I honestly didn’t think I’d be bringing Ernie home with me but my vet said he has an ulcerated eyeball that has gotten pretty foggy and he probably has no sight in that eye but otherwise he didn’t find anything wrong. I just don’t know if I believe that however because he is so lethargic that it just doesn’t seem to be normal. He got several shots and we’re going to try to put eye drops in his eye tonight. I’ll keep you posted.
And JB is hanging in there but I’m quite sure he doesn’t see well and I know he doesn’t hear well. His fur just feels oily and clumpy even though I’ve combed him as best as he’ll let me.
So that’s the vet report on the blog about nothing.
Well Mary JB and Ernie will let you know when things aren’t right. Hang in there. Got thunder and lightning but not much rain yet. Just went out and watered the plants. Maybe the rain will clear off the pollen on the plants. Already have a 3 inch summer squash setting on.
Sending hugs to the kitties!!
Akira’s eyes are pretty foggy, too, but she seems to get around OK and isn’t running into things, so I try not to worry too much.
So glad you gave a follow up re the vet appointment. Keep the faith!
JB and Ernie are so handsome! Precious 😻 hope they get to feeling better! 🥰
Hugs going to you and those 2 kitties 💕
It is so hard to watch our elderly pets decline. I know they are getting good care and a lot of love. I’m always telling several of my animal loving friends about you and your animals. I have been been reading your blog since you started. I also subscribed the the Goat Gazette. I still miss the paper version.
Carolyn – I still miss the paper version, too – just like the local newspaper which is about 2 pages. Think what the cost would be now to mail it. I loved adding all the illustrations, etc. – now just a memory.
Thanks for the update on your precious kitties. I hope they continue to get better. We took Angel to the groomer this afternoon in Mason City and while we were there we had a “million dollar rain” in CC. We were really dry here. Hope you got some of that rain today. Also, we have a terrible mosquito problem already which is unusual and they’re huge!
Gloria – we got about 10 drops and that’s all!!!!
I was so concerned all day about your vet visit and glad they are home resting with your loving care. My cat has been with us 14 yrs old (stray so no telling how old he is, we have kept him indoors since he became ours) and gets around okay but can’t jump up anymore so we have steps and stairs around for him but his fur has been oily for several years. He still eats good but does sleep more.
Kathy – the fur is the first sign of aging, I think. And it hurts them to comb it so I try not to. Ernie is laying in the same place as when I brought him home – there is something else wrong. I know it. Ernie is almost 15.
Awww, poor kitties. I hope they will be ok.
JB looks just like my cat and she is 11 years old.
warm day but warmer tomorrow.
Carolyn b Shenandoah Valley Va
Glad to hear the vet thinks that Ernie’s problems can be addressed with medication. Good luck administering the eye drops. I know you’ll do whatever it takes.
Sorry to hear. My kitty Just had the same thing. Used drops 2 times a year and after 2 months it is gone. A slow process.
Suzanne – did you mean 2 times a day?
Thanks for the update on Ernie and JB. All of us readers are like godparents to your pets, I think
Dot – I think so, too – godparents to my pets!! Haha!
Having pets is not for the faint hearted…. I think that should be a bumper sticker! I have an aging cocker spaniel that needs one drop of 4 different eye meds in the left eye three times a day and one drop of two different eye med in the right eye once day. She now has ear infections which require ear flush medication once a day in both ears in addition to three oral meds given twice a day!! Between all these meds I try to get food in her bowl at least once daily, shower with hugs and petting during the day and religiously take her to go “potty” outside numerous times a day. I had three children under the age of four back in the day and that seems a piece of cake compared to animal needs! I love her tho and would do anything for her but it definitely is a challenge finding time to quilt! In fact I made two different dinners for the family today that now reside in the frig. and freezer just so I could quilt this weekend. I told everyone that if they do not let me quilt and putter in my sewing room this weekend, I couldn’t be responsible for my actions in the next few days… Anyone feel like this???
