This has happened twice in the last two days. It’s an icky story, but amazing, at least to me.
I am a caretaker for my ninety-one year old mother, and among my duties is helping her on and off a commode that is in her bedroom. The commode is a converted bath chair that sits over a cat’s litter box. It’s actually nicer than a standard commode because it’s open on all sides. If my mom’s having problems, I can reach under her to help her, and also, I can wipe her thoroughly before lifting her off and putting her down in her bed or chair or wherever.
When Mom has to go, I line the litter box with paper towels in a crisscross pattern. Afterwards, I slide out the box, and remove the contents for disposal.
Well, the last two times I took Mom off the commode, and settled her into her bed, I turned around to find out that my cat Tippy had gone into the commode litter box, and made a neat little paper package around the poo. Really, all four sides folded over, and rolled into a packet ready for pickup. It’s actually very nicely done, and makes my job easier.
Okay, I know my cat isn’t trying to help me, but is instinctively trying to damp down poo smells that challenge her dominance over her domain. But wow, I could get used to this! If only I could get her to do this every time, it would be really cool!
I’m also a cat lover with a 92-year old mother. Mama is in assisted living, and one of the reasons is so I don’t have to deal with the nitty-gritty stuff you’re coping with. Brava, you. (BTW, she gets excellent care, and I’m so glad I don’t have to worry about her safety, as I did all the time when she was living in her apartment.)
Having said that, let me add, “What a very, very, good, smart kitty! WTG, Tippy!”
Thanks ThelmaLou. I do what I do out of a combination of love, duty, and economic reasons. I don’t have to worry about Mom falling anymore because she’s what they used to call bed ridden. I was underwhelmed by what I saw in the available nursing homes, so I’m keeping her at home until it is impossible to do so. Mom is doing as well as can be expected in these circumstances.
I will say this. While I had her at the emergency room awhile ago, she was wearing a hospital gown. One of the nurses was trying to turn her, and said, “I’ll be careful. You have sores, right?” He was amazed when he saw her bare back and how clear her skin was with no bedsores at all. I guess it’s a common problem. I always watch for it though, and treat any red spots immediately. I’m also lucky my Mom has such healthy skin.
I think I’ve said more than I meant to. Thank you for the kind words.