Life: Cat Day

I adopted my cats in September 2007. Wow, 16 years ago. I had to do the math. I swear, they were just kittens. And they have been such constants in my life for so long. I can only just barely conceptualize that they are “old” kitties, even though they’ve technically been “geriatric” for years.

And they are showing some of their age. They’ve both lost weight in the last ~2 years. Genkii used to be nearly 10lbs, now he’s 8. Kawaii used to be over 7 (and a bit pudgy), now she’s barely 6lbs. Some of that is a low-fat “kidney friendly” diet food they are on because Kawaii has kidney disease. I’m not sure it’s good I can track it so easily with the litter robot.

That said, they still show energy sometimes. They are still happy kitties. There are less zoomies. There are more cuddles. There is still chirping at birdies.

Kawaii is still obsessed with her fluffies. She plays a slow game of “fetch” with us. She brings the fluffy (loudly announcing the whole way) from downstairs to the master bed. She very proudly leaves us this present. She expects to be told what a helpful, wonderful hunter she is. Then I will carry it away and put it on the floor downstairs. She will bring it back. My husband has a theory she believes it is a magically “summoning” device, since I have (unintentionally) taught her that when I hear her announcement of a successful “hunt,” I will come and pet and brag on her. The problem becomes when she does this process when I’m not in the house. She is confused why I didn’t obey the summons.

Genkii is the one who has really slowed down in the last year or so. He was always “energy,” but now he has turned into an old man. He sleeps a lot more than he used to. When I play with him, he often gives out before I get bored. He just wants snuggles these days. Which, let’s be clear, he is amazing at snuggles. He can find a place to snuggle anywhere. He isn’t showing the subtle kitty signs of pain, just…. tired.