May I introduce...?

[pjthompson]

May I introduce Ms. Ginger Thompson? She is a lady of mature years(8) who, through no fault of her own (she's a sweet girl), has been rehomed three times in a year. I've told her that as long as I am in this house, she will not be rehomed again. She doesn't believe me yet—we've only known each other three days—but I'm doing my best to show her that I'm a reliable human slave.

We aren't doing too bad. She's comfortable enough around me to let me pet her (with her tail up) and give her scritches, but doesn't know me well enough to pick her up. She liked sitting with me when I was working on the computer (and has already explored the computer table), but I can't convince her to get on my lap yet. She's come close, jumping up on the arm of my chair or the footrest, but she doesn't stay long. These things take time and I'm trying not to let my hopes rush her in anything.

She's still really missing her previous residence and keeps telling me plaintively that she wants me to take her back there. It kind of breaks my heart, but I hope in time I can show her that I'm willing and able to spoil her absolutely rotten and give her anything she demands—short of taking her back to that previous abode. Time. Patience. Love.

I've told her I love her, but given the year she's had it's going to take her a while to trust. But we're getting there! Last night she played with her mousy toys and even felt comfortable enough to lay on her back with her legs in the air. True, it only lasted a minute, but those of you who know cats understand that is a positive sign.

Comments

[sartorias]

What a pretty kitty! May she settle in soon!

[pjthompson]

Thank you. She had a nice snooze in a sunny window this afternoon.

[pjthompson]

Thank you!

[tolcath]

May you live happily ever after together.

[whythehellnot]

Lovely kitty! Let's hope she soon learns she IS home. We have had a couple cats that took some years to settle in - including a long haired and 13 year old tortie that my son abandoned here. She is finally relaxing and believing it is not temporary!

[pjthompson]

Yes, Ginger has good days, and bad days where she keeps to herself. She's kind of heartbroken, I think. I hope I can love her back into trusting.

[whythehellnot]

I always find it odd that so many people seem to think cats are some sort of furry automatons without feelings. They are rather stoic about injuries and the like - but I find their feelings very apparent. Our old tortoiseshell, the grown up and old tribble-cat was absolutely heartbroken when abandoned here by my eldest child. It has been three years now and I see happiness in her again - but now and again, she still looks expectantly at the door and I know she misses him to this day.

[pjthompson]

Yes! This. They're very emotional animals. They don't show it as openly as dogs, in that kind of slavish devotion, but they do feel and they do remember. Your tortie reminds me of a tortie we had when I lived with my mom. She was my absolute friend, preferring me to the exclusion of everyone else in the house. When it came time for me to move, I couldn't take her with me for a variety of reasons and she never forgave me. From that day until the day she died she completely shunned me until the day she died (prolly fifteen years later).

Fortunately, Ginger is showing signs of settling in. She cuddled with me in bed for the first time last night which definitely made me very happy, and she likes hanging out near me. She's currently sleeping about three feet from this computer. Slow but sure.