Unable to cope with diabetic cat
August 24, 2020 11:17 AM Subscribe
My 13 year old cat, Flopsy, was diagnosed with diabetes last year. I love this cat, but life, and COVID, has thrown a wrench in all my best intentions and I need advice on how to handle the situation.
Background:
I've had Flopsy since she was born, and I love her dearly. She's a long-haired, Tuxedo, part Maine Coon with the temperament of a particularly pissy Honey Badger. She loves me, and tolerates my husband and housemate. She active tries to avoid my toddler, which is a god-send, she's chased or clawed at other small children who invade her "space", but seems to understand that Baby Objects is my "kitten" and therefor off limits. Our housemate has 3 teens/young adults, one of whom is still living in the house, and all three will go out of their way to avoid Flopsy.
Basically, I cannot give Flopsy the care or attention she needs. It was easier to overlook this fact when I was working at an office and commuting, and out of the house almost 10 hours a day. But working from home because of COVID, it's become very obvious this is an affection starved cat, who is actively getting in the way of my and my husbands working hours (we share a home office). Between trying to work full time from home, manage a household, keep up with an active 2-year-old in the evenings and weekends, Flopsy and her diabetes management almost always end up last on my priority list. I don't even mean to do it, but I'll realize I missed a dose or two of her insulin shot, haven't brushed her in days, yell at her when she tries to lay on my keyboard while I'm working. I feel acutely guilty, try to do better, but get distracted by the stress of everything else going on, then the vicious cycle continues.
She's gone from needing 4 units of insulin to 12 units a day over this past year, and I'm sure it's because I can't keep up with her shots so her blood sugar yo-yos. She has new diabetic weight loss food the Vet prescribed and she hates it. The regular costs of the food, vet visits, and insulin are high, but manageable, for now.
I don't have any help in this. My husband passively refuses to do any sort of pet care, and even when I ask him to, he will forget within a couple days. He definitely isn't up for giving her shots. The housemate is willing to do it when we're out of town, but not regularly. This isn't a cat that's a good candidate for re-homing, and she's dangerous to small children that aren't mine.
This situation can't continue, if it does Flopsy is only going to get sadder, fatter, and sicker.
I'm a hairsbreadth away from making an appointment with the Vet to have Flopsy put to sleep, throwing all the cat stuff in back of the garage and curling up in a small ball of guilt and shame in my bed for the rest of eternity.
What am I overlooking? What can I do? Can anyone hope me?
I'm sitting here, crying, and trying to hide that fact from my husband sitting 6 feet away.
Background:
I've had Flopsy since she was born, and I love her dearly. She's a long-haired, Tuxedo, part Maine Coon with the temperament of a particularly pissy Honey Badger. She loves me, and tolerates my husband and housemate. She active tries to avoid my toddler, which is a god-send, she's chased or clawed at other small children who invade her "space", but seems to understand that Baby Objects is my "kitten" and therefor off limits. Our housemate has 3 teens/young adults, one of whom is still living in the house, and all three will go out of their way to avoid Flopsy.
Basically, I cannot give Flopsy the care or attention she needs. It was easier to overlook this fact when I was working at an office and commuting, and out of the house almost 10 hours a day. But working from home because of COVID, it's become very obvious this is an affection starved cat, who is actively getting in the way of my and my husbands working hours (we share a home office). Between trying to work full time from home, manage a household, keep up with an active 2-year-old in the evenings and weekends, Flopsy and her diabetes management almost always end up last on my priority list. I don't even mean to do it, but I'll realize I missed a dose or two of her insulin shot, haven't brushed her in days, yell at her when she tries to lay on my keyboard while I'm working. I feel acutely guilty, try to do better, but get distracted by the stress of everything else going on, then the vicious cycle continues.
She's gone from needing 4 units of insulin to 12 units a day over this past year, and I'm sure it's because I can't keep up with her shots so her blood sugar yo-yos. She has new diabetic weight loss food the Vet prescribed and she hates it. The regular costs of the food, vet visits, and insulin are high, but manageable, for now.
I don't have any help in this. My husband passively refuses to do any sort of pet care, and even when I ask him to, he will forget within a couple days. He definitely isn't up for giving her shots. The housemate is willing to do it when we're out of town, but not regularly. This isn't a cat that's a good candidate for re-homing, and she's dangerous to small children that aren't mine.