Carolyn – YES!!!!! I have to stay up very late after everybody is asleep to be able to sew without guilt. I’m losing sleep but I’d rather sew than sleep. I have so much to do during the day that I can’t let myself go to the sewing room. And yes, having pets can be hard! I don’t know how you manage all those drops and meds for one dog! There is definitely something wrong with Ernie – I don’t care what the vet says.
Thanks for the update on Ernie. I know it is so hard to see Ernie and JB not doing so well.
We were just with my son in Iowa and his dog Sally is showing more signs of age. She wasn’t comfortable sitting on my lap like she’s done since she was a puppy. It was so hard to see her seeming to be in more pain when trying to get up and down from her spots on the sofa.
Two things I expect from older cats are arthritis and kidney disease, especially when they stop or have trouble grooming.
i know it’s a pain in the —, but sometimes you need a second opinion. I know that can be hard to arrange, can be costly and involves travel we’d rather not do.
I so wish our furry family could tell us what is going on with them. It is so hard to guess,and give medication,etc.hoping they improve. Aging is not easy for humans,or fur babies! we just have to enjoy ALL the moments and all the days we have together.I wish you more good days with your cats…..💗
Hi Mary, l hope ernie makes some improvement, getting old is not for the faint hearted they say!l have a nasal spray now for my blocked ear, hope it’s fixed in a month, not hearing well is tough,but as l am mainly by myself I cope. Puddling along using a pile of triangles to make handy Andy blocks, might have to ask if l need sashing between blocks or not, will send photos when l get to that stage! Had to spend a few minutes thinking of the word sashing then! The other day I described a dog as a Mexican dog, couldn’t think of the wotd chihuahua! Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
Sandy – I am very familiar with that sudden blank feeling where I just can’t think of the word I’m looking for.
So sad for your kitties. I remember very well that oily, matting fur feeling with ours. And yes, we all know our pets and can tell when something is not right. If only they could talk and tell us what hurts! Just not fair!
I hope Ernie does better today. Maybe the meds will kick in. Our grand kitty, Tiptoe age 14, is also getting oily and sleeps a lot. She is a sweet girl. My Nana always said kitties would try to go off somewhere to die when they knew their time was near. Nana had Blackie who we only saw his rear end as he ran the other way from 3 kids who wanted to cuddle him!😹. Goid luck with Ernie and JB.
Diane – I couldn’t find Ernie this morning – searched everywhere I could think of in the house and walked around outside. I went in to make my coffee and he strolled up to the front door! He’s sleeping again but when he walks he is very wobbly. I am keeping a close eye on him but I’m going to be gone this afternoon so I’ve asked Rick to watch him.
Poor kitties. It’s so hard when they get older, obviously feel bad, and we have to make decisions about what is best for them. Hope Ernie’s meds work and he’s better soon.
Mary,
It’s too bad our animals don’t have a longer and healthier life. Your vet is probably trying to keep him alive if possible but you have had a ton of experience with animals and will know when it’s time to let him go. Do what you feel best.
Everything here is drying up as well. Hot and no rain and not really anything much expected for the next week except the heat. Might as well sit and sew, right? It’s really hard watching our dear pets grow old. I’m sure they appreciate all you do for them.
My dog is old and does not see well or hear well but sure can smell well. The bits of food I drop on the floor are found and enjoyed.
I hope the meds work for Ernie and JB continues to hang in there. This getting old stuff is for the birds. My 16-year old kitty is sleeping a lot and also has the oily fur. About 6 months ago her fur was as soft as a kitten’s and always super clean. It saddens me knowing she is slowing down and having lost her sister last September (her littermate) it makes me even sadder thinking her time to cross the Rainbow Bridge is inching closer. If only they could talk and tell us what was wrong. I’ll just continue to brush her, talk to her and love her to pieces until I no longer can.
Poor JG….I know how he feels….I am a bit sluggish and my hair just keeps getting more oily and lumpish then this last winter……🥺