That's the first thought through my cat's head, I'm sure. But it's for his own good.

So, first off, thank you all again for your advice and words of support. I got a record six hours sleep this weekend, and was able to take Butterscotch to the vet.

He took his temperature - said he was fine. The rawness and discoloration and inflammation, he said, was normal for the paw healing itself. As long as the cat didn't lick it raw, he would be fine in a few days.

"OK," said I, "but what's to keep him from licking it raw?"

He procured a small fabric/plastic apparatus. "This."

He put it on, and the cat has never looked, acted, and sounded so pathetic. He is wandering around like he's drunk, misjudging every doorway, wobbling, and mewling pathetically.

...but he's not licking his paw. And that might give him time to heal.

(Oh, and the vet only charged me $15 for the apparatus, and not for the Followup visit. They've cleared their negative total with me as far as I'm concerned)

Still... poor kitty. On the plus side, he gets good reception.

And now, off to work.

P.S.  dakotawuff - Leah's not alone! CONE OF SHAME!!!