A quick greeting to you all, lest this mysterious force (aka *BIG*) take a
bite outta these bytes.  My monster's name is Lysis.  He is a sable that is
approximately 5 and 1/2 months old, with a most loving disposition.  A problem I
noted from the former owner is that she often fed him cookies/etc at such a
young age, and was giving store-bought cat food -- I immediately switched to
Science Diet Kitten formula, and dropped the treats to a minimal ... *PSSST!!
Izzat a Life Saver??? ... Raisins SUCK!*  One question here: What age should I
go to adult formula?
     I recently travelled to OK and left Lysis with his "grandmother".  Since I
returned I have noticed two things :  (1) A bald spot on his back (approximately
half way from each end of the monster and approx 1 inch long). (2) He is
somewhat less energetic, and once in a while will shiver as if cooler than
comfortable.  I fear he may have suffered from the heat -- it is much hotter in
my mother's house than here.  Perhaps the absence of myself and my fiancee
affected him as well.  Hali often visited me simply to play with the monster I
suspect.
     The balding spot does not seem to be getting any larger, nor does it have
any signs of being bitten/scratched with any regularity.  It is not sore to the
touch nor does it appear to be irritated.  There are new hairs growing from the
spot, and they look healthy enough.  His diet is steady and his water intake is
good.  Urination and defecation are "on schedule" as well -- he also is using
his litter box with ... uh ... precision?? :)
     I am curious if anyone else has had experience with leaving their monster
child and finding that s/he has suffered from their absence.  I am considering
giving him gatorade (watered down) to get the energy levels back up.  Any
comments?  Some things that have crossed my mind :  He left my old apartment to
visit "Grandma" and then came to my new apartment -- change of locale.  He was
able to play with 2 dogs at "Grandma's" and no play partners here.  It is much
cooler in this apartment than at "Grandma's". (73/75 vs 80)
     Last of all I wish to offer my wholehearted thanks to all who have written
stories of dealing with the ill-informed mental midgets that hang around malls
preaching the evils of our beloved kiddos.  I had my first run-in a few weeks
back, and held my own thanks to some of what I've read here.  Lysis wants to
play, so I'll sign off here.
 
BZ -- If you know phonics and read my last name you'll understand.
 
ps -- greetings to Samantha and Ross (dang yankees).
[Posted in FML issue 1216]