Hey Pet Parents & Pet Lovers,
This week my partner has been extremely sick, meaning that he’s been home all week. Although for me that means taking care of my partner and making sure that whatever he has doesn’t get worse, it means the exact opposite for that cats.
Kalista, in particular, has been very happy that my partner has been home. Even though she’s starting to bond more with me, there’s nothing cuter than watching her push herself into my partner until he pets her. She’s been spending less and less time in her cat tree, which is clearly her favourite spot in the apartment and can only be found nestled in by my partner’s legs.
I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before, but Kalista isn’t usually the biggest fan of sleeping near us. She’s not much of a lap cat and not very into sleeping in our bed. I will say, I do think she’s getting more and more comfortable with us because I woke up to her sleeping by my legs a few days ago, but seeing her never leave my partner’s side as he’s sick has been one of the sweetest sights to see. Words cannot describe how happy I am to see our little cutie becoming closer and closer to our family.
Beau also hasn’t left my partner’s side. He’s been spending all of his time laying on the back of the couch, reaching down to touch my partner every so often. What’s even more hilarious is the fact that Beau doesn’t wake my partner up in the morning to feed him (even though my partner is usually the one to do it since he’s the first to wake up.) Instead, Beau marches himself to the bedroom to wake me up to make sure that my partner gets some extra sleep. Isn’t that crazy adorable?
To be honest, I don’t know if I’m talking my cats up too much or if they truly understand the fact that my partner is sick, but it has made me want to do more research into it.
Hopefully, my partner gets better very soon so he and the cats and join me in bed again for family cuddles, but until then… do any of your cats do the same thing when you’re sick? Let me know in the comments below!
Oh yes, all living are cabable of compassionately reaching out in considerate ways with their healing concern. Some just seem to be true empaths, looking to heal. Our black cat, Cinnamon (for the auburn ruff of neck fur), refused to leave my toddler’s side when she was very ill despite antibiotics. I tried gently picking Cinnamon up and moving her away, but each time she carefully and deliberately came right back to her place by my daughter’s side. When my daughter moaned semi-consciously in pain, Cinnamon would reach out her paw and touch her again reassuringly.
Some years later I was quite sad after being exposed to senseless harm inflicted on a horse, ironically during a riding lesson for PTSD. A kind man with an empath dog stopped to talk to me, and his dog would not leave my side. When the owner called the dog back to him, it obeyed. Then, calmly came right back to me. It turns out the man was a Horseman, and we were able to discuss the event that had devastated me. All the while I was stroking his compassionate canine companion and being reassured by it’s healing love. Life’s blessings to you, your partner, and your loving household. Thank you for this good you do.
Paula, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with Cinnamon. Cinnamon sounds like they were an amazing cat and gave your daughter reassurance when she was ill.
As for the horse experience, what a journey! I’m so sorry that happened to you, but also very glad that you also got the reassurance from both the Horseman and his dog <3
Nothing like your furry family commiserating and snuggling up to you when you’re sick. Lilliput and Tinker are sending pawprints to your partner for a speedy recovery; and a “hello” to you, Johnny.
Thank you so much Inge! Hopefully he’s much better today. It’s been about a week of sick now 🙁
I hope your partner feels better soon. Connor will sleep with me when I’m sick (and even lets me sleep in), but I think he just likes the company and staying warm. My prior cat hated when I would start coughing and would leave every time I started a coughing fit.
I think that’s fairly true about Beau too. Beau just really likes sleeping with whoever’s sleeping at the time. Back when I used to work from home full-time I used to take midday naps and Beau would always come nap with me. It was so sweet <3
My kitty Hello loves to sleep with me, but she will not leave my side when I am sick or depressed, even if I am in bed all day. I firmly believe that some animals do understand when their people are suffering, and will take care of them.
Aw soo glad that Hello sleeps with you whenever you’re not doing so well! I’m so in love with my little ones because they are the same <3
Hope the nurse kitty duties fulfill their mission: A well human u=instead of a sick one:)
They are so intuitive…none of ours were particularly like that…and goodness knows petcretary spent much time years ago on sickness issues…
Beau’s especially intuitive. He’s always been a kitty who comes and snuggles whenever I’m sad or sick, but then again… maybe it’s just because he loves to snuggle.
Awww… Your partner has the best nurses ever ! We send him healing purrs, and hope he feels better soon ! Purrs
The best nurses anyone could ever have! Thank you Swiss Cats, I’ll send your regards his way <3