And finally, there is a moment to stop and breathe. Kind of. The last two months have been a whirlwind to say the least. I think perhaps this will be my new normal while I continue to live life with a geriatric cat. It sounds funny to refer to him as geriatric, as if he should be using a cane to walk. Alas just as it is with people, cats of his age are indeed geriatric by definition.
My child recently turned 16, and while overall he is doing ok, he is not without his struggles. Some of these struggles are thanks to his mother (aka me), who recently attempted to change his food, resulting in a trip to the ER. Twice. The recent food swap gave him a multi day run with constipation, something he hasn’t struggled with since last May.
Unfortunately I deviated twice from the food I know keeps him regular, hence two trips to the ER.
“But Brittany, if he was eating a food that helped him poop, why would you change it?!”
I’m so glad you asked. I am fairly confident the food that helps him poop makes him slightly nauseous. So I tried to find something else. I spent months before all this trying to find a food for him that also supported his kidney disease, to no avail (he is a picky little bugger.) So I switched him to a food that helped his nausea…but then he went and got his colon stuffed like a manicotti noodle.
The first time we went to the ER last month he was backed up for six days, and when I took him in I was advised he would need to be anesthetized for an enema/manual extraction. He made it out alive, and he came home with pupils the size of saucers and a swollen anus. All of this transpired on my birthday. Three weeks later he was backed up again, this time for five days. The price tag was cheaper on the second visit, but the anus was just as swollen.
Lessons have been learned, and I will never, ever, swap his food again. Or maybe I will, it’s been such a struggle finding the sweet spot for him with food.
I ended up having to cancel an overnight trip I booked on my birthday, and while I was a bit bummed, my mom and Duncan made up for it by smothering me with sweet treats. Nothing soothes a sad soul quite like sugar and chocolate. There is a bakery near my house that has excelled at making gluten free brownies. Not only do they taste amazing, they also don’t make me feel like I’ve been caught in a stampede of elephant seals. A double win.
It has been over a month since this most recent drama started with me and Little (my cat), and I finally feel like we are in a good spot. For now. The guilt I felt from causing his constipation is finally starting to wane, and he still purrs on my lap as if nothing happened. My anxiety has calmed a bit, and I feel more comfortable leaving him for the day knowing he is back on a normal poop path.
I could barely leave him to go to work I was so worried. Anxiety ain’t easy y’all.
To make up for my missed birthday adventure, or just because it was an excuse to get more sugar, a couple weeks ago Duncan took me to another gluten free bakery 50 minutes out of town. I made a pit stop at Trader Joe’s to buy myself a new tiny plant, meaning we arrived at the bakery too late in the day. Most everything was gone, but the two cakes we got were unbelievably delicious.
Unfortunately within 30 minutes of finishing my cake the elephant seal stampede hit.
You win some, and you lose some. My local bakery with the brownies is always a win, and The Wrens Nest was sadly a loss. The cake was delicious, but ultimately if I feel like a bag of trash after I eat something it’s an automatic no for me. The ambiance of this bakery was WONDERFUL though, and I would come back for a coffee because the vibe was too good.
I’m thankful for each mini adventure these days, as I am finding it harder to leave my house lately. I feel the clock of life ticking as each day passes, and I am wanting to spend as much quality time with my cat as possible. I know one day he will no longer be around, and I don’t want to miss out on too many moments. Most of my days feel as if I am waiting for the next shoe to drop, but he is worth the effort.
Time is something none of us can get back, and I want to be intentional with mine. For the first time in what feels like ever I am living day to day. I am unable to look into the future as I so often have in the past. I struggle with the idea of planning any vacations because the anxiety of leaving my cat for more than one night is too much. I’m in a floating limbo right now, and while I am still working on the concept of living in the moment, I think living in the day is a good place to start.
Time is likely one of the best gifts we can give to those we care about, be it a pet, a friend, or a loved one. When I find myself getting worked up over things out of my control I try to remind myself of what’s really important in life. Spoiler: it’s not work, it’s not thoughts of anxiety, it’s not an unexpected change in plans – it’s the simplicity of time spent with others, and time spent with ourselves.