This situation can't continue, if it does Flopsy is only going to get sadder, fatter, and sicker.
I'm a hairsbreadth away from making an appointment with the Vet to have Flopsy put to sleep, throwing all the cat stuff in back of the garage and curling up in a small ball of guilt and shame in my bed for the rest of eternity.
What am I overlooking? What can I do? Can anyone hope me?
I'm sitting here, crying, and trying to hide that fact from my husband sitting 6 feet away.
For stuff like brushing and shots, would setting recurring phone alarms help you? I can’t keep proper track of my own human medication schedule without them.
posted by showbiz_liz at 11:40 AM on August 24, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by showbiz_liz at 11:40 AM on August 24, 2020 [8 favorites]
Best answer: First thing, stop hiding your distress from your husband. He isn't "passively" refusing to do pet care, he is actively deciding that it's your job and he doesn't have to deal with it. He can therefore actively deal with the consequences.
Secondly, call your vet and have a conversation about Flopsy's prognosis. Find out what end-of-life decisions would look like, what they'd advise under the circumstances, and if there is any alternative to regular insulin shots. Be honest. Everybody's struggling right now and something has to give.
Third, talk to your husband about what you need from him. Maybe he won't do pet care, maybe he'll take over a toddler chore or two, or just watch the kid for twenty minutes twice a day so you can spend so quality time with your elderly pet. Whether or not you sort out the shot schedule, she won't be around forever and you both deserve to get some of that time together.
And last, take it easy on yourself. This is difficult stuff under the best of circumstances, and these are very, very far from the best of circumstances. If you end up having to put Flopsy down, that is sad and you can (and should) mourn for her, but also know that 13 is a pretty good age for a cat that develops diabetes. It hurts to have to make this kind of decision, and it hurts more when it has to be not a purely medical decision but take time/money/effort into consideration, but that is the price we pay for having pets in the world as it is right now.
Much love and sympathy. Take care of yourself.
posted by restless_nomad at 11:51 AM on August 24, 2020 [48 favorites]
Secondly, call your vet and have a conversation about Flopsy's prognosis. Find out what end-of-life decisions would look like, what they'd advise under the circumstances, and if there is any alternative to regular insulin shots. Be honest. Everybody's struggling right now and something has to give.
Third, talk to your husband about what you need from him. Maybe he won't do pet care, maybe he'll take over a toddler chore or two, or just watch the kid for twenty minutes twice a day so you can spend so quality time with your elderly pet. Whether or not you sort out the shot schedule, she won't be around forever and you both deserve to get some of that time together.
And last, take it easy on yourself. This is difficult stuff under the best of circumstances, and these are very, very far from the best of circumstances. If you end up having to put Flopsy down, that is sad and you can (and should) mourn for her, but also know that 13 is a pretty good age for a cat that develops diabetes. It hurts to have to make this kind of decision, and it hurts more when it has to be not a purely medical decision but take time/money/effort into consideration, but that is the price we pay for having pets in the world as it is right now.
Much love and sympathy. Take care of yourself.
posted by restless_nomad at 11:51 AM on August 24, 2020 [48 favorites]
Please, I hope that you are able to be kind to yourself in all of this. Last summer, before COVID, there was a time that I had to give my sweet elderly boy daily subcutaneous fluid and it's a lot. I have issues with needles and sometimes I just had to cry because it was so much, and I didn't have COVID or a 2-year old in the mix. We're still having issues with our cats needing to be separated, me having some ongoing mild PTSD from an attack from the other cat who has anxiety issues, and now we have COVID. So, as a person who understands how what might seem manageable alone stacks and stacks, please give yourself the kindness and grace of remembering that you are doing the best you can in the midst of so much.
Is there any way you can shorten your list, or make it more manageable? Say plan a single time to carefully cut out the mats so you can check that concern off your list, and then plan for a daily time where you will give her your attention, like here is the 5 minutes I drink coffee so it will now be 10 minutes and I will do the shot and then we will sit together and enjoy coffee (or vice versus if the shot makes her mad)? I'm sure that time sounds like an inconceivable luxury with a 2-year old, but maybe your SO could play defense to give you that time since he isn't able to help with the shot itself.
