Mouse had another seizure this morning.
I think he knew he was going to and altered our routine so I would be right there beside him when it started. What I’m not sure of is if he did that for his sake, mine or both. Normally he insists on eating around 4:30. The boys eat. I check my email and read the blogs I like that I know are posted by then. Sometimes I do some writing or edit what I wrote the night before. Sometimes Mouse, Bixby and I go back to bed for our morning snuggle while the little boys hang out on the porch for the birds to wake up.
Today we slept in. I was checking my emails later than normal. Mouse was beside me in the chair as he usually is only today he had maneuvered himself so his head was resting in my palm with my arm wrapped around him. That’s when the seizure hit. He let out the scream that takes years off my life, I tossed my laptop and was on the floor with my upper body holding him in place within half a second.
This one wasn’t nearly as bad as most because he was right there. I didn’t have to first locate him within the house. I know he didn’t fall off of something and smack his head. I didn’t have to crawl under a piece of furniture and yank him out only to discover later that one or both of us was bleeding. I didn’t have to worry about one of his paws being dislocated because his claws were stuck in the carpet as his body twisted violently. I was there with him, calling him name instantly so this seizure was relatively short.
Still, Mouse was no less disoriented when it was over. His eyes were still unfocused. His limbs were rigid. His muscles wouldn’t cooperate. After he comes out of it, he always wants to pace. I walk along with him, supporting him until his legs work. We stop frequently for Mouse to sit down and purr at me. What a sweetie, purring to make me feel better! Yes, I try to remain as calm as possible but the little cat can see right through me.
After an hour or so of that he will finally curl up and cuddle. The other boys usually join us too. Even Quinn came along although he didn’t make it to the bed. That’s when we have story time. I talk. I think it helps soothe Mouse like his purring helps me. Today I told stories about when he and Bix were the little boys and all the things that they did to annoy the older cats I had at the time. I swear I heard some laughter mixed in with the purring several times.
When I feel Mouse truly relax I know it’s time to let go again. It damn near kills me but I know I have to. So I got up and went to work. I was terribly distracted as I’m sure you could have guessed.
One day I know I’ll get home and Mouse will be gone. I’m so very grateful that today was not that day.
I think he knew he was going to and altered our routine so I would be right there beside him when it started. What I’m not sure of is if he did that for his sake, mine or both. Normally he insists on eating around 4:30. The boys eat. I check my email and read the blogs I like that I know are posted by then. Sometimes I do some writing or edit what I wrote the night before. Sometimes Mouse, Bixby and I go back to bed for our morning snuggle while the little boys hang out on the porch for the birds to wake up.
Today we slept in. I was checking my emails later than normal. Mouse was beside me in the chair as he usually is only today he had maneuvered himself so his head was resting in my palm with my arm wrapped around him. That’s when the seizure hit. He let out the scream that takes years off my life, I tossed my laptop and was on the floor with my upper body holding him in place within half a second.
This one wasn’t nearly as bad as most because he was right there. I didn’t have to first locate him within the house. I know he didn’t fall off of something and smack his head. I didn’t have to crawl under a piece of furniture and yank him out only to discover later that one or both of us was bleeding. I didn’t have to worry about one of his paws being dislocated because his claws were stuck in the carpet as his body twisted violently. I was there with him, calling him name instantly so this seizure was relatively short.
Still, Mouse was no less disoriented when it was over. His eyes were still unfocused. His limbs were rigid. His muscles wouldn’t cooperate. After he comes out of it, he always wants to pace. I walk along with him, supporting him until his legs work. We stop frequently for Mouse to sit down and purr at me. What a sweetie, purring to make me feel better! Yes, I try to remain as calm as possible but the little cat can see right through me.
After an hour or so of that he will finally curl up and cuddle. The other boys usually join us too. Even Quinn came along although he didn’t make it to the bed. That’s when we have story time. I talk. I think it helps soothe Mouse like his purring helps me. Today I told stories about when he and Bix were the little boys and all the things that they did to annoy the older cats I had at the time. I swear I heard some laughter mixed in with the purring several times.
When I feel Mouse truly relax I know it’s time to let go again. It damn near kills me but I know I have to. So I got up and went to work. I was terribly distracted as I’m sure you could have guessed.
One day I know I’ll get home and Mouse will be gone. I’m so very grateful that today was not that day.
7 comments:
I remember when it was time to let go of my 22-yr-old cat. Here I was, blubbering all over his fur and talking to him, and he was purring away, as if to soothe ME! Hugs to you and Mouse, as well as the other boys.
Sorry about the seizure. Sounds like you did a wonderful job handling it. Glad it was short duration but know even that is scary.
Scary stuff whether it be a person or a pet. Try and get some rest
What causes the seizures? I've heard of animals getting them before but I've never seen it and it sounds like they are pretty regular for Mouse. Breaks my heart. You are such a good cat mommy.
The vet has no idea what causes Mouse's seizures. They started a few years ago and he has one every four or five months, not frequently enough to risk the side effects of the anti-seizure drugs. Today he's back to his usually opinionated, lovable cat-self. Thanks everyone.
{{{{{{HUGS}}}}} to you and Mouse and the rest of the boys. I'm so sorry - that must have been terrifying. :(
Seizures are scary stuff. Glad everything is back to normal!
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