Caturday Report: The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Jack the Mildly Afflicted
Jack resting in a warm and comfy place
Yesterday morning, one-eyed, super resilient Jack was sunning himself on the cat porch like a small, benevolent emperor. By evening, he had transformed into a tragic Victorian poet. His nose was damp, his energy low, and he retreated first into a comfy cat bed and then under the bed in the master bedroom to contemplate the fragility of life.
Naturally, I assumed the worst.
Naturally, he refused treats.
Naturally, I began mentally drafting a eulogy.
Cats have a gift for collapsing into existential despair at the first hint of a sniffle. Jack, usually a steady and unflappable soul, spent the entire day in one spot, staring into the middle distance like a cat who had seen too much. He purred when I checked on him, but only in the weary, world‑weary way of someone who wants gentle affection and absolutely no sudden movements.
I considered steam therapy. I considered calling the vet. I considered whether eucalyptus tabs were safe (they are not). Mostly, I considered how a creature who was perfectly fine yesterday could suddenly look like he needed a fainting couch and a handwritten will.
And then came this morning.
Jack was sleeping beside me in my bed, nestled cozily. When I got up, he emerged from the bed like Lazarus, stretched, and immediately asked for treats. When I didn’t move fast enough, he marched over to the kittens’ bowls and helped himself with the confidence of a man who had never once been ill in his life.
No apology.
No explanation.
Just breakfast theft and a renewed sense of purpose.
So, for this Caturday, I offer this reminder:
Cats do not get colds.
They get episodes.
They get narratives.
They get arcs.
And sometimes, after a full day of dramatic suffering, they rise again — ready to eat, judge, and steal kitten kibble as if nothing ever happened.
🐾 Practical Tips for When Your Cat Has a Cold
A little humor is good for the soul, but here’s the grounded part for anyone whose cat is currently starring in their own melodrama:
• Use steam, not essential oils
A steamy bathroom can ease congestion. Skip eucalyptus or menthol — cats’ airways are sensitive.
• Keep the nose clean
A warm, damp cloth helps clear mild discharge so they can breathe (and smell) better.
• Offer aromatic foods
Cats won’t eat what they can’t smell. Try warming their usual food or offering something with a strong scent like tuna water or plain cooked chicken.
• Let them rest where they feel safe
Under the bed, on your pillow, in a laundry basket — sick cats choose their own infirmary.
• Watch for breathing changes
Quiet, effortless breathing is fine. Open‑mouth breathing or visible effort is not.
• Monitor appetite and hydration
A cat who eats nothing for 24 hours or stops drinking may need veterinary support.
• Call your vet if you’re unsure
They can help you decide whether your cat needs to be seen soon or can safely wait.
Learn more about cats. See our many Caturday posts.
Be entertained. See all our posts about cats.
Be inspired. See posts by and about Sula, parish cat, and her books.
Have a chuckle. Read posts by and about Jeremy Feig's award-winning book (book of the year finalist, Kops-Fetherling Lagacy Award for Humor), How My Cat Made Me a Better Man.
Watch for Luna Norwood's forthcoming book, Raising Happy Cat Families. Now available on preorder at MSI Press Webstore. Use Coupon Code FF25 for 25% discount.
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