It was quite the night, and there's a photo to prove it.

[Siwsan]

I've in no way recovered from Nov 5. In fact, I think my stress level goes up, every day. My only respite is at night because the sleep medication I was prescribed REALLY WORKS!!

But I digress. Normally at night I'll have Merlin and Gryff climb up and cuddle. Some nights Arthur joins them but Madoc shuns the cuddle puddle. Last night I had ALL FOUR BOYS curl up on the bed. Yesterday had the added agro of another delay in replacing the broken electrical connection in the turn signal lever, which raised my stress another couple of notches. The boys probably knew that mom needed some extra positive kid cat energy.

The only reason Gryff isn't in this photo is that he was on the other side of me. He's not big in to sharing his mom with all three brothers so if he stays apart from the others, he figures he has me to himself.

Just seeing Merlin FINALLY being accepted by Madoc was wonderful. Before last night Madoc would have left the bed as soon as Merlin showed up.

[niyad]

1. They are taking such good care of their Mom!

[Karadeniz]

2. Cuties!!!!

[TommieMommy]

3. Awwww 💙 how wonderful

[arkielib]

4. That picture makes me feel calmer.

We may need a lot of cat pictures to get us through the next few years.

[2naSalit]

5. Protection squad...

With one trainee. Or is it the Royal Forum?

Either way, it's progress! And Merlin is getting big fast!

[Polly Hennessey]

6. Being next to mom brings out the best and it helps mom, too.

[eppur_se_muova]

7. JOOC, what was the name of that medication ?

I don't know of anything that really works for me.

[Siwsan]

10. It's one of those 'multi symptom' medications

Trazodone. It helps with depression/anxiety and insomnia. I usually take just 1/2 a tablet about 45 minutes before I hope to fall asleep. If I wake up, during the night, it doesn't take long to fall back asleep. I sometimes get as much as 7 straight hours of sleep.

[eppur_se_muova]

11. Thanks! I'll talk to my doc about it. nt

[Farmer-Rick]

8. Supposedly the purr

Generated by cats is very soothing to humans under stress. I think there is an actual study. But anyone who's ever had a cat purring on their lap knows the feeling.

I just worry you may overdose on the purring. You have 3 times the recommended dose in that picture.

[Siwsan]

12. I'm a strong believer in purr therapy.

Madoc has the strongest, most vibrating purr I've ever heard. I rested my head on him, last night, and it was wonderful. Gryff's purr is so soft, it is sometimes hard to hear. Arthur has a very audible but soft purr. Merlin's purr is tiny and sweet. The few times I've heard Carys purr were wonderful.

[niyad]

14. Overdose of purring??? Absolute nonsense!

[Farmer-Rick]

15. Not nonsense...humor

[niyad]

19. As was my reply.

[Farmer-Rick]

20. I see

Sorry, I am a bit touchy today.

It's the anniversary of a lost love one and I am on edge.

[niyad]

21. Hugggggs. I am sorry this is such a difficult day.

[3catwoman3]

17. Purring can also help bones heal.

https://www.inspirethemind.org/post/behind-cats-purrs-and-their-healing-power-sharing-the-benefits#:~:text=The%20frequency%20of%20cat%20purring%20has%20been%20shown%20to%20fall,tendon%

Brief quote form the article: The frequency of cat purring has been shown to fall between 25 and 140 Hz. The same frequency has been shown to aid in the healing of broken bones, joint and tendon repair, and wound healing. Mar 23, 2023

How cool is that?

[Farmer-Rick]

18. Very cool

Cats are so comforting.

[InstantGratification]

9. The Musketeers are there to watch over you

Never fear Milady, Athos, Porthos, Aramis and d'Artagnan are on duty to protect you from evil.

[AllaN01Bear]

13. were they vibrating? ( purring)

sez aww melt.

[Dear_Prudence]

16. 'The lion shall lie down with the lamb'

Saying popped into my head. But now I am puzzling because these are all your little lions, some more fierce than others. Beautiful picture!