Hello, Friends!

Max here, happy to be putting “pen to paw” this month to write my own update. I am glad that I am feeling much better, and able to share my own news with you.

During the month after my surgery to remove that annoying tail of mine, visits to my nice, private suite were limited by our veterinary staff, who wanted me to concentrate on recovering and getting well. Rest is always a necessary element of any surgical recovery. I am also still challenged by recurring urinary tract infections. It was important for me to continue to take my medications, get back into a normal eating routine, and drink lots of fresh water from my own private cat fountain.

There was also the question of how I would adjust emotionally to the loss of my tail. I think that everyone was a little surprised that I don’t seem to miss my tail. It has been an object of annoyance to me for many years. The area has healed very well and I look as if I have always been without it now. I have not felt the need to focus any other self-mutilation activity on other parts of my body since my surgery; adjustments in medications would be indicated if that activity were to start again.

However, our veterinary staff did want to take a closer look at me, to see what might be causing those recurring urinary tract infections. An ultrasound was performed, which showed them that I had kidney stones, which could be contributing to the recurrence of these infections. Nothing can be safely done at this time as far as removing the stones, so my infections will be treated as they occur via medications. Otherwise, I’m doing great and am up to almost eleven pounds now!

During our last visit, my correspondent Kim was happy (oh, ok, thrilled beyond words!) that I was doing so much better. She had been given the OK to photograph me for this update, and came by right after her workday to do so. She was sporting a big colorful scarf that day, and rather than remove it before coming in, she decided it would make a great backdrop for my photo. Wearing it during our visit, I was too busy head-butting (pushing my head up into her cupped hand) and walking all over her lap to notice it. Later, when she put it on the floor for me to sit on, I was not quite ready to pose yet. She moved it up to the windowsill, where I sat on it and looked out the window. Too sunny for a good photo, we moved over to one branch of my cat tree. You know I have to be “in the mood” to give her a good photo; I was not quite ready yet. Not wanting to pressure me and just being happy for our interaction, she again spread that scarf on the floor and left it there.

A few minutes later, I started to explore it again. Its fringes were like wrapped strings; they called to me. I began to bat at them; back and forth they wiggled on the floor. I looked at her and continued to play with them. We had a gentle, safe play under her supervision. Of course, when I tried to EAT the fringes, we had to put our game to rest for the day. I looked up, and saw tears of joy in her eyes: I think our game made her day!

Thank you, dearest sponsors, for your continued love, care, and concern. The staff here at Tabby’s Place could not be more supportive of my efforts to heal and get well again. Add that special layer of emotional support that I receive from my volunteer friends, and I am working towards being the best cat I can be.

I thank you for your kindness, thoughts, and prayers during this difficult period.

Tell KIM to dry her tears now, ok?

Love,

Max