Smidgen found out today (the hard way) that it is not a good idea to jump onto the wood burning oven when it is in operation. Fortunately he leaped off very promptly and skittered out of the room in a cloud of burning hair, through the floorboards and under the house. When he emerged a few minutes later I tried to catch him to check but he ran off - so I drove him towards some wet grass that had some frost on it, to cool his tootsies and eventually caught him for a good look. Damage report was two front feet looking a wee bit tender, and minus a couple of layers of skin, so I rang the vet, only to discover she is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. So I rang another vet about an hour and a half drive from here (the nearest option) and she assured me aloe vera and careful monitoring would suffice, unless I was deeply concerned.
Smidgen finally ventured back into the offending room and lurked in his Ikea cat tent, as far from the heater as possible, glaring at the heater in outrage (his face definitely said 'that was more than a little uncalled for - how can I ever trust you again?').
This evening he is walking comfortably (fortunately it has been bitterly cold all day so all surfaces are cool, including the caravan floor) and he tucked into his dinner with his usual enthusiasm. Only noticeable behaviour change was that he was more easily discouraged from trying to get out once he had eaten, and has taken himself to bed on the sleeping bag (smooth cool cover) instead of the dog's bed (textured finish).
Will check him once more before letting him out tomorrow and if it looks as if it is getting worse (unlikely) we will be making the trip to the vet whether he likes it or not. At present I felt the length of the trip would cause him more distress than the injury (based on my various burns I have acquired since getting the thing).
I am expecting special Smidgen snuggles tonight, poor boy!!
