mysterious too.
Well, we of course have Sasha. And though we don’t need to “walk” her, per se, we do all get out at least once a day to get in a little hike. She gets so excited when she she’s me get my jacket on. We’re limited to our road at the moment, but only because we’re too lazy to put on the snowshoes. I want to believe it’s spring here and so I put the snowshoes away. Your photos reminded me how much I loved having cats, once upon a time. I love how independent they are so that when they decide to settle on your lap it’s really quite the honor. But we have a grandson with cat allergies and so we haven’t had a cat now for almost 15 years. But cutting a vacation short because a cat stopped eating? I doubt I’d do that. They won’t die from not eating for a day. Even three. I think we all love to love our pets.
Once a cat settled beside me for at least an hour. I broke out in hives about a half hour later and had to go to a critical care unit. That’s when I realized I’m allergic to felines.
When the children were at home, we had Me-Too, a ragtag kind of dog who loved kids more than adults. I didn’t think I’d miss him, but when he died I couldn’t walk down the pet aisle for at least six months.
Daughter and family were in Savannah, only 3 hours away, so it wasn’t too much of an inconvenience for them to come home a day early, their choice, not mine. Daisy had been left home alone earlier with no problem; it was Smoky who decided to go on a hunger strike.
Snow on the ground? Send some cool temps to Florida, Janet. It’s in the high 80s now, hot especially for March.
Absolutely! We boarded Tessie Belle once while we went on a camping trip. We cut it short when we called to check on her and found she wasn’t eating. As my husband has been doing runs between his condo and our retirement property where I am, cat stayed south until Nov, fed by a neighbor and pining for her human. As a rescue, she has separation anxiety. Now she is esconced here, and a very happy kitty.
Ginger, your description sounds like the caption I used for Daisy in this post, Her Serene Highness. Cats can command our attention in their mysterious way, can’t they. Thanks, Ginger!
We don’t have pets. We do have a grandcat, Christopher – a long haired Nebelung rescue cat. He is a handsome fellow and suffers when his people are gone, although he does frequently seek respite from the 3 1/2 year old and 2 year old grandsons who give him a run for his money. When the family moved into a new home and we were helping to paint, Curt took a register grill off and I let Christopher get by me and into the bowels of the duct work under the house!! He would not come when I called him and I was terrified I would not get him out before my daughter-in-law returned. Christopher is definitely her baby! We did manage to get him out. He is a finicky cat and protests (I won’t say how here) when his litter box is not pristine. He seems to have taken a liking to me and will try to jump from the floor up to my shoulders to be held like a baby or he settles on my lap. When we come home after a visit, there is gossamer fine Christopher hair in our clothes, suitcase and our car! We are content to just visit other people’s pets.
The sweetest line, He seems to have taken a liking to me and will try to jump from the floor up to my shoulders to be held like a baby or he settles on my lap.
I guess we too have grand-cats. Crista took Daisy into her home from our porch before we moved, so in a way she’s an adoptee.
Thanks for your descriptive story, Sarah. It’s good to have a place to air our thoughts and feelings during this difficult time.
What great kitty pictures!
I have my dog, Max, and my cat, Lilli. I always have a hard time leaving them behind when I travel. They both, but especially, Max, keeps me from getting too stressed and is always there when I need a bit of unconditional love. Yes, they take time to care for and as seniors see a variety of veterinarians. Max occasionally sees a cardiologist. They are family to both Bill and I and we would never be without our rescue animals and replace them as they go over the rainbow bridge.
I like how you said “They are family to both Bill and I and we would never be without our rescue animals and replace them as they go over the rainbow bridge.” During this stressful time Max and Lilli mean more to you than ever. I’m sure.
I know Crista and family regard these kitties as their children. One thing I learned recently was that pet meds are very similar, if not identical, to human meds. Good to hear from you, Joan.
Haha. Sorry, I’m laughing (at myself more than you). I love how you took pictures before the cats’ “people” left to make sure you’d do it right. My guy and I have dog-sat more than a few times for our daughter and her family. Charley ( a large Golden) is a bit mis-behaved at his house (he’s the one in charge). So, the first time we brought him to our place for a weekend “sleepover,” I walked him through the threshold on leash and gave him a lecture: “Charlie, our house, our rules” (which I began to list, like no jumping up on the furniture, no sleeping in our bed, no pulling on the leash when walked). And you know what? Charlie followed our rules to the max. He’s darling every time he’s over. And he sleeps likes an angel – I think he likes the peace and quite compared to the 3-kid family. 🙂
Great cat story. You’re a wonderful mom/grandmom/and catgrandmom.
