Paws In Your Heart

Kitkat, our cat, has been the focus of our attention over the last 7 days. It was a tough start to the week, we had to take her to the emergency vets early Monday morning as she wasn’t breathing properly. From there we had a tough time of waiting to see how she responded to treatment. Monday and Tuesday were touch and go. We really thought we were going to lose her and have to make a tough decision.

She got home Monday mid morning and by Tuesday evening we were back at the vets as she wasn’t eating, moving or sleeping. It was hard to watch. Kitkat just wasn’t herself, she is 18.5 years old and is a feisty, noisy lady normally. The vet helped by giving us lots of information and discussing what we had done so far and what we can do going forward.

The decision was to give her another 48 hours to see if there was any improvements. An absolute miracle happened on Wednesday morning, she meowed when I got up in the morning, and I was so happy to hear her. She had food, and as the day wore on her usual personality was coming back. It was like she had heard the conversation we were having at the vets and realised how close she was to saying goodbye.

We are now on Sunday and is back to about 85% of herself. She is jumping on the bed in the morning and meowing to wake me up again. We are so happy we still have her and can’t believe how close we came to losing her. Each day is a bonus and we are so grateful she is still part of our family.

I don’t think I have cried so much as I did on Monday and Tuesday. My heart was breaking and I was trying to come to terms with potentially losing her. Having had her in our life for nearly two decades this was going to be horrific. Friends, family, work colleagues were all so kind and sympathetic. They know how much Kitkat is part of our life and how much we love her.

Kitkat has been through all our house moves, packing boxes, unpacking boxes, she’s been a little monkey and a pain in the arse, but each day she will do something that usually makes us smile, laugh or roll our eyes. She is part of or world, she is involved in all aspects of it and we consider her in all we do.

We always say she owns us and it is her house and her rules. We are lucky enough to live here and be part of it with her.

For all of you who have pets, or may have lost them, here are five things you can do to saviour and enjoy every moment with them or create new memories:

1. Spend time with them – your day may be filled with many other things such as chores or work but always take time to spend a good few minutes spoiling, hugging and playing with your pet, make them the centre of attention. They are part of your family and deserve it.
2. Take plenty photos – I think this is one thing we are all very good at. We likely have more pictures of our pets than anything else on our phones. Create a folder or album on your phone specifically for your furry friend and be sure to print photos off as you go.
3. Don’t take them for granted – sadly they wont be here forever, as much as we would want them to be, so pay them attention and don’t assume they will always be there, years can fly by and one day your fur baby will no longer be sleeping on the windowsill or sitting under the tree in your garden.
4. Treat them occasionally – ok so realistically they are likely to get treats daily, but every so often why not give them their favourite food. For Kitkat it would be tinned tuna, so giving her some of this once in a while and watching her enjoy it is makes my heart sing!
5. Create a pet book – grab a notebook and jot down any fun memories you have. Think about what they have done that has made you laugh, cry or smile with happiness. Write all these down and create a book all about them. Print photos off and have something you can treasure and go through anytime. This book will show so much love and will be great to look through for all the good times, when you are dealing with sad times.

There are likely so many things you can think of doing with or for your pets to enjoy them. They may not be like us, but whatever form your pet takes, they are family and the bond between you will always be huge.

Before you go on with your day, take a moment to hug your loved ones and give your pets and extra big hug. I feel like I will squish Kitkat with all the love we are giving her.

Thank you for reading, have a great week.

Look after you and your pets.

Love Emma xx