The Cat Thread

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Since we adopted two females, we wanted two famous female names--my wife thought of Lucy and Ethel from the "I Love Lucy" show.

Until about 2 days ago, Ethel has been grieving in her own way. She constantly walked around the house for over a week looking for Lucy, sometimes making an odd huffing/coughing sound, then she'd vomit. We took her to the vet a few days ago and everything seemed to be fine. The vet said it was most likely extreme stress since litter mates bond so closely. As if my own grief weren't bad enough (and hasn't diminished one iota yet), it was doubly heartbreaking to watch her. She quit doing both disturbing activities by Thursday night.

Yes, it must have been confusing and upsetting to her to no longer see her sibling around and not being able to comprehend they why.  I'm glad to hear that she is doing better. 

Perhaps at some point in time, you might consider getting another kitty?  Might be a good thing for both of you?

Best wishes,

PD

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Thank you. We've talked about it, but I don't think Ethel would tolerate a new kitty. A neighbor found a litter of kittens a few years ago, so we "borrowed" one to see how our cats would react: not well! Both hissed like crazy and raised a paw to swat it, but they didn't follow through.

Sorry to hear that.  For what it's worth though (to be fair), it can take a while for animals to get to know one another and to adjust to a new "resident".  And remember, cats are very territorial.  Most of the articles and shows that I've read/seen talk about slowly getting them used to each other (one show--*Jackson Galaxy) from what I recall had the owners put up a baby gate between two cats (one of whom was picking on the other) and also using "tricks" like distracting them by getting them involved in play together (like using a wand with a toy on the end and getting them focused on chasing after and attempting to catch "the prey").  You might want to talk to your vet (or someone at their office) either via phone/email/or next time that you need to bring Ethel in.

*He also has a bunch of videos on youtube in which he talks about different subjects/issues/problems with cats and ways to try and resolve them.

In any event, please give Ethel some chin and behind the ear scratches from me. 

PD

[Pohjolas Daughter]

PD