I might have known!

When I got in the carrier and found Panda already there, I knew this could only mean one thing. It was time for my yearly checkup and shots!

When we got to Dr. Duran’s, Panda jumped out of the carrier and onto the scale. “Hey,” he quipped. “Does it look like I’ve gained weight?”

“I can’t tell,” I replied, stretching up to see the readout on the scale. “I think you weigh the same as last time.”

“I’m going to check this place out,” I continued. “There has to be a good hiding place in here somewhere.”

The only possible hiding place was the wastepaper basket, accessible through a round hole in the cabinet. This would have been perfect when I was little, but I could see it wasn’t going to work now. “Maybe you should get on the scale,” remarked Panda, with a chuckle. “Very funny,” I replied.

After an attempt to get back into my carrier, which Mom, for some reason, thought was hilarious, I decided to wait for Dr. Duran under Mom’s chair.

This was much better, and pretty soon Dr. Duran came in. As usual, we were happy to see each other.

First, Dr. Duran checked Panda and said he was doing great. Then it was my turn.

Dr. Duran said that Mom was taking such good care of me! We already knew that, but it’s nice to hear it from a professional.

I didn’t have anything wrong with me, but I have – ahem – gained a bit of weight, and the doctor said Mom should probably reduce my food intake by about ten percent. Fortunately, Mom’s not great at math, so maybe she won’t reduce it quite that much. But then again, she could reduce it even more! I decided I would think about that later.

It turns out my teeth are looking good also. Mom asked if this was because I always eat dry cat food and not canned. Dr. Duran said it could be. I don’t care for canned cat food, but I will lick the juice off of it before walking away. Dr. Duran said she has met cats who don’t like canned food, so I guess I’m not that unusual. Since I love drinking water from my fountain or from the bathroom faucet, I probably don’t need wet food to keep me hydrated.

Later a nice lady came in to give me my shots and trim my nails. I was very good for both. After that, it was time to get back in my carrier and go home.

I admit to giving Mom my best “bewildered” look when I got out of my carrier. I had to pretend to be a bit miffed at having had to suffer the indignity of the carrier, but after a while I was back to my old self.