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Heidi - The Nighttime Kitty
Apr. 6th, 2012 11:59 pmI Think Not(t).
Sometimes I think. Sometimes, not(t) so much. These are my thoughts, or not.
My Dad has a cat, well two (CC and Heidi), but this is about one specific cat. Heidi.
This "rescue" kitty joined the household several years ago, a few years after my Dad married Jane ~ after which a respectful time had passed when Jane's loyal cat "Moo" joined the Rainbow Bridge.
Heidi, a very shy girl, was named by my late step-grandmother (those of you who know me understand how convaluted my family really is). Heidi liked to hide. She was never to be found. Ever. The only exception was she would enjoy curling up with my step-mom, Jane, at night. Jane could pet, scratch, rub, love and snuggle with Heidi to both of their heats' content. Come morning, once Jane was out of bed - Heidi, would do what she did best... shy away and hide. Heidi WAS Jane's cat, Heidi was loyal to Jane. When Jane was first admitted to a specialized nursing home for Alzheimer's, Heidi became Jane's first roommate. Of course Heidi spent the days hiding under the bed, but at night she would curl up with Jane. Both getting the best of both worlds: pets, cuddles and purrs ~ as only that sort of relationship can transcend love and the tests of limited boundaries. In time, it was best for Heidi to reside back at Dad's and Jane moved on, eventually succumbing to Alzheimer's.
Once back at Dad's, Ms. Heidi took up residency in Jane's old room and for whatever reason, she liked it there. My dad provided the food, drink, litter box and plenty of security that only underneath the bed could provide. She was happy there. Dad would try to encourage her to come out and get pets, or some belly rubs, but she wasn't interested. Occasionally, she would peek her nose from under the bed at night and show some signs of life, or get caught prowling the house in the dead of night, but other than that, she kept mostly to herself.
Jane passed away in hospice in October 2011. I mention this only because I can't help but wonder if it helped Heidi in some way.
I visited my Dad this last week and he was happy to tell me that Heidi had "become a real cat!". He was delighted, but not sure why such a transformation had occurred. I admit I was a bit skeptical as I had noticed some small progress over the last few years. Yet, to my delight, she really had made so much progress over the last 6 months she had become social and came "out" from her under bed world.
During my visit, Heidi let me approach her, pet her, give her belly rubs, purred loudly, and even slept with me! At times, her demanding meows made it crystal clear of her intentions! Such wonderful transformations that became of her! She has certainly become her own self now. I still wonder about the timing.
Now, Heidi prowls and keeps watch of the House, but mostly curls up with Dad at night. She meows openly and demands pets and love, and head butts whilst purring. She is so soft and sweet and will grace you with drool. Oh yes - her drool is like gold. Cold, wet, icky gold, but what a nice transformation. :)
At any rate...
So now my Dad has his daytime cat (CC- the Alpha Cat ~ as mentioned before) and now he has his night-time kitty.
Jane is probably most happy for her Heidi kitty.
Sometimes I think. Sometimes, not(t) so much. These are my thoughts, or not.
My Dad has a cat, well two (CC and Heidi), but this is about one specific cat. Heidi.
This "rescue" kitty joined the household several years ago, a few years after my Dad married Jane ~ after which a respectful time had passed when Jane's loyal cat "Moo" joined the Rainbow Bridge.
Heidi, a very shy girl, was named by my late step-grandmother (those of you who know me understand how convaluted my family really is). Heidi liked to hide. She was never to be found. Ever. The only exception was she would enjoy curling up with my step-mom, Jane, at night. Jane could pet, scratch, rub, love and snuggle with Heidi to both of their heats' content. Come morning, once Jane was out of bed - Heidi, would do what she did best... shy away and hide. Heidi WAS Jane's cat, Heidi was loyal to Jane. When Jane was first admitted to a specialized nursing home for Alzheimer's, Heidi became Jane's first roommate. Of course Heidi spent the days hiding under the bed, but at night she would curl up with Jane. Both getting the best of both worlds: pets, cuddles and purrs ~ as only that sort of relationship can transcend love and the tests of limited boundaries. In time, it was best for Heidi to reside back at Dad's and Jane moved on, eventually succumbing to Alzheimer's.
Once back at Dad's, Ms. Heidi took up residency in Jane's old room and for whatever reason, she liked it there. My dad provided the food, drink, litter box and plenty of security that only underneath the bed could provide. She was happy there. Dad would try to encourage her to come out and get pets, or some belly rubs, but she wasn't interested. Occasionally, she would peek her nose from under the bed at night and show some signs of life, or get caught prowling the house in the dead of night, but other than that, she kept mostly to herself.
Jane passed away in hospice in October 2011. I mention this only because I can't help but wonder if it helped Heidi in some way.
I visited my Dad this last week and he was happy to tell me that Heidi had "become a real cat!". He was delighted, but not sure why such a transformation had occurred. I admit I was a bit skeptical as I had noticed some small progress over the last few years. Yet, to my delight, she really had made so much progress over the last 6 months she had become social and came "out" from her under bed world.
During my visit, Heidi let me approach her, pet her, give her belly rubs, purred loudly, and even slept with me! At times, her demanding meows made it crystal clear of her intentions! Such wonderful transformations that became of her! She has certainly become her own self now. I still wonder about the timing.
Now, Heidi prowls and keeps watch of the House, but mostly curls up with Dad at night. She meows openly and demands pets and love, and head butts whilst purring. She is so soft and sweet and will grace you with drool. Oh yes - her drool is like gold. Cold, wet, icky gold, but what a nice transformation. :)
At any rate...
So now my Dad has his daytime cat (CC- the Alpha Cat ~ as mentioned before) and now he has his night-time kitty.
Jane is probably most happy for her Heidi kitty.
