Introducing Geoffrey...

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artiemom

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Hi Everyone, that is who is reading this thread.

I thought I would give an update.

It has been almost a year since I adopted Geoffrey.
A lot has happened to both of us, during that time. It will officially be a year on Nov 5th.

As you know, I did move into senior housing. It is postage stamp 1 bedroom. I do have a separate kitchen, a very tiny dollhouse bedroom, and a small living area, where I have put a tiny table and a couple of chairs.

I was so afraid of how Geoffrey would tolerate this move.
I should not have worried! He took to it, immediately!! I am shocked at the ease this transition has been.

I did take a couple of scatter rugs from the old place--for his scent; and did not give him clean litter box--I took the old one.

He did semi-hide under my bed or my quilt, for a day; but after that, he was out, he was so curious, that he had to investigate things. He did not even have a transition period. He felt immediately at home... incredible.

As far as his stools, (diarrhea)~~ they stopped right away! It all had to be from stress.. Acne gone! all from stress.. While I am still medicating him with the Prozac, somedays forgetting to give it to him, he is ok!

I wonder if he still smelt Artie in the old place; which made him fearful?
or was the space too large for him? and noisy?

This apartment is perhaps 1/4-1/3 the size of the other one. Very tiny.

While Geoffrey acclimated instantly; it has taken me months to feel comfortable in here. So different, so weird, so hard for me to deal with. So many changes. At one point, I was actually in tears, about me and my future. Where would I go, if I hated it here?

The place is 41 years old.. It is kept up very well.. and is very clean. Only having a couple of small closets, and having to use a laundry room, really got to me.

I have since felt a lot more comfortable, and am enjoying things. I am so grateful I moved here. I am fortunate that I have a couple of friends living here; they have been my guides.

Geoffrey is so good. He cuddles every night with me, in bed. He has to have his daily 'cuddle time'---me lying on bed, him just walking over and around me, purring, licking me, giving me a love bite after his grooming of me.. Time flies, we just cuddle.

Geoffrey loves looking at the seagulls, cars, the ocean. I am right on the beach, having a fairly good view.. not completely ocean, but a good view. We both love to watch the waves, the kite surfers, etc.

Geoffrey has gotten so spoiled! He is still taking his med, eating a combo of RC canned Rabbit during the day, with a mix of RC Dry Rabbit and Science Diet W/D from late afternoon on... He has gained weight, now at 13 lbs.

We have a twice daily play session. His cat tree is up against a window. We talk to each other. I try his language, but am not very good at it. He knows. He keeps trying to correct me.

He also cuddles, by my feet, while I am on the sofa. It is our nightly routine. He looks for me! and Yells if I am not there!

Each time a maintenance man comes up---lots of issues with this apartment, Geoffrey is either under my quilt or under the bed. Mostly under the quilt. I have to remind them that there is a cat, under the bump! He stays there, not moving, coming out when they leave. He has come a long way.

He seems to recover fast from his anxieties. I think it may be because of the Prozac?? I would love to cut back on it; perhaps 1/2 a dose to see how it will work. He has a yearly Wellness visit at the end of November. I will ask then.
I think he needs a Dental also... bad back molar. He is only 4 years old.. poor thing.

Geoffrey is still not a Lap Cat.. I wonder if he will ever be? But, he is a cuddle-cat. loves to cuddle on my bed. Always. If I nap, he is there with me.

I still cannot touch his paws. There is something fishy about that. I can touch him everywhere else; not his paws.
I have to take him to the Vet Techs for a nail trim, every 6 weeks.. a pain to him... and me. A ton of work.. to get him in his carrier, bring him down to the lobby, let the receptionist know I am coming back for him, move my car to the door, take in in there, then the entire thing when I return.. I am wiped out after this.

He is very heavy when he is in the carrier: 13 lbs plus the heavy carrier weight...

He does freak out, crying his soft meows, until we get into the car. Geoffrey is also the STAR of this place. It is filled with seniors.. mostly women, who just adore him. It brings back memories of their cats. Geoffrey brings a smile to all of their faces. They just love him. Depending on how fearful he is, I allow them to look and pet him. They cannot believe how soft his fur is, his coloring, how huge he is..

While this may stress Geoffrey out, he takes it very well. I think it is good for him to be in this situation. When he has had enough, he gives a few small cries.. then I stop it, and take him home.

He has come a long way.

The only issue now, is of course, his stools. Now they have gone to hard stools; to a point where I caught him a couple of times, straining in the box----- oh NO! memories of Artie, megacolon, and such instantly began flooding my mind. This began a month ago.

