Cleopatra and the mood

Cleopatra is my cat; Cleo is what I call her generally. She gets called Cleopatra when she's done something naughty but even then it's said with affection because, well, because she can do no wrong in my eyes. Cleo could tear my house apart and I'd not care nor would I chastise her in any way - She's a good girl though so no worries there.

I love Cleo very much and rely on her just as much she relies upon me. We're very close friends; I'll go as far as saying she knows my moods and acts accordingly administering cuddles, headbutts, nose-kisses, licks, hand-holding and various other expressions of love when required. She's also quick to let me know if I've been away too long or haven't been fast enough with dinner-deployment. We're a pretty good team though and have fun.

Earlier this year Cleo picked up allergies, began to sneeze and her eyes watered a little now and then. She also began to lick/groom at a particular point on her rear leg. The vet tells me it was probably itchy due to the allergies and as with humans scratching an itch is rewarding so she continued to do so. She ended up having an injection called Depo-medrol, a cortisone used to treat chronic inflammatory or allergic conditions. I wasn't keen on it but I wanted to give her some relief. I also bought an antibiotic cream which I applied when required. She seemed to get better.

Tonight I had to take the poor little thing to the vet again though as she's licking at her leg and it's quite inflamed again; she also has the other symptoms as above. The vet was telling me they can form habits and it's possible she's licking due to that. I'm not sure about that, but it sounds plausible.

Cleo is a little skittish, maybe a by-product of her first few weeks of life. She came to me as a six-week-old, saved from some lads who were terrorising her. She runs and hides when the doorbell rings or hears a loud noise and really only likes me. So, going to the vet isn't her favourite thing and she gets into a mood.

The vet, a lovely South African girl, took good care of her though, and I was there the whole time. The hardest part was getting her out of her cat box. Once out though she was brave, accepted the poking and prodding then the injection then promptly retreated to the cat box for the drive home.

Cleo's mood was a little brighter once we arrived home but, as expected, she made me suffer a little; didn't want to cuddle...For about five minutes and then she came over and plonked herself in my lap for a snooze; tired after her vet-visit adventure.

Cleo turned ten this year, not old, but old enough for health issues begin to arise. I'm ever-vigilant for changes in her and will pay any amount of money to ensure she is healthy. I know I'll outlive her and the thought makes me very sad. A year ago I lost Merlin, my cat of 22 years and best friend; it destroyed me and I know losing Cleo will do the same. That's why I make the most of every moment we have together and why I give her the best care I possibly can...Even if she gets into the occasional bad mood.