Tiggy & Nala: More Progress

Dear Greyce,

We were so pleased to be featured recently that we wanted to give you another update. (Note: Tiggy and Nala were just featured - check the entry just before this one).

We put in a big screen door in the bedroom hallway yesterday. It goes all the way to the ceiling since I like to climb it. Themselves only have the bedroom door open while they are home and only for small periods of time - so Tiggy doesn't feel hunted. Both us cats watch each other but neither of us are running away or hissing. I even leave for quite a while, so Tiggy can have some privacy.

I am told that it will be a while longer before Tiggy and I meet without the screen door. Themselves put Tiggy in her carrier to bring her out of the room so we could swap spaces for a little while (I'd go to the bedroom and she would have the rest of the place); but she hides under the bed when she sees the carrier, so we feel that she is not ready yet. We are on the road to a happy family without screen doors, but we know there are most likely many more months before we get there!


There are bigger improvements a-foot - so should I say, a-paw? Tiggy has much more confidence. I have gained more trust in Themselves (they really are quite nice, you know) and am even friendly to house guests. And best of all, we can now make ourselves understood to Herself because she has learned cat language. She is becoming tri-lingual: tail, eyes and ears. Thank you for those cat communication resources.

Yours, Nala

Tiggy & Nala: On the Right Track

Dear Greyce,



Remember us? You wrote about each of us: Tiggy's Trial and also Is Nala A Nuisance? both posted on August 16, 2010.


Oh well, purrhaps you get questions from a lot of cats who don’t get along and don’t quite have our names at the tip of your pink tongue. But we wanted to let you know how well we are doing.


As the elder cat, I (Tiggy) will go first: I am gaining confidence and getting a little vocal about coming out of the bedroom (where I am sequestered). My purrson and I have at least two long play sessions a day, as well as some down-time together. I even wake her up early for a play session!


I am out from under the bed and now usually perch on top of the dresser. Sometimes I’m at the bedroom door waiting for my folks. I also have a delightful private space under a table that has a table cloth that goes all the way to the floor.


Great news! Our purrson made us a fishing-pole toy out from a long pole and butcher’s string. Nala and I both love it.


Now over to Nala: I think my folks have learned a lot about cat communication because they seem to understand me better. I still nip a little but I must admit to getting more comfortable in my new home. I love to play and play and play. At times I will nuzzle on the lap of my purrson when she is on the couch with a soft blanket over her.


So Greyce, we are doing much, much better after following your advice. We will keep you posted.


Purrs from Tiggy and Nala

Dear Tiggy and Nala, Congratulations on your progress. By the time this entry gets posted I’m sure you will have advanced even more. Keep up the good work.

With purrs of encouragement,

Greyce

Filou's Diary

Dear Readers,

You may recall a handsome cat called Filou who was trying to welcome a new companion, Molly. Molly was having difficulty adjusting to her new circumstances. Their story has been told in several blog entries:
I've Been Kidnapped (4/6/10)
Molly's Adventure (5/6/10)
Possessiveness on the Rise (6/1/10)
Molly Takes A Big Step (6/10/10)

I’m pleased to report that all is going very well. And to give you some idea of the progress that has been made, Filou agreed to share selected entries from his diary.

Over to you Filou.

Dealing with a Pest

Dear Greyce,

I am a stunningly beautiful 10-year-old tortie (that's me on the right with the lovely red collar) who lives in a two-floor townhouse: the main floor is open plan (with my food and water in the kitchen) and the bedrooms and laundry room are upstairs. There is a cat door to the bedroom, as well as one to the laundry room where the litter box resides. I enjoy full use of my home including a lovely cat perch and a multi-level cat tree. And I have access to the outdoors, on a leash and harness.

For many years I shared this home with a distinguished Siamese companion named Basil. We were the best of friends and did everything together. Last year Basil left his physical form and I mourned him deeply. But I adjusted, for I had my purrson all to myself.


Because I was missing feline friendship, Herself thought she would do me a favour. This so-called favour arrived in a cat carrier in May (a year after Basil’s death). I sniffed both it and its contents and because I didn’t seem distressed, they opened it up and out came a kitten.


Lucy is a rambunctious calico who is now five months of age. She is intact; I am spayed.


When she is not eating or sleeping, she is playing. She has toys to keep her occupied: mice which she fetches and a laser pointer to chase after; but she also insists on bugging me ALL THE TIME and most often in the living room where we hang out. She runs at me, chases me, silently pounces on me, and bites - all day long! In retaliation, I hiss and scream at her; but I never use my claws. Greyce, this brat is getting on my nerves!