He also began shedding a ton.. I can not believe how much he is shedding. Geoffrey is not a good cat to brush. I have to get him when he is in the mood for it, so not very often, but I try.

I began adding a bit of miralax to his wet food. And I got some Laxatone for him.

He has only vomited twice since we moved.. so twice in 7 months. First was after being here for a few months.. mostly fur and wet food.. Last time was last week, where it was dry food, clumped in with fur--very weird. So I am thinking the hard stools is related to his fur loss.. His coat is so thick, soft, shiny.. almost like a double coat.. and so silky.

I am in contact with Dr B's secretary about this. This is the specialist.. Geoffrey does not need one, but I feel better knowing that Dr B is around, if needed. I am using a local vet, who went to Cornell Vet School.. and is very smart. Good to have both.

I am sorry for the long post. But you know me, I ramble.. on and on and on..

Here are some pictures of Geoffrey.. He is a very timid cat. And a big baby. a very big baby.. His face always looks like he is ready to bolt under my bed.

EuZDDqbzTAylNC5PzrMc3g.jpg

v9XEyjL8RrKcVZcrrGVmmA.jpg

VLuMHsPFQYmPPltIR8hibw.jpg


He has also allowed himself to discover a Chewy Box. He has been so terrified of them, in the past. I put it on it's side, and got this:
9YfXZi2GQF+8N3nUEgUc4w.jpg


When we first moved in:
rd+H630OTQuaV1j43aS6OQ.jpg


He did this himself. I ran to take a picture:
ImJ5Nv38RG6rdhxWei8YNw.jpg


So things are working out, except for the hard stool.. He has come so far. He is a shy, timid baby, in my mind.. afraid of the world.. and he is so connected to me.. has bonded so tightly. Many times Geoffrey forgets I am home; comes looking for me, crying.

When I go out at night; upon returning, he greets me at the door, yelling at me for leaving him. I always have the lights on.

Geoffrey is too attached to me. I am home a ton.. parking is an issue here. They also have a ton of activities, and I try to go too as many as interest me. I do stay home a lot more. It is peaceful, pretty quiet.. the people are older than me. I am the youngest one here. My apartment needed and still needs a lot of work. It was not inspected before I moved it--they were in transition between the old and new Director of Maintence. So they are playing catch up... Geoffrey is really good when they come in. The workmen are all great..

Fingers tired from typing so much.. Time to go cuddle with my guy..

Please forgive all my typos...

love you all.
 

verna davies

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What a lovely update to read. When I think of the fears, concerns,worries you had when you first had Geoffrey, your worries about moving etc, I cant believe it's the same person writing about the same cat. I am so pleased for both of you. The upside about having a smaller place is it means less cleaning and that has to be a bonus. What a wonderful, tranquil view you and Geoffrey have. I am so pleased for you both.
 

LannyLC

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Really enjoyed reading your post about G. In a few weeks and months he will know what to do with a scratching post or box. I hope his acne clears up. He is super beautiful and so lucky to find his forever home with you.
 

Sidewinder

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Yeah, he's a good-looking cat, and it sounds like he's making progress... as for the cardboard box, I never get rid of mine right away, each box makes a splendid cat cave, LOL. I'll leave a box in or near the Pool Room for a few days so the cats can use it, then I'll break it up and toss it into the bin outside. Every order that comes in a box should read: "CAT CAVE INCLUDED AT NO ADDITIONAL COST!!!" :bigeyes:
 

neely

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So things are working out, except for the hard stool.. He has come so far .. and he is so connected to me.. has bonded so tightly.
Reading your news literally made my day! :thumbsup: Thank you so much for the updates. I am truly elated to hear that Geoffrey has not only made progress and acclimated so well to his new surroundings but is a feline rock star in your building. :rock: I'm also glad to read that after an adjustment period you are doing well albeit the on-going maintenance. Fingers crossed they are able to fix all the apartment issues and will be done with the necessary work soon.

Give your new cuddle partner a big hug and smooch from Carleton and me. :heartshape:
 

rubysmama

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Hi Everyone, that is who is reading this thread.

I thought I would give an update.
Thanks for the update! I've wondered how things were going with you and Geoffrey, and hoped that "no news, was good news", and it appears that was the case. So happy you two have bonded so well, and settled into your new home. :catrub:

I know after all you went through with Artie, that you could probably teach a course on cat bowel issues, but about Geoffrey's harder stools, I'll mention that adding a bit of water to the canned food sometimes helps, just in case someone else is reading who might find the suggestion helpful.