Q: Do you consider pets another family member, or do you consider pets more of a convenience? Like a barn cat to catch mice, a dog for protection, etc. I have an arguably unhealthy attachment to pets, especially the one I have now.
45 thoughts on “Cats, Cakes, and Conundrums”
Sheree
Pets are most definitely members of ones family
Brittany
Amen.
Sheree
That’s why it’s so heartbreaking when they die
Grace @ Cultural Life
Sorry to hear about your cat’s health issues, that sounds challenging for sure! And poor timing for it to happen, on your birthday!
Pets are absolutely family members for me. I have such a close bond with my dog Aimee (pictured in my profile pic here, though both of us are about 6 years older now!) and have similarly been thinking of time passing and how precious it is.
To be honest, I think about things like that a lot, not only about my sweet Aimee but also my loved ones who are getting older and/or having health issues. 😢
Ah, this living and loving thing is hard sometimes, but at least the intensity of feeling means we love, and are loved, deeply – so that’s a blessing. Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all, as someone once said (a poet, I think, can’t remember off the top of my head).
Well, that comment got deep and philosophical! Anyway, it was nice to see your post pop up in my Reader. Hope you’re doing well 🙂
Brittany
I love your deep and philosophical comment. These are my favorite! Honestly I also fall deep into the thoughts of aging family. I watch my mom get older and less mobile and it terrifies me. I don’t know how I will manage when she is no longer around. I pray that is many years away!
Grace @ Cultural Life
I hear you. I’m exactly the same with my mum, I worry about her such a lot, especially as she’s on her own and in her 70s now. At the moment, I stay with her 2 days every week, the rest of the time I’m with my partner. It’s very hard watching a beloved parent age, I know. Sending a virtual hug! 🤗
Arpita Roy
Feeling sad about your cat’s health issues, especially on your birthday, must be really tough. You’re right to say that one day he won’t be with you, but he knows you’ll love him till the end. He’s lucky to have such a loving family. Sadly, many animals live on the streets without food and love, and some are even hurt by humans. But they have big hearts and forgive everyone.
Pets are like family to me, especially my dog Donut, who’s been with us for about three years now. He’s really special to all of us.
Brittany
Sometimes I get so distraught thinking about the evil acts towards animals and I get myself into a tizzy. I cannot fathom how someone could be so cruel. We do not deserve the grace of these animals when they are mistreated.
I love the name Donut, that is too cute. He sounds like a wonderful boy.
Arpita Roy
Yes, animals deserve better treatment from us. They are just like great friends to us.
Peg
I know exactly how you feel, and my Summer Girl is also 16 and looks exactly like your Little. They are our babies and we stress over them just like other mothers do. Hang in there!
Brittany
Awww we have similar babies. Too sweet. Thank you for your comment, you hang in there too!
StoryhengeArt
http://storyhengeart.com/2024/03/22/michael-and-jello-can-a-i-be-divine/
Cats are part of our human history and companionship with the animal world. They are walking, talking, purring side-kicks to artists from the time of painting on cave walls.
Love your blog!
Brittany
Oh I love this post you shared! What purrrfect timing of your post.
Allie Zottola
You are an amazing cat mom. Always remember that. I love that this post reminded me that the best thing I can give is my time. I needed that during a busy season!
All those treats look delish! I’ll have to send you my Gf brownies! I wonder if they’ll cause the elephant seal thing 😂
Brittany
Thank you friend, sometimes when I’m deep in the trenches I forget that I am doing my best. That’s all I can do! He’s happy and his quality of life is still good so we continue on!
