Abby's back and doing well
We picked her up about 11pm as the vet was busy with an emergency before that. She saw us and let out a low mournful howl. Her eyes were dilated and the cage vibrated with her quivering. When we talked to her, she'd answer, which just goes to show they know more than they let on because she's never shown any acknowledgement of her name before now. She complained on the way home, her voice becoming higher and sounds not as long, sounding more kittenish.
I had the cage next to the door when I opened it because I was hoping it would keep Buddy inside. He did a double take into the cage and looked up at me shocked. "You put her in a CAGE?!" He stood up on his hind legs and tried to pull the cage to the ground. I opened the latch and let her out and she slipped away into the front room, Buddy hustling right behind her. He came out shortly for treats and she was trailing behind him, then looked alarmed and ran back out of the room. He went after her, calling for her. Mom went to bed soon after that and Abby jumped onto the bed, made biscuits and allowed Mom to pet her. She was very happy to have her bed back.
I woke up to her curled against me and again, she allowed me to pet her. She was smiling, and she had a secret purr going, but she kept curled up tight. I think she's exhausted, and she's definitely bonier than she was. That cat has no fat on her so it was hard on her. Buddy kept washing her and paid particular attention to her left eye, which looks completely normal.
So, she's bounced back very quickly. I'm surprised but very relieved. I thought she hadn't bonded to us, that we were just a convenience or a pair of very tall roommates. But she did some kittenish behaviors so maybe on some level she does think of us as family. Well, you learn something new everyday.