We’re celebrating Buddy The Wonder Cat’s 15th birthday!
It’s been an adventure sharing our home with this cat, who wandered into our lives as a 10-week-old feral kitten weighing just 2.5 pounds. In the years since, he’s grown into a wonderful and easy-going companion. On occasion, though, his wild side has landed him into chaotic situations most cats might not survive unscathed. (Bramble traps and confrontations with a pit bull come to mind.) He’s called The Wonder Cat is because it’s a wonder he’s still alive.
This past year has been the most challenging of all after a cancer diagnosis. While the cancer is not curable, it can be treated to some degree. He’s been a real champion through months of chemotherapy and a regime of steroids and other drugs. There have been days when we thought he was close to the end, but he’s fought back and emerged stronger every time.
Quality of life is the essential benchmark, one we watch closely. He’s currently on a “drug holiday” and we’re encouraged by his improved appetite, weight gain, and increased energy. He keeps me company in the office, plays with the dog, and stays with us for dinner-and-a-movie nights. All of this suggests he may be experiencing partial remission. Whatever happens, we remain grateful for the time we have with him.
In celebration of life ongoing, here’s a slideshow of Buddy the Wonder Cat through the years.