Every day comes new discoveries, new crises, new actions that warm my heart. This morning started with a crisis. I came in all excited after last night’s cuddle only to find Walker on top of the hutch. At second look I knew something was wrong. His calming collar had been caught in his mouth. I hate collars because of this!

It was a fight to catch him and get the collar off of him. He didn’t want to be held longer than that. I got Monroe and the collar off of her too. Walker skittered into the hutch, the dark hidey corner. I let him be for a bit and watched to see if he was going to come out. Monroe was playing like her old self.

While playing with Monroe, I googled the collars on my tablet. After an hour and a half with no motion from Walker, I checked on him. He was huddled in the corner.

Lesson for new Fur Foster Parents — know the plan for medical emergencies. I didn’t know what the plan was or who Classy Cats would want me to call. I called my emergency Vet (veterinaryemergencygroup.com). The vet was unable to tell me if he needed attention without seeing him. But the basic questions were — eating? Not yet. drinking? not yet. labored breathing (for a cat it’s like a dog panting). No. See blood in his mouth? No. So I decided to wait and see. I so wanted to sweep him up and run over to VEG. Yes, I’m a helicopter Fur Mom.

I dropped a note off to Classy Cats, then went back in to the room. Monroe took the opportunity to be a lap kitty and started a behavior I hadn’t seen. She was nipping at my clothing. This is a behavior we will need to adjust.

About an hour later, I had to check his mouth. He let me pick him up from his hiding place and even look in his mouth. I didn’t see any blood or cuts. I wetted some kleenix and tried to wash his face. He let me hold him and stayed very still. Even when I changed positions. He wasn’t interested in food or water. I noticed his breathing was rapid and googled that. Found out what was normal did a count and his was a little elevated. Since he was not puring when I was holding him, I decided maybe it was my presence that was making him stressed. So I left the room for a bit hoping he would settle down.

By noon, I thought, just take him in. I went to pick him up and he skittered away, not far, but enough to say No. I don’t want to be messed with. So I decided to let him be. That behavior was more normal.

An hour later for 15 min, both kitties stayed at the foot of the bed, grooming. chilling out. Next hour Walker came up to me, cuddled and purred and ate!

My next visit, Monroe and Walker both got up from their lounging spots. Monroe got right in my lap. Walker sat down and looked with a quizial expression — where’s my spot? I tried to adjust my lap position for room for two, but Monroe had nothing of it. I reach over and gave Walker a scrub on his head. He purred. Then they went back to their spot.

5 PM to 6 PM session was more of the same until about 5:30. Walker got up and laid right next to my ankles. I reached down and petted him. Monroe gave us both a look of — well , that cat look and continued to chill at the end of the bed. About 20 minutes later, I reached down and petted him again. Then he decided it was dinner time. I tried to engage Monroe in play, but she wasn’t too interested.

This evening, Monroe is comeing out of her slump. I think she missed having her brother to play with. Walker seems to be a bit more out of his shell. He’s eaten 4 times today that I know of and this evening even seemed a bit interested in the teaser.

A few more sessions this evening before I turn the light out on them for bed time. What? Bed Time? Don’t you know cats love to explore in the middle of the night?