And if it does come down to your worse case scenario, maybe you could take a little time to share with her before it happens so you can feel like she has been able to have joy in being together. Sometimes the best we can do in caring for our pets is in doing our best in our specific time and place.
posted by past unusual at 11:52 AM on August 24, 2020 [2 favorites]
Is there any way you can shorten your list, or make it more manageable? Say plan a single time to carefully cut out the mats so you can check that concern off your list, and then plan for a daily time where you will give her your attention, like here is the 5 minutes I drink coffee so it will now be 10 minutes and I will do the shot and then we will sit together and enjoy coffee (or vice versus if the shot makes her mad)? I'm sure that time sounds like an inconceivable luxury with a 2-year old, but maybe your SO could play defense to give you that time since he isn't able to help with the shot itself.
And if it does come down to your worse case scenario, maybe you could take a little time to share with her before it happens so you can feel like she has been able to have joy in being together. Sometimes the best we can do in caring for our pets is in doing our best in our specific time and place.
posted by past unusual at 11:52 AM on August 24, 2020 [2 favorites]
I feel you on this. Managing kitty diabetes is exhausting, even in non-Covid times. This would certainly add some cost, but would it help you to have a pet sitter come in to play with Flopsy, brush her, and give her a shot once a day? When my husband and I were busy and out of cope, this setup helped us, and our cat, tremendously.
posted by okayokayigive at 11:55 AM on August 24, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by okayokayigive at 11:55 AM on August 24, 2020 [2 favorites]
Take care of yourself. A sick kitty can be very traumatizing even in the best of times (which we are not in).
You've got a lot of good suggestions above but I do want to say that while her myriad issues clearly make her a difficult case for rehoming, I don't think that's totally worth overlooking. As long as you're upfront about her behavior and medical problems, there may be somebody out there who'd be willing to take her and care for her. I'm not sure where you're located, but Best Friends Animal Society has a map of their partner shelters (linked below) that you could search and check out. I only have experience with Austin Pets Alive!, a no-kill shelter in Texas, but some no-kill shelters have programs in place to help rehome difficult/hard-to-place animals--Facebook groups and the like. It might be worth looking into, as long as she's not suffering from her illness to the point where euthanasia would be the kinder option.
https://bestfriends.org/network-partners-map
posted by kittensyay at 11:57 AM on August 24, 2020 [4 favorites]
You've got a lot of good suggestions above but I do want to say that while her myriad issues clearly make her a difficult case for rehoming, I don't think that's totally worth overlooking. As long as you're upfront about her behavior and medical problems, there may be somebody out there who'd be willing to take her and care for her. I'm not sure where you're located, but Best Friends Animal Society has a map of their partner shelters (linked below) that you could search and check out. I only have experience with Austin Pets Alive!, a no-kill shelter in Texas, but some no-kill shelters have programs in place to help rehome difficult/hard-to-place animals--Facebook groups and the like. It might be worth looking into, as long as she's not suffering from her illness to the point where euthanasia would be the kinder option.
https://bestfriends.org/network-partners-map
posted by kittensyay at 11:57 AM on August 24, 2020 [4 favorites]
Caring for a diabetic cat can be a lot. I have two, and pre-COVID it meant being really rigid about my schedule and planning around morning and evening feedings and shots.
As others have said, really the important thing is to give the shots and watch blood sugar. Other activities can wait or be done less often.
Weight gain hasn't been a problem with my cats - it's weight loss. But that's neither here nor there.
Your husband really needs to step up on this. Please insist, either with the cat or with your other home needs so you can pay attention to her.
Finally, please don't give up on this cat. If you absolutely cannot give her the care she needs, you may find that there is someone else who will. I adopted a 14-year-old cat diabetic cat last year who had one day left in the shelter b/c his family put him in the dropbox. I hate thinking of a cat with a few good years left being put down just because its Diabetes was too hard to manage.
posted by jzb at 11:58 AM on August 24, 2020 [6 favorites]
As others have said, really the important thing is to give the shots and watch blood sugar. Other activities can wait or be done less often.
Weight gain hasn't been a problem with my cats - it's weight loss. But that's neither here nor there.
Your husband really needs to step up on this. Please insist, either with the cat or with your other home needs so you can pay attention to her.