Thanks again for the update, and the lovely pics. :catlove:
 
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angels mommy

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Hi Cindy,
It's so good to hear from you & "G" :biggrin: It makes my day to hear that things are going pretty good! Yes, perhaps a little extra water mixed in with his wet food, as rubysmama said, can help with the harder stools. Since there has been some hair in what he throws up, maybe some hairball gel, or treats can help??
I'm glad you are feeling better there. I know that was a challenge for you, & quite an adjustment.
I can't believe Geoffrey has turned into a cuddle boy:redheartpump: :lovecat2:


I miss my babies. I get my "kitty fixes" from a couple of neighbor kitty "brothers." One a 3yr old orange boy, (Odie), who was in our back yard today, so I went to say hello, & got some rubs, lov'ns & I snuck in a few kisses on his head when he was giving head buts. :lovecat2:
His "brother," a Norwegian. Forest cat, (Rocky) who is 9. He is a BIG beautiful boy. A little touchy, & temperamental, but I know where to pet & where not to! He is gray, white, & silver & has those light blue eyes! The chiropractor I clean for also has a Savanna Brown, &he is a love bug! So I love that!!
Once I get my own place again, &get settled in, I will be ready for a new fur baby. My goal is to finally move in January. 🙏🙏🤞🤞
I am still trying to manifest my friend & client's condo, that passed away in March. I am just praying that her daughter will rent it to me instead of selling. She knows I am interested, & we have been in touch. I know her mom would have wanted me to have it. We used to talk & joke about it. Please send up a prayer for me on this!

:hijack:. Ok, sorry about that. A little update for you all.

I'm so happy that you and Geoffory are doing well.
Take care, & keep us posted when you can. Love you too!!
 

zed xyzed

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Hi Cindy,
It's so good to hear from you & "G" :biggrin: It makes my day to hear that things are going pretty good! Yes, perhaps a little extra water mixed in with his wet food, as rubysmama said, can help with the harder stools. Since there has been some hair in what he throws up, maybe some hairball gel, or treats can help??
I'm glad you are feeling better there. I know that was a challenge for you, & quite an adjustment.
I can't believe Geoffrey has turned into a cuddle boy:redheartpump: :lovecat2:


I miss my babies. I get my "kitty fixes" from a couple of neighbor kitty "brothers." One a 3yr old orange boy, (Odie), who was in our back yard today, so I went to say hello, & got some rubs, lov'ns & I snuck in a few kisses on his head when he was giving head buts. :lovecat2:
His "brother," a Norwegian. Forest cat, (Rocky) who is 9. He is a BIG beautiful boy. A little touchy, & temperamental, but I know where to pet & where not to! He is gray, white, & silver & has those light blue eyes! The chiropractor I clean for also has a Savanna Brown, &he is a love bug! So I love that!!
Once I get my own place again, &get settled in, I will be ready for a new fur baby. My goal is to finally move in January. 🙏🙏🤞🤞
I am still trying to manifest my friend & client's condo, that passed away in March. I am just praying that her daughter will rent it to me instead of selling. She knows I am interested, & we have been in touch. I know her mom would have wanted me to have it. We used to talk & joke about it. Please send up a prayer for me on this!

:hijack:. Ok, sorry about that. A little update for you all.

I'm so happy that you and Geoffory are doing well.
Take care, & keep us posted when you can. Love you too!!
Hi Kelly I hope you can rent that condo, I just know that there is a kitty out there that needs your love.
 
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artiemom

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Hi Cindy,
It's so good to hear from you & "G" :biggrin: It makes my day to hear that things are going pretty good! Yes, perhaps a little extra water mixed in with his wet food, as rubysmama said, can help with the harder stools. Since there has been some hair in what he throws up, maybe some hairball gel, or treats can help??
I'm glad you are feeling better there. I know that was a challenge for you, & quite an adjustment.
I can't believe Geoffrey has turned into a cuddle boy:redheartpump: :lovecat2:


I miss my babies. I get my "kitty fixes" from a couple of neighbor kitty "brothers." One a 3yr old orange boy, (Odie), who was in our back yard today, so I went to say hello, & got some rubs, lov'ns & I snuck in a few kisses on his head when he was giving head buts. :lovecat2:
His "brother," a Norwegian. Forest cat, (Rocky) who is 9. He is a BIG beautiful boy. A little touchy, & temperamental, but I know where to pet & where not to! He is gray, white, & silver & has those light blue eyes! The chiropractor I clean for also has a Savanna Brown, &he is a love bug! So I love that!!
Once I get my own place again, &get settled in, I will be ready for a new fur baby. My goal is to finally move in January. 🙏🙏🤞🤞
I am still trying to manifest my friend & client's condo, that passed away in March. I am just praying that her daughter will rent it to me instead of selling. She knows I am interested, & we have been in touch. I know her mom would have wanted me to have it. We used to talk & joke about it. Please send up a prayer for me on this!

