Low Petting Tolerance; Distorted Gait from Declawing: Two Cats Adjust to a New Home

Dear Greyce,

I am an eight-year old female who along with my companion, Spook, have recently been adopted by a new family.

We have been taking it easy getting used to our new home. We are confined to the upstairs for now but have enjoyed some time out on the deck (which is completely enclosed for our safety). There is a Feliway diffuser in the bedroom and in the living room. And Herself sprays a bottle with Rescue Remedy, Walnut and Star of Bethlehem around the house. Spook will let her rub this into his fur but she doesn't dare try it with me.

All is going quite well, though I do have some questions:

1. Is there anything else I should encourage my new purrsons to do, to help us adapt to our new surroundings?

2. How can I learn to tolerate being petted a bit more?

3. What can be done for Spook's gait?

Let me give you the background.

I am very aggressive with strangers because I was traumatized as a kitten by someone associated with my previous home who flicked a BBQ lighter in my face. As a results, strangers and I do NOT mix. Because of this, I was declawed when I was three years old. Still I am wary and will growl if approached by someone I don't know; I have been known to bit. I also don't like people trying to pet me (unless I ask for it) or getting too close.

At my new home the people are very kind. They extend a hand to me when they would like me to approach. For the most part, they don't initiate interaction unless I appear willing; and they stop as soon as I seem the least bit uncomfortable. They also don't make eye contact with me.

Knowing my propensity to growl, they behave in ways that keep me calm. For example, I feel it is a bit too close if I am sitting on the back of the couch and they want to sit down on it. So they slink into their spot and sit quietly, rather than making any fuss.

I am now freely jumping into their laps, especially if invited to do so. But I still don't like being petting much and just prefer being allowed to site. I don't like having my back stroked much and can go ballistic if they pet my face a lot. For me it is best to have limited pets, restricted to my face and between my ears.

Our purrsons have even bough us a toy called Da Bird and I understand we may get more things to play with. This is a BIG deal for us as we did not come to our new home with toys.

Spook has settled in well and has been quite affectionate. He did get noisy at night (coming into the bedroom and jumping around); but they now keep us out at night and he has settled down.
Like me, Spook is declawed. However he has a funny gait, almost a limp. He is a bit chubby, too. Can you suggest anything to help him?

Yours,
Jade

Re-integration After Disaster: Old and Young Cats

Dear Greyce,
I am recovering quite nicely now (see Newcomer Hampers Sick Cat's Recovery 4/4/11) although I have become a picky eater. Themselves have been most kind - keeping that so-called companion (a.k.a.The Pest), Gracie, sequestered. I have my basement retreat all to myself. However rumour has it that Herself has bonded to Gracie and wants to keep her around. And I'm far from impressed. I've taken to hissing when I pass the bedroom door (when she is inside) or at Herself after she has spent time with her. What should I do?
Ready to be distressed again!
Tommy

Moving Food Bowls & Litter Boxes to Different Locations

Dear Greyce,

Now that we are back to being friends, (see Cat Companions are Back to Being Friends  4/27/11) we need more help. Precisely, how do we return to using our regular food bowls and regular litter boxes, now that we no longer have to time-share space? For some reason, Themselves are not pleased with the thought of permanent installations in the master bedroom.

In the olden days, we used two litter boxes: 1) upstairs in the hallway bathroom and 2) in the main floor bathroom. The first box was moved to the bathroom in the master bedroom when we were time-sharing (since we both needed toilet access at all times). Our litter box on the main floor never moved.

In case you need to know, we have a spare box which is use in rotation, so Themselves have the chance to clean one of our soiled boxes and let it dry without disturbing us too much.
Let us know what you think.

Yoshi and Taro

Reduced Aggression in Multi-Cat Household: Suzi's Good News

Suzi & Her Brother, Koko

Dear Greyce,


I haven't written for a long time. (See most recent entry: Suzi is Stressed 6/27/10) But I just wanted to tell you how are things with me, Sissi and our foster cat Jack. You remember how they both made my life so miserable that I was reduced to hiding on top of the kitchen cupboards all day? Even if I tried to use the litter box they would jump me! Well the situation has changed for the better.


Finally with all of Herself's work, Sissi changed her attitude towards me. We are not best friends for sure but we eat next to each other on the counter without hissing.


I wish I could say the same for Jack. Even though he attacks me less, I am not confident enough when I know he is out there somewhere. So Herself confines him to the bedroom for a few  hours in the evening and I can really relax.


We are still hoping that he will get adopted.


Meanwhile, we are now sharing our space with a dog, Arven who is a very calm and likes cats. Herself followed your advice on cat-dog introductions and all is well. We rarely pay attention to each other, which is fine with me.


Just thought you'd like to know.


Your friend,
Suzi

Dear Suzi,
It is so lovely to hear such good news from you. Your life has become so much better.

It is difficult when you live in the home of someone who rescues animals. Your Herself's heart is so big and the need is so great that sometimes, the sheer number of animals in a home and their catsonalities can put stress on the whole household.

It sounds like things have settled for the better - even if you live with a dog now!

As for Jack: he is still a young guy and with his problems, it may take time to find the proper home for him. I will purr my wishes to him for a safe and loving new home.

In the meantime, purrs of good wishes to all of you,

Greyce

Cat Companions are Back to Being Friends: Re-integrating Yoshi & Taro

Dear Greyce,

Remember us, your dear friends Yoshi and Taro whose friendship had soured after a trip to the groomer? (see Friendship Gone Sour 8/26/10).

Well we followed your advice on getting re-introduced (See Using Harnesses to Re-introduce Companion Cats 12/20/10). We had been doing pretty much what you suggested. Our humans were good about stopping our re-introduction sessions before any anxiety or aggression would start to escalate. And over time, we got more and more used to each other. And so the intervals between which they had to stop the sessions got longer and longer. 

And now things are pretty much back to the way they were - before that dreaded incident caused havoc in our household! 

For the past few days, the bedroom door has been wide open all night so we can have unrestricted access to each other while our purrsons sleep. From time to time, we'd chase each other and wrestle. And we both take turns initiating play. But most of the time we each do our own thing and are not too preoccupied with what the other is doing. 

And the greatest new of all is that Taro is no longer obsessed with following and stalking me!

Our purrsons now have a new complaint. The became used to quiet nights with one cat sleeping next to them in the bedroom. Now we keep them awake as we run through the house. Neither of us is interested in night-time cuddles. Ha! Ha!

With thanks from Yoshi (and Taro, too)





Congratulations Boys!
This is a job well done. Time to have a catnip party in celebration.
Best,
Greyce