Happy spring, Max mavens.

Ah, spring fever. For some, it means a state of being surgically attached to any couch within 6 feet of a television airing college basketball. For others, it means the thrills and throes of young love.

For Max, it means…um…madness.

Now, I hasten to note, in the immortal words of Emily Dickinson, that a little madness in the spring is wholesome even for the king. And, as we know so well, Max is nothing if not king of all he surveys.

But just when we thought we’d reached the outer limits of Max’s craziness, he throws open a door to a whole crazy basement we never knew existed.

A bit of background on Max’s current round of battiness is in order. Since his return, our boy has been bouncing up and down in terms of weight. When we treat him with an appetite stimulant, Max’s weight climbs back to normal-for-Max. Discontinue that drug, and Max starts shedding pounds again.

The appetite stimulant falls squarely on the list of Normal Non-Scary Medications at Tabby’s Place. We use this drug quite frequently with our kitties, whether they be not-so-hungry seniors or nervous newcomers who need a bit of a boost. This particular appetite stimulant has never caused any behavioral/psychiatric side effects that we’ve seen.

Then again, this appetite stimulant had never before met Max.

When Max is on the appetite stimulant, he gains weight. He eats well. He also growls at walls and shoots suspicious, snarling glances over his shoulders.

A drug meant to help his hunger is making Max madder than ever.

Granted, we’re all a little mad here. But Max admittedly does not need help in the daftness department – and it’s quite painful to see him so agitated. So we will continue to monitor his weight closely, and to give him the appetite stimulant only when absolutely necessary.

In encouraging news, Max is doing just fine with his new roommates. After his pummelfest with Goldie, we were a bit nervous about introducing living, breathing felines to Max’s suite again. But, so far, he’s taken to utterly ignoring gentle Emilia and Kylie – which works for both them and him.

Dear sponsors, thank you for loving Max through all his ups and downs, and helping us to give him the very personal care and love he needs. May your spring be abloom with all the blessings your heart can hold.

Note: Max’s faithful correspondent and our dear friend, Jen, is grappling with some medical issues of her own this spring. She hopes to be back to writing for Max by next month. I ask that you please keep Jen in your prayers.