5 + 4 Weeks: Another Walk and A Cat Who Doesn’t Hold Grudges #cats #nature

My wounds are healing, and the size of my hand is now normal. The swelling only lasted until Tuesday, although I was impressed with what I could still do while it was swollen (knit, type).

Our bond with Raji gets a bit stronger each day. He really doesn’t hold a grudge, it seems. He’s loving the petting sessions and is very playful. Getting him to stay still long enough for a photo is still a challenge.

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It seems the only time Raji is still enough is when he is eating.

I am testing some medication on him prescribed by our vet to “calm” him and make him more amenable to getting into the pet carrier. The dosage prescribed is 100 mg of Gabapentin the night before and another 100 mg the morning of his vet visit. Two mornings ago I gave him the 100 mg with his breakfast just to see if he would eat mixed with food (he would) and whether he’d show any adverse effects (he didn’t). He seemed a bit more mellow, but not enough to be coaxed into a pet taxi.

It’s going to be another slow process. I’m trying to desensitize him to the horrors of the carrier by lining it with a familiar cushy pillow, playing near it with him, and putting treats deep inside. He will go in to eat the treats, but he keeps his back legs planted firmly outside the carrier. Maybe I should get a bigger carrier.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We spent it as we usually do. Outside, weather permitting. We went to our favorite in-town trail. I thought I’d have no reason to take photos and yet …

Late afternoon light is the best!

Not as vibrant as previous weeks, but I’m still loving the yellow, red and orange leaves of these trees.

Consider me odd if you will, but the center of this palm really caught my eye. I had never noticed this difference in color before.

The Timberlane Ravine trail is criss-crossed with thick roots for the most part. I spend a lot of my time looking where I walk.

But looking down has its rewards!

Fungi!

It’s not obvious in the photo but this is a lovely and gentle downward part of the trail.

Ending with the love of my life perched on a boardwalk.

Thank you for reading! So now I wish you all a very happy New Year! Bring on 2021! I’m ready to say adios to 2020.

P.S. Did I mention how chilly it’s been in north Florida lately? Only cold weather would get these two to snuggle together.

Junior and Maxine

Categories: Cats Nature

Marie A Bailey

Writer, blogger, knitter, cat lover, and introvert.