The Feline Factor...

The other day a reader wrote and was wishing me well in my recovery and then she asked me, what I thought, was a very interesting question. She asked me how our cats are handling me being sick.

What a great question. I had certainly noticed how they were handling it on an individual basis but I never thought someone would ask. It's really quite interesting how animals perceive and react to such things.

In the old days we had two Himalayan cats. Gropius and Mies. Whenever I was sick Gropius (the male) would stand vigil. He wouldn't necessarily sit on the bed but he'd perch on a sofa or something in the bedroom and just keep an eye on me. Actually it was both eyes. If I had the flu and slept a lot, each time, day or night, that I'd open my eyes Gropius would be looking straight at me. I got the feeling that if I got sick that cat never slept. He really did hold vigil. He only left me for meals and litter time. Mies, on the other hand (the female) paid no attention.

Now we have three Abyssinian cats Tattoo, Titi and Tut. Tattoo is the mother of the other two. Before the kittens were born, Tattoo was my caretaker. If I got sick she'd be the one who'd sleep beside me and follow me around if I got out of bed.

Interestingly enough, I have no idea how they "voted" on this or how cats think, but this time Titi has stepped in for the caretaker job. And she's taking this VERY seriously! Even before I left for the hospital Titi knew I was ill and never left my side. Before I became immobile she'd follow me from room to room. When I got home from the hospital she got even more serious about her "work." During the day when I'm in bed she will curl up on my husband's side of the bed and doze lightly. She pops her head up if I move a muscle.

At night it's even more interesting. Titi will insist on being able to touch me. I have to sleep flat on my back so she will sleep in one of three places. Her favorite is to curl up in my armpit. That way if I move, even an inch, or blink an eye her head pops up and she knows exactly what's going on. Sometimes she'll sleep down further by my hip but the funny part about that is she insists on sleeping on the hip side that faces the side I'd get out of the bed on. She does not want me sneaking out of bed without her getting first warning. Lately, she's feeling most comfortable about my progress because she's been sleeping between my feet toward the bottom of the bed. In any case I can't make a move, or get past without Titi knowing. She's aware of every move I make. I've never even been her leave to go to the litter. I do know she never misses a meal however. Passing up nourishment; especially "mushy" food would be too much to ask for. She has to keep up her strength!

Tattoo seems to have gladly given over the full time job of "taking care of me" to Titi and has converted to part time. Tattoo will sleep at my other side if I am on my back and if I spend any time on my side (which I am allowed to do as long as there is a pillow between my legs) she will then perch and sleep on my hip. Abyssinians, by nature, want to be "up." She wants the highest position she can get on the bed, and since she weighs less than six pounds I don't even feel her on me. She'll sometimes fall into a deep sleep and accidentally roll off of me while she's sleeping but other than that you would not know she's there.

Then, there's Tut. His reaction has also been interesting. Tut is the male. Tut does what cats do. Tut comes up on the bed in the morning and walks directly up to my face and smells my breath. Now, my breath in the morning is never anything to be too excited about. I don't know anyone with "fresh morning breath," but Tut usually tolerates mine and then hangs around asking for some cuddles and then rolls over so I can rub his tummy.

Since I've gotten home from the hospital Tut comes up to smell my breath, makes an unmistakable "ugly" face and then jumps over me and off the bed. Must be the narcotics I'm on for pain. Maybe they make my breath horrible. I don't get it but Tut doesn't want to have much to do with me at all. He'll lie down at the bottom of the bed at night but that's about it. Just lately, when I've been getting, what seems to be so much better, he'll pass by and ask for a pet here and there, but still no morning cuddles. He acts like he's waiting to "see if I'll make it" or not.

They are all so funny and so different. I have had to learn to type lying on my side so right now Tattoo is perched up there cleaning her front paws. I'm working and she's working too.

So there you have it. The feline factor in all of this. One more thing. Tattoo and Titi are both in heat at the moment so during the day they will do their pacing, and let's not forget the crying out for a "boyfriend." I have become less of an issue for a day or two. They have their other priority. We'll see what is next.

For today's recipe I'm going to give you one of my favorites that's from an old cookbook. This is not a Zola original so you will never see it posted on my website. I don't steal other people's recipes. My excuse, of course, is I cannot cook right now, let alone invent much, so I'm a bit hamstrung. This recipe comes from one of those southern community cookbooks where everyone made a contribution but no one is given specific credit so I don't even know whom to thank. This has always been a hit. I've probably made it over 100 times when I've been in a hurry for something to just put out for a starter. Men, particularly seem drawn to it; some acting like there's an endless trough of this stuff! It's really funny to watch.

Fireside Shrimp Dip

1 can baby shrimp (8 oz). Drain and rinse well.
1/2 lb grated cheddar. Do this from a block of cheddar using a grater. Do not use grated cheese from a bag. Medium grate is best.
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup diced onion
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Grated pepper to taste
Crackers

Stir all items except the crackers in a bowl. Serve in a nice dish with crackers on the side.

Cheers,

Enjoy!
Zola