Star Cat The Unknown

Taking a nap, soft of, and mostly ignoring me. Star Cat has been featured in so many posts... I took this photo awhile back and kind of didn't want to post it, because posting it means I have to say that Star Cat has been missing lately. I feel very sad about that. He was in good health in general and a happy guy, so I don't know what happened. There are many dangers to being a feral cat. I guess all I can say is, Star Cat, wherever you are, I hope you are happy and have peace.

--

2015 Feral Life Calendar | Chriss Pagani art | Cat Cartoon T-shirts | Art gifts
dharma nature meditation

Tabby Cat with Vestibular Syndrome

The tilted head is what you always see first: Then there's the falling sideways and general confusion about what is up versus what is down. Vestibular disease in an inflammation of the vestibular system, which we all use to orient ourselves in the world. The causes are usually unknown and recovery takes a couple of months, although sometimes it can go away much more quickly.

This is poor, sweet Star Cat, a veritable senior citizen of the colony,  and this is the second time in his life that he's had an attack... the last time was about a year and a half ago in spring. And this time, it's fall. I mention that because one of the few things noted about vestibular syndrome is that it is most common in the spring and fall, and nobody knows why.


Get well soon, Star Cat!

--

2015 Feral Life Calendar | Chriss Pagani art | Cat Cartoon T-shirts | Art gifts
dharma nature meditation

Star Cat Keeps Watch

Venerable, easy going Star Cat keeps watch as I work in the area. Although he's a feral cat, he's almost friendly. You may remember that poor Star had a bad bout of Vestibular Syndrome last spring, and the poor thing was falling over and unable to maintain his balance. We got through that and spent an additional three or four months with him walking around with his head tilted sideways at all times. It's something that can happen with this disease. However, he's finally all better. You can read about the Star Cat problems here - or follow his tag: Star Cat.

By the way Little Bunny Rabbit - formerly known as Super Smart Tortie - is still enjoying her pettings! She's the adult feral cat that became a pet. Here she is, leaning hard into my hand, purring her head off, with her little poof tail quivering with excitement:

Well, I guess you can't see her tail, but it definitely vibrates!

Sleeping Tractor Cat Nap

With a little afternoon sun, it is time for a comfy nap for Star Cat. The seat is probably warm from the sun, so it's a perfect place to sleep and dream of mice and adventure. ...I didn't disturb him too much.

Tabby In Contemplation of Wild Wheat

A pretty tabby, some wild wheat, and a moment of contemplation. Perhaps our kitty sees beauty in the blades.... perhaps he spotted a bug. I don't know what this kitty is thinking about - I hardly ever know. Cats are mysterious, sometimes.

This is Star Cat, who is indeed a cat star, at least on this blog. I wrote recently about his unfortunate bout with idiopathic  Vestibular Disorder. It's an inner ear inflammation that makes cats walk strangely and with difficulty, and they fall down a lot. Nobody knows what causes it. All these years working with feral cats and I didn't see one case if this mystery illness, but this year we've had two! The notes say it's most common in July and August in the northeast, suggesting something seasonal. I don't know, I live in the northwest and these cases started in late June. Still, there must be something to it.

In any case, Star Cat is much better now, although he has some residual head tilting - generally he seems to be getting around much better. Most cats get better in about three weeks, I've read, although some have some symptoms that last longer, like Star Cat.  He seems happy again, though, and that's the main thing.