Sometimes the elephant seal stampede is worth it. 🤣
C.A. Post
We had tons of pets when I was growing up, from an assortment of dogs (usually only one at a time) to a menagerie of cats (up to 21 at one point!) and parakeets, cockatoos, geese, and a couple mice (Mom did not let me keep them very long; hmm, wonder what happened to Mickey?😏)
However, none of them were family. They were all friends and their personalities ranged from finicky to friendly (one parakeet loved sitting on my Dad’s bald head😄) We always remember that Father (the Heavenly one) told us to take good care of His creatures, but we also always recognized there is a huge difference between us and them; not as big as the difference between us and Father, but still, He spoke life into the animals and BREATHED life into Adam.
Convenience⁉️ Never‼️ Good care, life Father does for us, requires attention, work, investment and love! And for children pets can be a great way to teach responsibility and how gracious our God is to us when we are less than what he wanted.
❤️&🙏, c.a.
Brittany
I appreciate you sharing this perspective. I’m amazed you had 21 cats at one time, how is that possible!? I don’t think I will ever own a pet and not consider them my family, but I can respect this side of the coin as well.
At the end of the day, as long as we are treating animals well it’s all good in my book!
C.A. Post
We found a feral cat under a big wood pile behind our back yard. We ‘adopted’ her kittens, and cats being cats (outdoors; we had dogs and birds inside, but only one cat) they multiplied until after we had 21 we lost count and Dad started giving them away… to ANYONE who would take them! He had had enough cats to last a couple lifetimes!🤠
Brittany
This would be a dream come true. But also a handful!! What a memory.
Rootchopper
I grew up with a golden retriever. He was a guardian, a pest, a long pillow, a goofball, and a complete moron but he was indisputably part of the family. We grew up with him and he with us. He lasted a very long time. I was living far away when he died.
I’ve never understood the appeal of cats, to be honest. To each his or her own, I suppose. Be thankful for all the time you’ve had and will continue to have with Little.
Brittany
Most people I know are dog people, but I am undeniably a cat person. I think most people see dogs as family, and cats as just cats. But like you said, to each their own. No one’s love for a pet is wrong.
I am savoring every moment with my tiny best friend! He makes me laugh every single day.
Atheria
As you sadly know, I went through this with Chakra. Bleu and I still miss her so much. I’m actually going to go to wonderful Savannah for a few days in May. While Chakra was so bad, I couldn’t go anywhere. I got home from work one day and she’d had one of her intestine episodes and had been suffering for hours. It was so stressful. Little is so lucky to have you as his mommy. I hope he’s with your for a LONG time.
Brittany
You did so well by Chakra! Use this Savannah trip to honor her spirit, she would be so happy you can go now and explore. I miss her for you.
Atheria
I forgot to add that the cakes look soooooo good. Did they have any gluten free vegan ones?
Brittany
The Wrens Nest did not, however my local bakery is both GF/V for their goodies!!! In fact my mom bought me two cupcakes yesterday from them. The cupcakes are delicious, but they are verrrryyy sweet. Almost too sweet.
They have non GF/V cupcakes too, but I don’t get those ones. 🤪
Liz H-H
I, too, am in a relationship with my 14 year-old tuxedo cat. He’s draped and rolled up in a warm blanket with me as I write.
Like many cats, he has issues. No kidney problems, thank god, but doesn’t drink enough water, so the pooping thing is tricky for him. My vet has me mix a tiny bit of Maalox in the water I normally put in his wet food. Seems to help, with no struggles to administer…
Happy bday, by the way!
Brittany
I empathize with you and your kitty! The warm blankets are a blessing for them as they get older. I recently bought mine a heating pad and he LOVES it.
I’m sorry to hear you are also struggling with poop stuff. I have been mixing Miralax into my cats food every few days as well (he is on wet food too), and I think it helps. Hard to say. I’m too afraid to stop all together, but equally afraid to give it to him daily because of his kidney disease. My vet and I are trying to find the sweet spot. Although he did recommend once a day at this point. His poops on the good poop food have been ok though, so I’m continuing the trial and error for the sweet spot as to not tax his kidneys too much!