Finally, please don't give up on this cat. If you absolutely cannot give her the care she needs, you may find that there is someone else who will. I adopted a 14-year-old cat diabetic cat last year who had one day left in the shelter b/c his family put him in the dropbox. I hate thinking of a cat with a few good years left being put down just because its Diabetes was too hard to manage.
posted by jzb at 11:58 AM on August 24, 2020 [6 favorites]
Response by poster: Sorry, forgot the obligatory cat pic payment: Flopsy
posted by sharp pointy objects at 12:17 PM on August 24, 2020 [18 favorites]
posted by sharp pointy objects at 12:17 PM on August 24, 2020 [18 favorites]
Can't say it better than Restless_nomad did. Be kind to yourself -this would be a lot to deal with without COVID and with it must be overwhelming. Sending hugs and hope that your husband will step up on other stuff so you are less over-burdened!
posted by leslies at 12:22 PM on August 24, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by leslies at 12:22 PM on August 24, 2020 [2 favorites]
Best answer: First, check out Felines Diabetes Message Board as those are folks with diabetic cats who provide a wealth of support and information.
I, too, have a diabetic cat who requires insulin shots twice per day. And you are right that it requires a good bit of time and diligence to give care to an animal with a serious medical condition on top of trying to run a household. You didn't mention the type of insulin used but going from 4 to 12 units may be an indication the insulin is not working for her. You didn't say whether you test her blood sugar before she eats and gets her shot but it is vital to know her blood sugar levels to avoid hypos and watch for ketoacidosis. Can you set reminders or alarms on your phone to keep to a schedule for testing, feeding and shooting?
Costs are an issue for me. I use Novolin N that I get just by asking at the pharmacy counter at Walmart. No prescription required for either the insulin or syringes. Your state may have different requirements. Note that many vets don't believe Novolin N is best for cats but it is affordable and the only insulin my cat has received in the 6 years since his diagnosis.
When my cat was first diagnosed the vet prescribed diabetic weight management food that neither helped my cat lose weight nor did it do anything to keep the blood sugar under control. Most dry food is too high in carbs, even the prescription food, so ditch the pricey vet food and feed something like Fancy Feast. Wet is preferred if your cat will eat it. Pate, not the ones with gravy. Even the store brand pates can be fine choices so you aren't paying a premium for food your cat won't eat and doesn't need. My cat is a confirmed dry food addict but will eat some wet food. I feed Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein Chicken [dry, less than 6% carbs] and Tiny Tiger Pate that I have autoshipped from Chewy.com every couple of months.
Could you pay for a one time grooming where kitty gets the matted fur dealt with, the nails trimmed, and you get a fresh start? PetSmart or other chain pet stores may have a grooming service. I use Banfield Pet Hospital inside PetSmart for my vet services. My cat had gotten so ornery when I tried clipping his nails that the last time I took him in for his appointment, I opted for a nail clipping and felt that was the best $15 I'd spent in a long time. Your costs may be higher.
Dealing with feline diabetes can seem overwhelming especially during Covid times but it is manageable with practice and patience. You have a beautiful cat, very photogenic. Don't give up on her.
posted by Gino on the Meta at 12:39 PM on August 24, 2020 [18 favorites]
I, too, have a diabetic cat who requires insulin shots twice per day. And you are right that it requires a good bit of time and diligence to give care to an animal with a serious medical condition on top of trying to run a household. You didn't mention the type of insulin used but going from 4 to 12 units may be an indication the insulin is not working for her. You didn't say whether you test her blood sugar before she eats and gets her shot but it is vital to know her blood sugar levels to avoid hypos and watch for ketoacidosis. Can you set reminders or alarms on your phone to keep to a schedule for testing, feeding and shooting?
Costs are an issue for me. I use Novolin N that I get just by asking at the pharmacy counter at Walmart. No prescription required for either the insulin or syringes. Your state may have different requirements. Note that many vets don't believe Novolin N is best for cats but it is affordable and the only insulin my cat has received in the 6 years since his diagnosis.
When my cat was first diagnosed the vet prescribed diabetic weight management food that neither helped my cat lose weight nor did it do anything to keep the blood sugar under control. Most dry food is too high in carbs, even the prescription food, so ditch the pricey vet food and feed something like Fancy Feast. Wet is preferred if your cat will eat it. Pate, not the ones with gravy. Even the store brand pates can be fine choices so you aren't paying a premium for food your cat won't eat and doesn't need. My cat is a confirmed dry food addict but will eat some wet food. I feed Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein Chicken [dry, less than 6% carbs] and Tiny Tiger Pate that I have autoshipped from Chewy.com every couple of months.