Ha – I well know that there is a pecking-order among pets. Your Charlie story is adorable. I must say he’s a smart doggie who apparently understands English AND knows your mean business. No wonder he paid attention – a smart but firm Doggrandmom!
I’m writing this with the 5:00 news muted. Aren’t you glad we have a writing habit firmly entrenched in our daily lives? Otherwise, we (I, for sure) might go more goofy during this time of semi-isolation.
Keep writing, my friend, and be well, Pam and fam!
Stories like yours keep us all healthy and sane. That’s what I think. I think we bloggers make a difference in keeping the world turning, the love streaming, and the ‘bad stuff’ out there not as looming. xo
Once there was a soap opera named As the World Turns, conflict keeping the “world” churning. Remember it?
But I agree, I know I will find charm, mystery, and uplift on your blog, often at the same time. We sisters gotta do our part these days. Thanks for the follow-up, Pam dear. 😀
I’ve always been a “Cat” person and I love the fact that they are so different from each other with their own personalities! I always picture the Lord in Heaven having lots of them around Him; including the Lions, etc….don’t you? Thank you for this refreshing post!
I’m glad you found this post refreshing. These days that’s important, for sure, Ginger Flower!
You comment about animals prompted me to think of a verse from Revelation 6: “Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” A horse, lambs, and probably a lion in a peaceable kingdom.
Thanks for checking in here today. 😀
Hi Marian – great post! No pets here, but I have been walking more and in fact, went out today with an umbrella because I was itching for some exercise. I grew up with cats and they clearly rule the world. Hope you are doing well 🙂
I’m not sure where you live, Barbara, but we could certainly use the rain here in Florida, where things have been dry all month – hoping for April showers. I wouldn’t mind taking my walk under an umbrella either.
You’re probably right, based on other comments here: cats rule the world with quiet control. Thanks for stopping by today! 😀
Wow, Marian, you just posted this blog today and you already have 43 comments! And I was proud of myself to not be “late” reading and commenting for a change. Haha!
A topic to my heart, as you know. We haven’t pet sat for a while now (the last time – for five weeks – was last May), but I am very familiar with feeding other people’s animals. It can be tricky and we’ve needed notes and labels. Luckily, the three years we did this full-time (mostly with dogs), there was never separation anxiety.
Unluckily for us, our current dog – sweet Maya – has a heavy form of separation anxiety. It’s not easy as we need to be able to leave her alone when going shopping and – ideally – to go on an excursion once in a while. She is spoiled with our love and presence 24/7. We put a soft cone on her so she doesn’t chew herself to pieces when we leave for half an hour.
Also, as you know, our life hasn’t changed that much under the current conditions, but – because I’m not inspired to work these days – I have been able to go for longer walks with Maya, before it gets too hot.
Liesbet, I definitely understand that it’s harder to concentrate these strange days. But we’ll get through this; it can’t last forever!
I remember your pet sitting some time ago, but I didn’t realize this was your occupation for three years full-time (mostly with dogs), and I’m glad you didn’t have to deal with separation anxiety.
Maya has really, really bonded with you if she needs a soft cone to contain her anxiety when you leave. Still, you must get out sometimes.
I’m happy to see you whenever you post, no pressure in this space.
Love to you, Mark, and Maya. I loved seeing the Happy Camper towel. 😀
The three years of house and pet sitting was more a lifestyle than an occupation, since we didn’t charge for our services or didn’t pay anything for rent or utilities. It was a fair exchange and we got to live with dogs. We loved it. And, we had our business and own jobs to keep ourselves busy and employed. 🙂
Oh, I see, a fair exchange. Thanks!
We don’t have a cat, but we have a dog his name is cocoa. Cocoa got use to being home alone til the evening. Now that I’ve been home for two weeks this will be my third. He hates it because I take him out more. He’s use to Pablo walking him. It’s to funny when he sit in protest or puts his brakes. Amazing how smart pets are.
