Comparatively speaking, I would say 2023 is a relatively calm year for our family. Being a lone ranger, I no longer have to worry about my parents, though I still miss them both dearly at times! I took up volunteer work for 2 mornings per week, mainly assuming some clerical jobs. Its boring at times, but at least could keep my "brain" (if there's any) functioning and come in touch with more people.
Overall, the cats are in "decent" conditions:
- Betty, though unfortunately had been diagnosed with IBD and pancreatitis in 7/23. There were some teething problem with medications during the first month but by and large, she was sailing pretty smoothly. She had already recovered from pancreatitis and just another step before her gastro system could be claimed returning to normal.
Being a very obedient and understanding child, she compiled with the straight ID diet throughout the day and runs until now. Though at times, she might play "loss of appetite" when comes to eating dry food, just a grain of Bonito would make her open up and start eating. Don't know whether its she who could be easily fooled, or that I'm the one being fooled? Anyway, keeping happy and gaining weight (4.4kg - her record high and 15% higher than when she first fall sick) is good enough.
Just hope that Betty will continue to recover and could return to her low phosphorous meals in 2024!
- Felix, though there were some minor hiccups, had at least been staying OUT of hospital for the whole year for a change! Felix eats well, and had gained weight this year. We are now working hard to control his body weight as he had loose interest in exercising since taking Steroid.
I just pray that Felix would live a happy "normal" life henceforth.
- Stella, grew up fast. She's very energetic, but when you hold her, she's like a HEAVY caterpillar - soft and wiggly..... haha. She had comfortably master all those trades from her "siblings". These include manoeuvring up and down the cat tree at ease, hunting (sneak behind and jump onto the prey), the golden handshake and "catch and fetch". You might wonder whether she's dog instead of a cat?
She had her maiden cat show and the result far exceeded our expectations. Though she was tense when in the rings, she was pretty relaxed behind the scene - able to eat and sleep. She seemed to enjoy the limelight, especially when having her pictures taken.
In the coming year, Stella still have a lot to learn and improve discipline wise, for the very least, as I hope she can over time be transformed into a "real lady" rather than be a tomboy?!
We would like to sincerely wish all our friends and their loved ones,
Happy Festive Season & Joyous 2024!
Can you spot Felix's broad range of expressions from the above 3 photos? Haha