:hijack:. Ok, sorry about that. A little update for you all.

I'm so happy that you and Geoffory are doing well.
Take care, & keep us posted when you can. Love you too!!
Hey Kellie,
I really do hope you get that condo:crossfingers:... I really do... or something else, you can afford..

Yes, you do need a kitty in your life.. You are such a good mama.. any cat would be so fortunate to have you in their life. I am glad you have some kitty contact in your life. Cats are amazing..

When I do our 'cuddle time', the time just flies by. I plan on doing it for perhaps 15 minutes. When I net took at the clock it is 45 minutes later! It is kind of like meditation.. watching a cat sleep, watching him groom himself, listening to his purrs, his trills, his cuddles, is just so mesmerizing and peaceful to me. I could stay there all day, just watching, petting, cuddling...

Thanks for all the good words.. Yes, WE have gone through a lot. I cannot believe Geoffrey's
take home day is November 5th. I signed the adoption papers on November 3. I had to get my place in order for him, that is why the delay.

I do not know when to celebrate his Gotcha Day... or his B-day. We do not have a b-day on him.
The Vets were guessing him to be 3 years old.. SO I guess he is just bout 4 years old, now.

I could celebrate it on my Birthday, but that would be 4 days AFTER his 'take home' day.

I sincerely wish you the best.. and the condo, and a new kitty in your life. If anyone deserves a loving kitty, and peace.. it is you!!

:redheartpump::hugs:
 

angels mommy

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I agree, the 5th would be the day I'd pick too, since you brought him home that day. I never knew either of my babies birthdays either, so their gotcha days were the days they showed up on my porch & I let them in.

Thank you so much for the kind words.
It is nice to have some kitties around once & a while to get my kitty fix.
I can't believe Dec. 14th will be a yr since I said good-bye to Sammie. Feb 5th will be 4 yrs since Angels been gone. Gosh, it seems like it, & it doesn't all at the same time!
Yes, being relaxed with a kitty by your side, or at your feet is meditative.
 
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artiemom

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FYI/Update

Geoffrey has discovered “Chase/Hide & Seek!!!

This occurred late last week. I was overjoyed to see this slowly happening. He discovered it himself!!

I had tried play hide and seek with him, but he did not get the concept.

When he plays with a ball, it is very slow, gentle, pushes. He is afraid of fast pushes, throws, or bounces.

I tried playing with the ball, slowly incorporating hide and seek. He quickly got the Hang of it.

Geoffrey is so funny with this. He runs, bats his ball, calls me. I start saying, “here I come. I’m gonna get you, where is my little boy? Where is he? Where’s my Geoffie? “

Sometimes I just walk right by him, this. He runs out, I chase—/ yes, running through this tiny apartment. He usually runs under my bed, or in His tunnel, or under my desk.

Tonight, Geoffrey Called me, very loudly, to get off the sofa and chase him.

My good boy.

We are weaning him off the Prozac. He now at 1/2 dose, every other day. Fingers crossed 🤞

He weighs 13.4 lbs. a big boy. In perfect condition, according to his Vet.

On the bad side: he has bad teeth. Runs in the family. I do too

This is really bad for him. He needs at least one tooth pulled. His has resorptive lessons, on at least that one tooth. Will not know about the others, under gum line, until he has x-rays. Sigh

I feel terrible about this. Got the entire lesson from the vet... and what I knew from here.

It does not seem to bother him— he is eating wet and dry, drinking water, not drooling.

It is holiday season. I am in debt from my car. A couple weeks ago, 4 new tires and went in for oil change, mechanic found major issues. Brakes I kind of guessed. The rest was a shock. But it is a 2008 Honda Accord, with low mileage. It is in good condition. The mechanic could not believe it was a 2008.

I cannot afford car payments. Not yet.
Geoffrey’s dental and my own dental crown is priority.

The vet said it can wait until after the holidays. He will need to have blood tests before hand.

Poor baby.

Poor me. Literally. I was almost in tears when I heard the price of the mechanical work.

Anyway, good news on Geoffrey’s personality.

Happy Holidays
Merry Christmas
Happy New Year

Love to All
❤❤❤❤❤♥♥♥♥♥
 
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