And what he's saying is "I hate you."

Hissy Kitty came home one day last week exhibiting all the signs of rabies. Sick, emaciated, staggering, drooling, unable to eat or drink. He's a fighter and had just been treated for a bite wound on his face which developed an infection.

Even though he was vaccinated, he went to the vets to be put down. The vet deemed his symptoms "very suspicious."

She said they would be unable to touch him and would have to gas him.

However, later that morning she called and said she had been observing him in his cage and he just would meow at her. So she asked if she could anesthesize him with gas and examine him.

It turned out his symptoms were related to injuries for which neither of us had an explanation. Two of his toenails on his hind food had been completely ripped out. Even worse, there was a huge gouge in his tongue with the piece of skin flapping.

She had already notified the health department of a potential rabies case so HK had to be quarantined and observed for several days. She was afraid she was going to have force feed him but he was able to eat canned food on his own.

He got antibiotics, hydrated, fed and everyone fell in love with him.

He also got neutered. I had been unable to neuter him until the ringworm cleared up according to his former vet. He didn't even have ringworm. Just flea allergies.

So the battle scarred HK is now an indoor cat. For which I am sure the neighbors will thank me.

HK isn't happy with this latest development though. His kitty testosterone levels haven't dropped yet. But at night when I watch TV, he forgives me and comes and lays on my lap. He's even learning how to purr.