Thank you for the birthday wishes. ❤️
Some Small Things
I couldn’t believe it when I read this post — I even gave it to my husband to read. I could have written it! But not so eloquently—you are a wonderful writer.
We are almost 18 now, and we too had a trip to ER with anesthesia and an enema this past month. Izzy has had these for years, but we’ve been on a really good run with Metamucil for the past five years. We unfortunately found out on this trip that he’s anemic.
But everything is just the same, right down to the treats my husband buys for me at the gluten free bakery and the little plants from Trader Joe’s. My latest one is named Imogene!
And then there’s the thought process at the end. The day by day, the out of control anxiety, the not leaving the house. And I canceled a work trip to Costa Rica last year when Iz got pancreatitis, and I was honest and told the director, and she just didn’t get it.
Little and Iz are our respective children. ❤️ Good health to all.
Brittany
Ohh friend. I’m so sorry you are also going through this emotional rollercoaster with an elderly pet. I’m amazed Izzy is almost 18! You’re doing amazing!
I would have absolutely canceled the trip as well, and it’s unfortunate when others who have not experienced that soul connection to a pet just don’t understand.
At the end of the day we have to do what helps us stay close and connected with our fur children! They spend their entire lives with us (usually), and we only get a limited time with them.
I had to laugh at the similarities with the GF treats and TJ plants! We are truly kindred spirits! Sending you and your sweet baby hugs!
Bradley on the Run
Oh poor Little! Our geriatric cat, Osker, made it to 18. He also had kidney issues. And he was a picky eater. And he had some terrible digestive issues which made me feel terribly guilty. It’s really tough. Cats are 100% family. We were devastated when we lost him. We now have two fur-babies, Mirin & Ponzu.
Brittany
I would be so blessed to have Little with me until he was 18. My cat Shampy who was his best buddy died in 2017 a month shy of 20! So that’s my goal. As they age it’s hard to watch them struggle, Little still has a good quality of life overall so we are still chugging along.
Hug your two babies extra tight!
GO Figure Club
Love the subject!!
Brittany
The subject of my constipated cat struggling?
GO Figure Club
I thought you’d never ask. sorry for the confusion, But this is what my comment about; BRITTANY- Self proclaimed minimalistic nomad striving to maintain a balanced, healthy life with good food, long bike rides, deep connections, exploration, and lots of potatoes.
and
If this blog does not meet your standards, please lower your standards.
Brittany
LOL. That makes more sense. 🤣 I’m glad you appreciated the description of my blog.
GO Figure Club
Glad we cleared that up.
I just hate when people over complete things in life. And love easy-going people with a great sense of humor!! and by the way, your profile picture gives off that great lets enjoy life vibe!! Keep on smiling☺.
gpavants
Brittney,
Yes. I do. On that note I was thinking about writing to Kaiser about offering pet insurance. Lots of reasons why this would be great across the board. Are you not hiking lately? You okay?
Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Brittany
LOL I also have Kaiser, and would love to have an extension of my insurance be for my pet. There are pet insurance options, but for my old man kitty it’s too late. He wouldn’t be covered because of all his issues.
My next pet I will absolutely be getting insurance though.
Not much hiking lately with the colder and wet months, but as it’s getting nicer I will be getting back out there! I’ve actually been running more the last few months, I just haven’t shared it much on here. I will share more running stuff soon probably!
As for “am I ok”, aside from the stress from my kitty at times and just everyday life stressors I’m doing ok! Thanks for asking.
gpavants
Good to know, Brittney.
