Cat Germs

Undoubtedly because we are monitoring him more closely these days, Mom & I are noticing a couple of changes in Copper's behavior. For example, it seems that Betty wants to be close to Cu. more than normal. We see her often curled-up right beside him when he's laying about, and he seems to be laying about more than normal too. So, Ya, she'll find him in his basket or on the rug in front of the fire and she'll just go and lay down beside him. Maybe she did that before, but Copper used to jump up immediately and leave, as if to say "Eeeyu, Cat Germs!" Perhaps now he's just to tired & sore to care about Cat Germs. He is more tired & sore for sure. He sleeps noticeably more and when he crawls out of his basket, he has a bit of trouble getting his hind-end to follow. He also seems to have trouble sitting, doesn't want to do a proper "sit-up" any more, not even for a treat. Remember he used to often "sit-up" just in case someone might have a treat. He still likes going for walks, forgets about the soreness and goes out fox-chasing. (for 4 hours yesterday) It's natural and he "must" do it, but it's not good for his arthritis. His back legs get quite stiff after a run like that. He still has a good appetite, but he is drinking more water. So we'll keep doing what he loves and continue to keep a close eye on our Copper.