One of my favorite things was walking onto the patio and seeing my "double-decker" red-headed cats. In recent months, Denny and Ike became very close - spending HOURS and HOURS baking themselves on the balcony in Galveston and out on the patio here at home. They would take turns, with one in the chair and the other underneath.
This photo makes me smile because Ike always wanted to do whatever the Maine Coon boys where doing. Elvis often planted himself at the top of the stairs, so he was in the middle of any action happening upstairs or down and in Ike's last months he took up the spot.
This view of the office ottoman was very common and even more so in the last year, as Ike spent more and more time "out of lock-up".
Favorite morning "sunny spot" ...
Our sweet Ikey with his big green eyes ...
Napping in the red bed during the early-June health downturn.
Although he wasn't allowed to roam the house unsupervised, he became very good friends with Elvis and Denny. Of course, Elvis wanted to wallow all over him - like he did with Little - but they settled into a good pattern of spending time together without actually making contact.
Here's Elvis checking on his sick friend.
Even though it was hot outside, Ike was cold in the house and enjoyed laying by the fireplace.
After Ike had been with us a few weeks and we were getting some cooler weather, he started sleeping in the garage - on the little rug in front of the dryer. I bought him this red bed and "Mousey" to keep him company.
Everyone that knows me and my history with the cats, knows about the late-in-life Sub-Q fluids. Many have asked how I can do it ... how the cat acts, etc.
The answer to the first question is that I do it because they need it. It's not something that will alter the course of their life, but as they become unable to take in enough fluids to avoid dehydration, it makes them feel much better to receive Sub-Qs.
The answer to the second questions is shown here ... they just lay quietly for about 5 minutes as the warm IV solution spreads under their skin. It only takes one or two Sub-Q sessions and they realize how much better they'll feel afterwards. Even independent cats like Ike are cooperative.
As Ike was getting weaker, and Jerry was out of town, I moved him into the master bedroom with me, Denny & Elvis. He felt like a true member of the family to be able to sleep in the same room as the other cats!
Good friends ...
Oh, how I miss seeing him, with his round head and Yoda-like ears.
He was a very special cat.
Two boys on the patio ...
Ike & Mousey in the red bed - things he greatly appreciated and used every day of his life with us.
As his health became more of an issue, we took a trip to see Dr. Garrou - just to confirm that it wasn't quite time yet.
Another favorite spot on the patio ...
Three boys on the patio ...
Taking in the morning sun with his friend, Denny
Fighting to get well and spending time on the patio under the watchful eyes of Denny
Sleeping in the bedroom with the boys continued - we said a lot of prayers and placed special items on his bed each night.
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