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Amy
BRITTANY!!! Oh my gosh… Somehow, I stopped receiving notifications about your new blog posts around the end of October. I was worried when I realized I hadn’t seen anything from you for 5+ months! Turns out it was just a technology glitch and you hadn’t fallen off the face of the internet. What a relief! 😉
I’m right there with you. My dog will be 16 in September, and I’m so hesitant to travel and leave her in someone else’s care for more than 24 hours. Perhaps I’m being irrational, but I know she’s closer to the end than the beginning and cherish the time I have left with her. I loved seeing your cat with the space heater in your November Confessions post and how you brought him with you to look at holiday lights in December! It’s so cute how much he loves going for rides in the car!! ♡
Brittany
Hello friend!!! I’m here, I’m here! Although sporadically, I have not yet dropped off the face of the internet. I don’t know if I could ever fully stop spewing randomness on my little space of the web. 🥰
I am just in awe of your dog. For a cat 16 is old, but not overly uncommon. For a dog, I think 16 is an amazing feat! I don’t blame you for wanting to savor every moment with her. I also don’t think you’re irrational for any of what you said, I’m the exact same way. Death is inevitable for all of us, including our babies. I’d hate to know I missed too many precious last moments with mine. I know you feel the same. It’s a blessing to love them so fiercely! Enjoy every moment with your girl. ❤️❤️
Amy
I hope you never stop blogging, no matter how sporadically!! I always enjoy reading your posts. I love your amazing sense of humor — and you’re such an uplifting and inspiring soul! ♡
It’s so true. Death is inevitable and coming for all of us (just a fact of life!), but in a way, knowing that can make life and all of its experiences even more special. I hope you have many more precious moments and memories with your adorable cat too!
angelamara
Hi Brittany! I really enjoyed your post – this is the first time I have visited your blog. I found out about it because you visited mine, thank you! For me and my family, our cats are *definitely* family! We have our geriatric boy Togy, a very sweet 17 (?) year old orange tabby who has used up several of his nine lives, but is still with us. He had thyroid disease, which he was treated for TWICE when he was a sprite 13 year old. After that he started having kidney issues. Then, his sweet buddy Tillie died at age 15, and that was so hard on all of us. But perhaps especially hard on Togy. Not long after, he developed gingivostomatitis… UGH. I think it was due to the stress of losing Tillie. And he is too old to have all of his teeth removed, so we just try to manage his stress levels and he seems to do ok, but initially the vet thought he had cancer, so he went on steroids, which caused him to have diabetes!!! There were several times that we thought he was at death’s door, but he is still with us, and ever so sweet. He gets his insulin twice daily, and I also have to give him miralax once a day to help him with regularity. And his legs are very weak, due to age, and also the diabetes. It is really challenging to go out of town with all of this! So I can relate, and the anxiety, oh yes. We now also have a 3 year old tabby named Molly. She is crazy and funny, and keeps us all entertained. Not sure why we thought it was a good idea to bring a new cat into the picture, but here we are and we all love her. Happy Belated Birthday, from one cat lover/sweets lover to another!
Brittany
WHOA!!! Your Togy has absolutely been through the wringer! I can relate to most of what he went through (well not me, but my kitty.) In 2017 Little lost his best buddy Shampy (he was just shy of 20, that cat was amazing), and shortly after in the beginning of 2018 Little developed a severe urinary blockage resulting in a cystotomy procedure.
About a year later he developed the early stages of kidney disease, something that has continued to progress since, but thankfully has not been a huge issue for him.
In 2020 he also had thyroid disease, but we were able to get the radioactive iodine treatment and it has not recurred since. I am so sorry you treated Togy TWICE with no resolution.
In May of last year I had Little on three months of steroids for a suspected IBD diagnosis, but I was terrified of keeping him on them long term and thankfully that diagnosis seems to have been incorrect. It’s been trial and error with food ever since.
You are a saint to give your sweet baby daily love with his meds. I have Little on a non prescription food now that I know keeps him regular, and I give him Miralax usually about 1-2 times a week depending on how happy I am with his stools.
I would love to get another kitty, but I have so much anxiety with just the one I don’t think I could handle two. I do think that having more than one kitty keeps them happy and keeps them living longer though, so you are doing it right!!
Thank you for sharing your story with your Togy.
angelamara
Oh my goodness! Your Little sure has been through so much! Wow. He and Togy would probably have lots to talk about ;-). I think you are wise to not bring in a second cat. Let Little have all the love!