Could you pay for a one time grooming where kitty gets the matted fur dealt with, the nails trimmed, and you get a fresh start? PetSmart or other chain pet stores may have a grooming service. I use Banfield Pet Hospital inside PetSmart for my vet services. My cat had gotten so ornery when I tried clipping his nails that the last time I took him in for his appointment, I opted for a nail clipping and felt that was the best $15 I'd spent in a long time. Your costs may be higher.
Dealing with feline diabetes can seem overwhelming especially during Covid times but it is manageable with practice and patience. You have a beautiful cat, very photogenic. Don't give up on her.
posted by Gino on the Meta at 12:39 PM on August 24, 2020 [18 favorites]
Aww, I love her cranky face.
If you were willing to continue to contribute something toward the cost of her meds, I'm wondering if you might actually be able to find a good re-homing situation for her? There are people out there who do like to adopt older cats--your vet or a local rescue might have some connections. She might even come around to being a little less cranky in a quieter home where she can receive the kind of sustained care and attention she needs as an elder cat.
posted by merriment at 12:44 PM on August 24, 2020 [4 favorites]
If you were willing to continue to contribute something toward the cost of her meds, I'm wondering if you might actually be able to find a good re-homing situation for her? There are people out there who do like to adopt older cats--your vet or a local rescue might have some connections. She might even come around to being a little less cranky in a quieter home where she can receive the kind of sustained care and attention she needs as an elder cat.
posted by merriment at 12:44 PM on August 24, 2020 [4 favorites]
Please take Gino on the Meta's advice. 100% spot on.
posted by crw at 1:10 PM on August 24, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by crw at 1:10 PM on August 24, 2020 [1 favorite]
As an alternative plan, look into local senior pet rescue groups. Especially in metropolitan areas, there are rescue groups who can find someone who would like nothing more than to take over care for a senior diabetic cat. Everyone has a different relationship with their pet, and it's OK to decide that it's too much for you; there's help out there.
On a separate note; next time she needs a glucose curve, ask to try a Freestyle Libre 14-day monitor. It'll give you much better readings.
posted by dum spiro spero at 2:26 PM on August 24, 2020 [1 favorite]
On a separate note; next time she needs a glucose curve, ask to try a Freestyle Libre 14-day monitor. It'll give you much better readings.
posted by dum spiro spero at 2:26 PM on August 24, 2020 [1 favorite]
So much sympathy to you and your kitty. I'm going to give you some suggestions that might help you soothe Flopsy's attention needs during the workday in ways that are not disruptive to your work, based on strategies I have used with mine.
Do you have a decent place for Flopsy to lay near you that is not on the ground in arm's reach? For instance, a dining room chair or a cat tree. (I used a couch ottoman.) You can redirect her laying on the keyboard to laying on this nice place, gently picking her up and placing her where you would like her to be and petting her until she settles and occasionally pet her when you have a moment. If you know she likes warmth, putting a heating pad on low on the place you want her to lay is a great strategy to make it more appealing.
Additionally, I have one very emotionally needy cat who wanted to be held and cradled in my arms, and I found out that if I got him a cat thundershirt and put it on him, the hugging feeling helped soothe and calm his need to literally be in my arms for long periods. You would know best whether or this strategy would possibly work for your kitty. Thundershirts can be a little pricey, but googling suggests a baby onesie procured from a thrift store could be used to the same effect though they're talking about using it as a cone alternative.
posted by foxfirefey at 2:26 PM on August 24, 2020 [2 favorites]
Do you have a decent place for Flopsy to lay near you that is not on the ground in arm's reach? For instance, a dining room chair or a cat tree. (I used a couch ottoman.) You can redirect her laying on the keyboard to laying on this nice place, gently picking her up and placing her where you would like her to be and petting her until she settles and occasionally pet her when you have a moment. If you know she likes warmth, putting a heating pad on low on the place you want her to lay is a great strategy to make it more appealing.
Additionally, I have one very emotionally needy cat who wanted to be held and cradled in my arms, and I found out that if I got him a cat thundershirt and put it on him, the hugging feeling helped soothe and calm his need to literally be in my arms for long periods. You would know best whether or this strategy would possibly work for your kitty. Thundershirts can be a little pricey, but googling suggests a baby onesie procured from a thrift store could be used to the same effect though they're talking about using it as a cone alternative.
posted by foxfirefey at 2:26 PM on August 24, 2020 [2 favorites]
There are many, many homes that do not have and will not have small children in them. It reduces the adoption pool, but there are many people in those kinds of circumstances who will look for an animal that needs more work than average knowing they are harder to place in more chaotic homes. You can absolutely investigate rescue groups and at least make her presence known to see if anyone wants to meet her while trying to meet the rest of her needs at home for now.
