I didn't see him poop and don't think anyone was around. No, box hadn't been moved. The thing is I can't hang out with him all day every day to monitor this. ATM I am spending 80-90% of my time with him. But I have to keep things afloat here and take care of the other pets too. I've been living with this problem for years. While it would be nice to solve it, it isn't at the top of my list. 😉 So in all honesty, I won't be able to do everything required to fix it. Just so many other demands in addition to helping him heal. As long as he is pooping normally, I'll be satisfied with that. I'm not aware of anything at all changing between the 2 poops. I'll try to keep on it as best I can but I am really overwhelmed. 

We are on the bed right now with my black cat and Marlowe. He is on my right side grooming. I actually noticed him wiggling his stump and hadn't seen that before. Does that indicate pain? He had buprenorphine an hour ago and not due for Gab yet. He seems happy enough. 

It's really difficult to do this all alone and also with a pup and 2  other cats who are used to having things their way too. And paying bills, keeping food on hand, etc. 

I've been through a lot in the past few years in addition to breast cancer. The loss of 7 pets to old age and the battles prior to losing them, the loss of my business, people letting me down, and more. I was strong but I'm truly worn out.  So, please understand - I want to do right by Sky and am doing my best but there is more here than meets the eye. I don't have the energy or luxury to be proud. 

Sorry if this sounds ungrateful - I've just heard the "You're so strong" mantra so much. I'm tired of it. I'm not very strong any more. It has taken a toll.

Thanks for trying!

R & S

I can't even begin to reply right now, Sally, but thank you so much! I was afraid I was going too far being honest. 

I am definitely going to get that ice cream right now and bring it back to bed. And wipe the tears from my eyes. 

Thank you!!!!

Rebecca

Thank you all for not writing me off. My life has been tumultuous the past decade - prior to that it was pretty cool. I have to pick my battles. 

And FWIW here is an illustration of why I'm not going to make a goal of getting Sky to use the box: I came home from running errands and gave him some food. He went to one of the boxes and peed a lot. Then got out of the box and pooped on the floor right in front of me. It was like he decided he needed to go and did it where he was.  However, a few minutes later he went to one of the boxes and pooped more into it ( same box he peed in). There was no apparent reason for the poop in front of me. It was just like he didn't realize he needed to do it when he was in the box and when the urge struck he went with it.  OK.

Dr. Louise and I text all the time. I have her ear/finger whenever I need her.  She sent me a photo tonight of a 2 week old kitten she is temporarily fostering for a friend and bottle feeding every 3 hours. She has a HUGE heart!!

Sky is dong better. We are doing the chicken trail a few times a day but he is very comfy in the fur bed in the office. He has moved away from the space heater.. that's a good thing. I did order one of those cat cave beds today - the wool ball with a hole in it. I think he will love it!   

I still get chills when I look at his bare body and missing leg. 

But the important thing is he is still here and gives me eye smiles. 

Thanks everyone!!!

Rebecca & Sky

I've also heard them called "eye love". It's a slow blink looking straight at you. How they convey love and connection 

The shaving is bad because you see all the folds and missing parts, in addition to stitches. And because of the diarrhea incidents he is shaved down even more now.  Also Dr. Louise said his fur will grow back more slowly because of the prednisolone. 

And I DO believe in the power of ice cream! It was my coping strategy when my husband died. Still trying to lose those pounds. But then more  happened. Guess ice cream is here to stay.. and the subsequent pounds. 

Woke up at 6am to find him lying at the top of the stairs by the gate - that meant he had to make his way down the hall. That was good. I fed him then and he ate well.  Then I went back to bed for a few hours. Ahhh sleep.. yes the other magic cure.

Time for meds shortly. Slowly but surely cutting down on them. Hoping soon it will just be Gabapentin for his back and maybe not even Prednisolone if his IBD turns out to be pain-associated with his leg instead. But that is TBD. 

Thanks, Sally, for being here for me!!

Rebecca & Sky 

Thanks, Jerry and Brad!  

Yes, it's abnormal for recent elimination frequency.  Normally he eats/drinks then pees/poops. Nothing by mid-afternoon hasn't happened since he started normal poops a few days ago. 

I can believe he is tired from those walks. It's a lot of work. And we must not forget he is 13. Poor guy - it's a lot to deal with at this point. Breaks my heart. 

We are still curled up on my bed. Marlowe is lying right next to him on the other side. He's comfortable. I don't want to move. 

If nothing happens in the next couple hours, I think I'll let my vet know and see what she says. 

Thanks for your input!!!

R & S