Pandering #oldladies #cats

I’ve talked about our ancient cat, Nutmeg, who passed her 25th birthday this summer.

1997, with her now departed sister, Tikka

She’s still mobile, still eats heartily and still detests the new interloper, Tipsy with the passion of the slighted Dowager.

However, her hips are stiffer than they were and, like all cats, she likes being high up to watch the world as it passes below.

Our utility room has been her domain for most of her life ; she enjoys the heat of the boiler and this summer she, alone has spent time baking on the lawn.

For reasons that are beyond explanation she juggles her soft bespoke bed with the washing up bowl as her preferred sleeping venue.

Given the evidence of increasing infirmity we have introduced some changes.

Two chairs provide aid with the floor to work surface transition

And a drawbridge added across the back door to enable a one level transfer between the bed and the sink/food area.

These days she prefers to use a cat litter tray, even though, as above, she is happy to slink through the flap to access the sunshine. Sadly, while she remembers to sit in the litter tray, often that means her feet are on the litter while her arse is hanging over the edge, hence the increasing extent of the newspaper.

I have no idea how much longer she’ll go on. Her eyes can get gummy, her teeth aren’t the best but she still purrs, she still sits next to the Textiliste on a spare chair, hoping to be fed the odd morsel of meat or cheese and she still howls at me first thing demanding breakfast. She is addicted to lickylicks which if you’ve not discovered them are a bone to keep a pet quiet.

Keep going girl…

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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50 Responses to Pandering #oldladies #cats

  1. Ritu says:

    Oh Nutmeg, you are a gorgeous old thing. Look how much they love you 😻

    Liked by 1 person

  2. joylennick says:

    What an amazing cat is Nutmeg! And so well-loved.. Aaah!

    Liked by 2 people

  3. She’s really beautiful! In the photos, how cute to see the same white flash on the side of her nose!
    Have you new cupboard doors in your kitchen?!

    Liked by 2 people

  4. George says:

    Aw, she’s gorgeous. And 25! That’s a fine age.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Love me some pretty kitty!!

    Liked by 2 people

  6. willowdot21 says:

    Absolutely a happy cat , I love the way you have accommodated for her in her utility room long may she go on ..as long as she is happy…that’s my motto.💜💜

    Liked by 2 people

  7. noelleg44 says:

    She’s a gorgeous grande dame who doesn’t look a day over 10!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. jegoldie says:

    💕🐾🐾🐾

    Liked by 2 people

  9. Our oldest was 22 and needed help as well. Good on ya Geoff and you go girl, Nutmeg.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. She is beautiful Geoff. May she have many more years.

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Darlene says:

    25 is an amazing age, even for a cat! The things we do for our fur babies, but all worth it.

    Liked by 2 people

  12. What a grand young lady (it would be rude to say old!) May she remain healthy and mobile.

    Liked by 2 people

  13. JT Twissel says:

    She’s a beautiful old lady! Hang it there Nutmeg!

    Liked by 2 people

  14. Shine on, beautiful Nutmeg! Crystal is 16, and has survived so much. I’ve put padded storage cubes (as steps) at all the furniture. I even found actual steps, that she eventually condescended to use.

    Thanks for this heartwarming post, Geoff. Hugs on the wing.

    Liked by 3 people

  15. Rowena says:

    Oh, Geoff! I was so touched by the empathetic adaptations you and the textilist are making for dear Nutmeg. It is totally in keeping with all our discussions over the years about being compassionate.
    We don’t have a cat. However, my friend Stephen has had a cat, Pippa, who must’ve been about 15-20. Stephen was 65 and passed away a few weeks ago in rare difficult personal circumstances and Pippa was also deceased when he was found. Pippa meant the world to him, and became his reason for living. A group of family and friends were still in touch and checking in on Stephen but there are so many in this situation, especially due to covid. I am keeping a closer eye out for them again. Updating my hard copy address book. Community is precious and though we’ve never met in person, I’m very grateful for our friendship!
    Best wishes,
    Ro

    Liked by 1 person

  16. I’ve never heard of such an age for a cat

    Liked by 1 person

  17. I love the accommodations, Geoff. Our elderly cats need extra care and as long as they’re purring on our laps, all is well in the world. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  18. iamthesunking says:

    Wow! Nutmeg looks ASTOUNDINGLY good for her age!

    Liked by 2 people

  19. 25 is a good old age for a cat, Geoff. You are very kind to help her with the planks and chairs. Not everyone is that thoughtful.

    Liked by 2 people

  20. Widdershins says:

    That is a spectacular innings! … may she keep on hitting it out of the park. 😀 (to mix my sporting metaphores 😀 )

    Liked by 2 people

  21. Tom Gazdag says:

    Long may she purr! A real treasure

    Liked by 2 people

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