Pet Tales: Splendid cat loves music

Simba was brought to me as a 6-week old kitten in the summer of 2010. I'd never had a striped tabby cat before, and he wasn't that attractive. However, he has become a wonderful 15-pound boy with beautiful markings.

When Simba was a little over one, I noticed a limp and it was difficult for him to get up steps, get on a chair or move around. Two different veterinarians examined him and couldn't find anything wrong. They both agreed that he was a “splendid cat” and would probably be OK.

I knew that he wasn't OK.

I contacted our modern-day version of the famous Dr. James Herriot, the country vet in England's Yorkshire. Dr. Brown visited us in his mobile vet clinic. After an extensive examination of Simba, he knew there was a serious hip problem. He took Simba home with him to observe him more closely. After X-rays and tests, surgery was performed. Simba's healing process was traumatic for him.

I spent a lot of time on the floor by Simba's bed comforting and talking to him. After running out of “cat talk,” I started singing to him. He loved it. His favorite songs were “A, You're Adorable,” “Baby Face” and “You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby.”