Sorry to read of Atom's passing, James! I completely missed the adventure that started this thread but Atom's character shines through. And a beautiful cat he was, too. I'm sure having you around for his nightly walks while not feeling well must've been a great comfort to him.
Thank you. My time outside with him was always in complete silence. Sometimes he'd just plant himself on a spot and sit there for hours. Other times he'd want to go for a walk. When he was younger and in good health, I used to take him out for night walks often enough so he understood that part of it, but I'd never spent very long stretches (hours) like that before.
I sort of got the impression he appreciated it because:
i) he would sometimes wait for me to come back from my shower before taking me to the door and asking to go out. He could always go out anyway via the cat door, he knows that.
ii) occasionally, after we'd been out in the darkness for hours, I'd break the silence and say: "Atom, I'm very tired. Can we go back to the house now?" It seemed like he understood and he'd walk back to the house with me.
iii) sometimes he'd stay in and I'd be up until at least 3am to make sure he's ok - I'd prepare a specialised mix of food for him he needs to eat, make sure he's comfortable, etc. If it seems he doesn't need anything more, I'd crash on the couch to try and catch some sleep. He'd wait maybe 15mins and then I'd hear the cat door open and close. I'd immediately get back up and prepare to be outside with him until daybreak. But he's done that enough to make me think he knows I'm up for him and he'll only leave when he thinks I've gone to sleep.
Do you still have Jadey? She will miss him, too
