Greetings from the isolation room!

Yes, I’m still here due to ringworm.

My form of ringworm isn’t a severe one, but it is pesky. It’s taking time for me to recover. At Tabby’s Place, every precaution is taken regarding health and safety. Consequently, this is my address until they’re certain that I’m clear of the fungal infection and pose no risk of spreading it to the other residents.

The medical team is trying something new to help me get better. They adjusted my steroid dose slightly. They feel that because the steroids suppress my immune system, reducing the dose could help me better fight the ringworm. This comes with a risk of my skin condition flaring up, so they’re going very slowly with it. It’s a delicate balance, and they’re monitoring me closely. Personally, I approve this strategy. If it helps me get back to my friends in Suite D…  I’m all in.

Meanwhile, I’m trying to make the best of my isolation room stay. Be assured that everyone is making things as pleasant for me as possible. The humans who take care of me couldn’t be kinder. Everyone speaks so sweetly to me. They know that I really enjoy being talked to.

I love when they come in with food for me. Like every cat, I have a clock in my stomach. I know exactly when it’s meal time. I try my best to have little to no food left in my dish, to give the appearance that I’m wasting away from hunger. Of course, I’m not starving. I likely just ate. But I’m ever hopeful that they’ll fall for it and give me extra treats.

If TripAdvisor included reviews of isolation rooms, I would give this one my highest recommendation:  five stars. I always have fresh linens and a clean litter pan. The staff is top-notch, and the food is great.

On second thought, maybe I’d have to remove one star for the room coming with a mandatory medication-taking policy. Sometimes I get a little “slap happy” and try to push the pill popper away. The pills taste awful. Some days, I just can’t help trying to avoid them. Is there no one on the planet who can make these pills tuna-flavored?

One good thing about being in isolation is that I was the least likely suspect in the treat heist that occurred last month. There’s zero possibility of my being involved. I’m a very good boy, so I’m relieved that no one thinks I’m a cat burglar. Besides, I value treats. I would never scatter them around on the floor like that! I haven’t heard anything about the culprits being apprehended.

Despite my accommodations being called the isolation room, I’m not always alone. Sometimes I’m alone, sometimes I’m not. The humans check on me regularly. Additionally, it’s been an opportunity to make friends with cats from other suites whom I normally wouldn’t meet.

Clifford, who lives in the Quinn’s Corner lobby, also has ringworm. He joined me in isolation recently. He’s immunodeficient like me. That made us easier targets for ringworm. Neir from Suite E has also been moved into isolation because he’s very suspicious for ringworm. It’s like these ringworm spores had our names on them. I think I can safely speak for all of us when I say we would have much preferred our names to be on a shipment of Churu lickable treats from Chewy.

There’s a lot of time to think deep thoughts when you’re in isolation. I’m enjoying having profound discussions with my new friends. We talk a lot about our life philosophies and whether Fancy Feast chicken is better sliced, chunky, or paté.

I was surprised that they knew about me being a rock star. I guess word gets around. They’re more than happy to sing with me and talk about music. When I told them about how much I like The Kiffness, who writes songs inspired by cat voices and sings with them, they couldn’t wait to hear more.

Do you know the Kiffness? He calls himself that because he’s from South Africa, and a slang word for “cool” is kiff. His real name is David Scott. He’s a great musician, and the cats he sings with are totally cool. One of his songs, Sometimes I’m Alone, is striking a chord with me this month. It’s so appropriate considering my current situation.

The gray and white tabby, George Rufus, who inspired the song and sings with him, is the bomb! George, aka “Lonely Cat,” has become an international star because of this song. I’m totally in awe. You can listen to it and watch his video at the end of this update.  

There’s been a whole lot of work going on in the building with the HVAC system. You would think that being without air conditioning would be terrible for those of us with fur. But.. staff and volunteers to the rescue! They put out fans and cooling pads for us! I’m a big fan of long, lazy summertime naps anyway, so from my perspective, this hasn’t been all that bad.

The way I look at it, it gives me more time to dream about being reunited with my girl, Sage. I can’t wait for us to spend time in the solarium, enjoying sunshine and summer breezes together.

I’m sending you warmest wishes for a beautiful start to summer. No pun intended. I’m not sending warm wishes just because it’s a little hot in here without air conditioning.

The deep thoughts that I’ve been thinking include being deeply thankful to have you in my life. I remain ever grateful for your caring and generosity.