Are We Done Yet?

In a word, No! When The Today Show anchors are working from home, we are definitely in uncharted territory! The current status of this virus is, at best, a rough guess due to lack of testing availability and mild symptoms in non-high-risk groups. It is easy to get cabin fever, frustrated over low-stock items, delayed shipping, not going out for dinner, and being unable to meet friends out for a drink. For many of us, these things mean not making a living as well. As inconvenient (or hair pulling, foot stomping, frustrating) as all of these things are, I am optimistic. I am seeing a lot of neighbors helping each other out even with social distancing. I see a lot of my neighbors now walking at all different times of day, and we can still have a friendly conversation even from across the street. It helps, believe me! Unlike our superior feline counterparts, humans have a tendency to want to gather. I myself have probably spent more time on Facebook in the last two weeks than I usually do in a year! It is normal to miss our friends and be bummed that we cannot visit grandma right now. There is still a lot that can be done if you are able.

Last week I talked about Buy One Give One which does not have to just include fur baby supplies. An extra loaf of bread or the “get one” portion of the BOGO items at the store for your neighbor, friend, or local food pantry helps out immensely and costs us literally nothing. If you are lucky enough to be in a healthy household and can make extra food, take dinner over to a neighbor if possible (food can be prepared with gloves, and I suggest this only for hot meals or those that can be heated to avoid any viral transmission). Think casseroles or Instant Pot goodies! Also, it is not a bad time to experiment with new recipes. Even if you are not an adept cook, your family will still be forced to be nice about it because they are stuck at home too! ;)

We are all adjusting to new routines, and that means our sugar babies are facing changes too. Being home more gives us more opportunity to test and fine-tune blood glucose control. This is a great opportunity to really work toward remission if Kitty has been inching closer over time but is just missing that final hurdle. Moreover, the newly-diagnosed sugar kitty will have the advantage of more attention since we are at home a lot more. Just remember while fine tuning also include extra play and interaction with kitty that does not involve poking and prodding. We want to use this extra time for a balance of crazy kitty fun as well as health needs.

If you do end up showing symptoms of the flu (which is still active), the coronavirus, or are just susceptible to the season’s allergies, you DON’T have to be a super hero. I have written about keeping up with Kitty when ill. It is okay if things are not done exactly perfect. Kitty needs you to be healthy for them, so it is important to take care of yourself, get plenty of rest, and ask for help if you need it. (I, myself am super awful about that last part, but even I have had to realize, I cannot do it all, and that is okay.)

Please remember to check on your higher-risk neighbors via phone, social media or a yell over the fence. Also, keep in mind our shelter animals when you are buying supplies if you can. If we all do one tiny thing, each gesture can add up to a massive movement of good will and make us all better in the long run.

Of course, the Feline Diabetic Support Group on FB is a great resource with great admins and community members who are caring and very, very helpful. They have recently added a chat function for members for even more real-time support!

Stay healthy out there!