The Best Lick Ever

It started with the clattering of the cat flap, swiftly followed by a ginger and white blurr disappearing under the dining table. No present this time, the low tail and dishevelled fur were the first warning signs that something was wrong!

Shying away from us both, not letting us get close enough to see what damage there might be, shivering, his tail swiping at you when all you wanted to do was reassure him that he was safe.

Eventually he slunk off, slowly, gingerly to the spare room and made a nest in my jacket but as he went traces of blood could be seen on paws and he was obviously hurting.

What do you do? He can't tell you what happened or where it hurts, the vet's closed and looking on the internet just fills you with dread.

Keep him warm and safe and see how he is in the morning!

No sleep Tuesday night. Quietly tripping through to check up on him, dreading each visit, telling yourself that sleep and rest are best, the rise and fall of his fur a reassuring sign.

Still sleeping in the morning but he's moved to his safe spot in the boiler cupboard, hopefully a good sign but still not letting us get close.

Then a call at work from Mrs B..........good news, he was up and eating, still walking very slowly, delicately and scared of his own shadow but we'd take the positives.

He's improving slowly, no need to take him to the vet so far but we're watching closely and will if we thought we had to without freaking him out further.

3am this morning - a fishy breath and gentle rasp of a tongue on my face.............the best lick ever, he's going to be okay!