Harlee

[days_unfolding]

Harlee likes to perch on my chest and shoulder. It's not exactly comfortable for me, but she's the boss, and she knows it :) I enjoy listening to her purr.

Someone (on the Guardian?) wrote an essay about how having an old cat is like listening to an old, sad song. I do have moments of anticipatory grief with her, but her life force is strong at this point. She's eating, drinking, talking, purring, telling me off if I don't pet her right when she wants to be petted, and occasionally slipping out through the gate into the rest of the house. (Mimi and Zara look at her like "What the hell?" and keep their distance.) My only concern is that she is very thin, but she isn't acting like a sick cat. So I'll keep watching her.

Comments

[ljravengirl]

I get it-- that anticipatory grief. I've been dealing with that with Zola for some time now. And yes, she's eating, but she's thin. I know she's ill, though. I don't know what kind (because tests and expense, etc) but she has cancer. I have to let her go soon.

Cute pic! When Zola was a baby-cat, she would snuggle between my ear and shoulder as I slept and for many years, she was always at the top of the bed near me. She still sits WAY too close to my face for "special kisses and cuddlin's" at bedtime before she heads to a more comfy spot for her weary bones.

[days_unfolding]

Sorry about Zola. It's hard no matter how long a life that they have.

When Harlee was younger, she never used to lie on me at all. It's just recently that she started lying on my neck and shoulder.

[days_unfolding]

Harlee is in the early stages of kidney disease, so that's why I'm keeping a close eye on her. Right now, though, she's drinking enough water to compensate for it.