Good to see you here, Gloria. Yes, pets like Cocoa are smart, and they know how to get their way. And, yes, we all have had to adjust our entire lives now that we are “sheltered in place,” so they call it.
Best wishes to Pablo and your entire family. I’ve heard one preacher say, “Tough times never last – tough people do!” With God’s help, of course.
I am not a cat person but those are beautiful cats..Dogs or a dog reigns supreme here…I am also sure that whoever fed him he would eat it…sigh …Stay safe and well, Marian 🙂 xx
Pet people are really drawn to this post. I’m happy to see you chime in here also, Carol.
May you stay safe and well too! :-} oxo
I have a friend who, a long time ago was visiting us, leaving her precious coots in the care of a friend. When on the 2nd day she heard that her cats were not eating, she too curtailed back home stat. They are precious creatures and one HAS to know who is master. It ain’t the human.
All best wishes to you Marian, family, friends, blogging friends – may you all stay well and safe. Take care.
I think of you often and wondering how you and the citizens of South Africa are coping.
Yes, someone else has commented about the commanding presence of cats; they know who’s boss! I guess it’s appropriate I titled Daisy “Her Serene Highness” though she wasn’t the one who quit eating first.
Take care, Susan, and thanks for stopping by today. 🙂
The thing that I think is astonishing in this story is , big boss Smoky will eat Daisy ‘s food if not watched and yet when left by mommy he’s the scaredy-cat 😂 bless them …they are so gorgeous and funny.
I know without doubt , Marian , I wouldn’t get through this nightmare without Arthur , my funny , naughty fifteen month old King Charles . He is what keeps me sane and when we had him , he was so naughty , he was what made me insane every day , he made me into a wreck . I never knew what the scamp would do next . I used to fall into bed every night . 😩. But now I am so grateful that our paths crossed…I adore him .
Thinking of you and yours take care my sweetheart ❤️🙏
Cherryx
Thank God for Arthur, your King Charles! Yes, he is a little scamp, but you adore him as a sweet diversion.
Daisy is old, old compared to snarky Smoky. So good to hear from you, Cherry, and hope you are well, my dear! xoxox
I miss having a kitty and I’ve been asking for one but I have yet to convince Hubby and Little Guy. We are currently petless, which is probably just as well right now. One less store to tackle! 🙂
Hey, Jenn! I hope you get your heart’s desire one day soon. Probably it’s just as well right now (your words!) because kitties need food, and you’d have to buy pet food. Just a note: PetSmart is right next to my grocery store, and I noticed they are still open for business and allow customers in the store. I guess they believe pets are people too – ha!
Thanks for reading and commenting – and I hope you and your family will stay healthy till we get through this, which we will! 😀
Awww – poor Smoky!
He’s okay now, Fiona! He just needs to adapt to family being gone for a short while, a lesson Daisy learned long ago. 🙂
Oh yes! Puppy daycare twice a week is cancelled, so I have to entertain Disco which means lots of extra outside activity even on a cold rainy day like today. I’m about to hit the trails in my rain gear. Disco is rough on old Willow if she doesn’t get enough exercise. Willow is good at protecting her food by eating fast. My girls are wonderful quarantine companions mixed with needing more than I sometimes want to give. Hard to read a book with a puppy licking the pages. I hope you are well and surviving whatever level distancing you need to practice. I haven’t been out for 12 days. 13 days ago, a friend stopped by and we sat far from each other, but that’s not allowed anymore. Hard, sad times and I have to get this puppy outside fast.
Elaine, what an eventful life you are having. I say this observing from afar: I’ve admired your courage through trials with Virginia, adaptations to the cochlear implant, and now this, full-time mother to Disco and Willow. You are running the gamut and although it’s a challenge, it’s a happy one, (puppies licking the pages!) — from my point of view. 🙂
Grandma Longenecker used to say, “This too shall pass,” but it’s hard especially since we have no idea how long. But we are lucky to maintain digital connections here these days. 😀
It was fun reading about you and the cats! I’m a dog person and never had a cat but I know a little about them.
Oh, Anita, I haven’t seen you in such a long time, I feel as though I must give you a hug. Sorry, but that is not allowed these days, so here’s a virtual one ((( )))
Take care of yourself, hubby, and of course the doggy! 😀