Styx

[Hepcat]

So Ace and Cowboy have modified their behaviour to fill the ecological/household niche vacated by their dearly departed comrades:











Ace would never allow Cowboy to lie touching him previously. Two months ago he would have just said "Homo!" and stalked off indignantly. Moreover Ace seldom lay on the futon or used the beanbag wicker chair in the living room. That territory was reserved for Styx or the other two.





Nor did Ace previously show any interest in the computer. Styx had been the computer nerd.







Things it seems have changed now.

[Mord]

 Those little darlings seem willing and able to fill the void.

[Count_Zirock]

That's awesome. I've noticed that cats will often take up behavior previously exhibited by other cats, if those cats leave. After Big Boy, a Siamese/Ragdoll mix male I rescued, was adopted by friends in Augusta, GA, Bella started getting up in my arms much more often than she previously had. Big Boy (renamed Bobo by his new family) was a real cuddle-bug, and always wanted to be held.

[Flower]

Cake in heaven

[Hepcat]

Oh I'm sure!

[Count_Zirock]

Tons of kitty noms!

[Hepcat]

The ghosts of St. Patrick's Day past - Phoebe:













Phoebe with Ace and friends:









Phoebe was beautiful but tragically we lost her to a car in 2008. Now here's Styx:

[Mord]

 Great photo. Happy St. Pattie's Day! Time for some Guinness.

[Count_Zirock]

Those are such sweet pix, Hepcat. You treated your kitties so well.

Sadly, Fatboy isn't doing well at all. Several weeks ago, I noticed he seems...lighter. Then, I found jawbreaker-sized growths on either side of his jaw. He's stopped eating, and I think he's stopped drinking, too. It's hard to tell with him, though. He sleeps most of the time, these days. I'm arguing with myself whether I should have him put down, or just let nature take its course.

[Hepcat]

Take him to the vet!

[Count_Zirock]

Take him to the vet!

I can't afford to.

[Flower]

You can't allow him to suffer ..

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html



The link below lists many services for people who can't afford vet care ...  or ask your vet for help.  Our vet contributes to a program to help people with their veterinary bill but it's not in your area.

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html

Spoon or teaspoon the poor animal food and water ... NOW! Not eating for a day or two will cause Fatty Liver problems.

[Count_Zirock]

I just tried to again, Flower. He let the water dribble all over him. He doesn't even want to be touched, now, and he's always been such a cuddle-bug in the past. We figure Lil Mama is his littermate. Earlier tonight, she walked over to him, put a paw on his head, then walked away. As if she were saying good-bye to her brother. I couldn't feel like more of an abject failure in my life right now. But, in all honesty, it's been very tough trying to take care of three cats on a limited income. I've sacrificed a lot, which I haven't minded. These cats didn't ask to be born homeless. If they were wild or untrainable, I could just put out food and water, and leave it at that. But, they are sweet, loving little things and deserve so much more than I can give them.

[Mord]

 As a temporary help I recommend this gel that can be put on their paws or straight on their tongue. It gives them the necessary nutrients for the time being. It also helps increase their appetite. It goes by various brand names (the one we used is called "Nutri-gel", I believe). Not a permanent fix, but it helps.

[Count_Zirock]

Mord, I have $6 to my name right now, literally. And, I have to buy gas with that. Otherwise, I can't even take him to the vet in the morning. All I can really do right now is cry for him. And, I've been doing that non-stop since about 8pm.