Obviously you feel very guilty about this, but you're trying to solve the problem and that matters. Don't rule out perfectly good solutions until you're sure they won't work.
posted by Lyn Never at 2:50 PM on August 24, 2020 [1 favorite]
Obviously you feel very guilty about this, but you're trying to solve the problem and that matters. Don't rule out perfectly good solutions until you're sure they won't work.
posted by Lyn Never at 2:50 PM on August 24, 2020 [1 favorite]
I know the teen who still lives at home currently avoids your cat but would they perhaps be able to befriend her if you paid them to take on some cat care duties?
posted by Jacqueline at 2:53 PM on August 24, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by Jacqueline at 2:53 PM on August 24, 2020 [4 favorites]
Here is an idea to cut down on the brushing/mats issue: look into getting her a lion cut. My cranky part-Maine Coone boy hated for me to brush him, so we'd take him in at the beginning of summer every year to be shaved down. A couple of times they had to sedate him to do so, other times the groomer must have had the patience of a saint (or some serious wrestling holds!) but at any rate, they'd shave him down and then we didn't have to brush him at all for months.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 3:00 PM on August 24, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 3:00 PM on August 24, 2020 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Update to some comments: I had purchased a Freestyle Libre monitor, saving up for the Vet appt to get it put on (and to get her shaved at the same time, she can only be groomed by strangers while sedated). Hopefully that'll happen in the next couple weeks. She hates being picked up and held, even by me. When I wrestle her down to clip her nails periodically I have about a minute before she's 1000% done.
Thank you so much, everyone, for all your comments, I wish I could mark many of them as "best". I really needed to hear all this encouragement and advice.
posted by sharp pointy objects at 3:14 PM on August 24, 2020 [9 favorites]
Thank you so much, everyone, for all your comments, I wish I could mark many of them as "best". I really needed to hear all this encouragement and advice.
posted by sharp pointy objects at 3:14 PM on August 24, 2020 [9 favorites]
Can you put a bed on your desk for her, even a folded towel, so she can easily hang out with you? That might help you give her the affection you want to give her, during phone calls, or just whenever.
You have a toddler, a busy household, a job, and a cat - all demanding attention. Put as much as possible in your calendar app, get husband to pick up some kind of slack, and try to reconnect with the love, not just the demands. You're doing an awful lot.
posted by theora55 at 4:28 PM on August 24, 2020 [2 favorites]
You have a toddler, a busy household, a job, and a cat - all demanding attention. Put as much as possible in your calendar app, get husband to pick up some kind of slack, and try to reconnect with the love, not just the demands. You're doing an awful lot.
posted by theora55 at 4:28 PM on August 24, 2020 [2 favorites]
It might be worth a HARD talk with your husband, which might include the phrase "As long as we are married, I will NEVER forget that your selfishness forced me to euthanize my beloved cat DURING A PANDEMIC." This is not how good partners behave.
posted by cyndigo at 4:54 PM on August 24, 2020 [18 favorites]
posted by cyndigo at 4:54 PM on August 24, 2020 [18 favorites]
I love Flopsy's abundance of whiskers! Tuxedo kitties are the best.
Also co-signing this from restless_nomad:
posted by virago at 7:47 PM on September 1, 2020
Also co-signing this from restless_nomad:
Third, talk to your husband about what you need from him. Maybe he won't do pet care, maybe he'll take over a toddler chore or two, or just watch the kid for twenty minutes twice a day so you can spend so quality time with your elderly pet. Whether or not you sort out the shot schedule, she won't be around forever and you both deserve to get some of that time together.You are juggling a lot and something's got to give. Your husband doesn't have to love Flopsy to grok that she is special to you and that you need him to pull a little more weight vis-a-vis family-household management (they're his family and household, too, BTW) so that you can help keep your kitty feeling OK.
posted by virago at 7:47 PM on September 1, 2020
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posted by kingdead at 11:38 AM on August 24, 2020 [10 favorites]