This morning the vet reported that Jeff’s blood work came back normal. He advised to continue the oral antibiotic and baby food, and call him with a status update Friday.

Staff is greatly relieved that Jeff apparently has no growths, tumors, masses, metabolic disorders, blood chemistry irregularities, or other serious physical malady. However, the tests did not check for demon possession or curses, so we have not ruled out everything.

Jeff mustered a bit more gusto this morning and ate about two spoonfuls or turkey baby food. Delish.

Jeff did not eat his dinner last night and seemed to feel a bit under the weather. After he refused turkey lunch meat today, Staff took him to the vet.

Kind and skilled as the vet is, Jeff does not like him.

Jeff had no fever and no obvious issues per the physical exam. Though the most likely cause is an infection of some kind, on the vet’s advice Jeff got x-rays and blood work.

Nothing out of order was visible in the x-rays, but they were quite interesting. The vet explained what was what: heart, liver, kidneys…. and in the horizontal view, “and that’s, well, fat.”

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Jeff received some fluids to prevent dehydration and a dose of Pepcid to help his tummy. After returning from the ominous Back Room, Jeff was happy to return directly into the carrier in hopes that it would soon transport him back home.

The blood work results will be ready tomorrow. In the meantime Jeff was assigned a shocking pink liquid antibiotic, which he did not enjoy, and a diet of baby food. Jeff took only a few licks of the chicken baby food; Staff cannot fault his lack of enthusiasm, as chicken baby food is quite unappetizing.

Jeff did seem to feel somewhat better this evening and is “resting comfortably.”

Jeff enjoyed some string playtime this evening.

As usual, where there is string activity, sooner or later there is a Norman.

If you have a string, Norman is watching you. Beware the String Stalker.

The dog must take a pill each morning.

Due to its lack of native tastiness, the pill is presented to her wrapped in turkey lunch meat.

Jeff quickly caught on to this morning turkey-based ritual, and started getting in line as well.

Jeff has a deep appreciation for turkey.

This afternoon Jeff caught the first gopher of spring.

The spring pot of catnip is robust and leafy.

Upon first offer, Jeff passed by. No thank you.

Oh, all right then. A taste.

One taste became many… then things got a bit blurry.

Staff had a bit of leftover pizza for lunch.

As it turns out, Jeff is rather a fan of pizza crust.

Typically, the household dog would be the recipient of discarded pizza crust.

Not in this house.

Staff recently expended considerable time and effort to construct several raised garden beds. The beds were filled with 5 cubic yards of 70% compost vegetable mix, distributed one (backbreaking) wheelbarrow load at a time. This weekend plants raised from seed were set out and fertilized.

Naturally, Jeff assumes we have built giant dirt thrones in his honor.

Staff awoke this morning to find Jeff snuggled under the covers in the dog’s bed.

What better place for a bobcat on a chilly morning?

According to Jeff, there is none.

At some point Norman tasted a shoelace, and he liked it. Since then no lace is safe.

Staff tried to lace up a pair of Doc Martens the other day and promptly snapped the chewed-through laces.

This conveniently creates a fresh supply of cat playthings.

Unsurprisingly, the shoelace activities attracted Jeff.

Staff wonders again whether conspiracy is afoot.