Always room for more loves in my heart

[Kwik]

too cute to tell them No!

My sentiments exactly!

 

[Draco]

Say " no" ....and then per Dali and him at the same time making a really big deal out of how " good" they both are

My Timmy gets very territorial over me when he's next to me getting petted- his body language tells me he's " going to " smack whoever wants to come up - before he does it I say " no" and show him what a GOOD "" so & so:" is while I'm petting and encouraging the " trespassor"

First they'll fixate- thst when you distract by saying no and showing them how pleased you are the other one is there and your petting both

I had my friend laughing so hard the other day- Timmy is not socialized so he runs out to the patio when anyone comes in- she knelt on the floor for something & Timmy was watching so I began petting her head & in my very pleased excited voice I Saud " look Timmy- GOOD girl,goooood girl " ....

Thanks for the advice! I've been catching Rembrandt staring at Dali, and when he does I turn his head away and he relaxes. Though there's times I can't catch it.

 

[mani]

Really enjoying the progress Draco ..
There's a big part of me that would like to fill the gap that Sundar has left, but I don't think Nilah would be at all happy.

 

[Draco]

mani It wasn’t a decision I took lightly. I had no idea how Cassie would accept her new housemates, I got surprisingly lucky with her. I thought it would be much harder.

Maybe see if you can foster to adopt? A lot of shelters won’t mind taking a cat back if it doesn’t work out. They won’t force you to keep an unhappy cat.

but you need to be emotionally and mentally ready to take on a new fur baby.

 

[mani]

mani It wasn’t a decision I took lightly. I had no idea how Cassie would accept her new housemates, I got surprisingly lucky with her. I thought it would be much harder.

Maybe see if you can foster to adopt? A lot of shelters won’t mind taking a cat back if it doesn’t work out. They won’t force you to keep an unhappy cat.

but you need to be emotionally and mentally ready to take on a new fur baby.

Yes, I'm thinking how you really did well.
I was considering a foster.. a gorgeous girl I met at the shelter.. but really, I don't think Nilah would like it. She's pretty ill. I wouldn't be fair.

 

[Kwik]

Yes, I'm thinking how you really did well.
I was considering a foster.. a gorgeous girl I met at the shelter.. but really, I don't think Nilah would like it. She's pretty ill. I wouldn't be fair.

When Cheech(rip) was very ill I adopted Graycie,I couldnt bear the thought of ......well,you know..
Cheech did not like cats,he completely ignored Graycie so she was the one--I introduced him to a few cats at my Vets office,he growled and hissed they didn't come home with usI would not stress him like you with Nilah

Draco ,your Cassie is doing so well with Rembrant & Dali..... meant to be I think

 

[iPappy]

I was worried about Sarah when bringing Balki home as she had just been diagnosed with CKD. In her younger years she was not a fan of new pets in the house but she absolutely loved Balki from day one. I can tell he misses her. Sometimes they really do surprise us. 🥲

 

[Draco]

Side note,
Dali was chasing Cassie the other night. She didn't hiss growl or smack him, but ran up to the cat tree. I am sure Dali just wanted to play with her. There was no aggression. Cassie never liked to play with Monet so it's basically the norm for her. I am going to consider her non-aggressive responses a win here.

mani I get it, it's a hard decision to make. I selfishly made mine because I didn't ever want to be without a cat. If Cassie went and the house is empty, I know it'd be way too hard for me. She was a blessing to have when Monet passed on and I needed her and she needed me too.

If Nilah isn't feeling too well, maybe consider a calm, quiet adult that would leave her alone for the most part?

Kwik did you try to introduce the cats at the vets office and not at home? I'd imagine any cat would not be happy at the vet meeting others, it would be stressful since it's not their home.

and I do think the boys are meant to be with me. They are really amazing cats, I am surprised considering their background in a hoarder house. I'd expect them to be territorial, aggressive, even fearful of me, but they are some of the sweetest and most loving cats ever.

 

[Kwik]

Side note,
Dali was chasing Cassie the other night. She didn't hiss growl or smack him, but ran up to the cat tree. I am sure Dali just wanted to play with her. There was no aggression. Cassie never liked to play with Monet so it's basically the norm for her. I am going to consider her non-aggressive responses a win here.

mani I get it, it's a hard decision to make. I selfishly made mine because I didn't ever want to be without a cat. If Cassie went and the house is empty, I know it'd be way too hard for me. She was a blessing to have when Monet passed on and I needed her and she needed me too.

If Nilah isn't feeling too well, maybe consider a calm, quiet adult that would leave her alone for the most part?

Kwik did you try to introduce the cats at the vets office and not at home? I'd imagine any cat would not be happy at the vet meeting others, it would be stressful since it's not their home.

and I do think the boys are meant to be with me. They are really amazing cats, I am surprised considering their background in a hoarder house. I'd expect them to be territorial, aggressive, even fearful of me, but they are some of the sweetest and most loving cats ever.

Cheech was a certified therapy animal- extremely comfortable anywhere we went and he loved the Vets office .Cheech was a special guy- he just didn't like cats,lol Of course he'd behave because he was trained to in his service jacket but I sure knew who he would tolerate and who he would not
He would be too territorial to t est at home so it was better that way....Little 6 mo old Graycie was very shy and timid- worked out very well,she was the perfect little girl

 

[Draco]

Cheech was a certified therapy animal- extremely comfortable anywhere we went and he loved the Vets office .Cheech was a special guy- he just didn't like cats,lol Of course he'd behave because he was trained to in his service jacket but I sure knew who he would tolerate and who he would not
He would be too territorial to t est at home so it was better that way....Little 6 mo old Graycie was very shy and timid- worked out very well,she was the perfect little girl

aw that's great he was a therapy animal! I didn't know that.
But yea, if you know, you know

 

[Kwik]

aw that's great he was a therapy animal! I didn't know that.
But yea, if you know, you know

Yep- like you know your girl Cassie

 

[Draco]

Dali isn’t a lap cat. He doesn’t like to be picked up and he would immediately leave my lap if I put him there. So I decided not to pressure him. I’d lift him with his feet on the ground for a kiss and he’s good with that.

so tonight I’m snuggling Rembrandt on the couch. Dali comes up on the couch for some pets too. The he comes up and lays across my arm and makes a point to headbutt my face with a lick. I’m feeling emotionally loved now. He’s really showing confidence and less fear every day.

but Rembrandt. The wand toy accidentally wrapped around his tail last night. I got it off quickly but he did freak out. Today he’s still afraid of it, even with different attachments(mouse, feather, worm). The mouse is a little heavy so I can see how it wrapped on his tail. He would hiss at it and run away. I hope he will learn to love it again since he always played with it! Any suggestions how to help him see it was an accident and no reason to be afraid?

 

[iPappy]

Dali isn’t a lap cat. He doesn’t like to be picked up and he would immediately leave my lap if I put him there. So I decided not to pressure him. I’d lift him with his feet on the ground for a kiss and he’s good with that.

so tonight I’m snuggling Rembrandt on the couch. Dali comes up on the couch for some pets too. The he comes up and lays across my arm and makes a point to headbutt my face with a lick. I’m feeling emotionally loved now. He’s really showing confidence and less fear every day.

but Rembrandt. The wand toy accidentally wrapped around his tail last night. I got it off quickly but he did freak out. Today he’s still afraid of it, even with different attachments(mouse, feather, worm). The mouse is a little heavy so I can see how it wrapped on his tail. He would hiss at it and run away. I hope he will learn to love it again since he always played with it! Any suggestions how to help him see it was an accident and no reason to be afraid?

I would make sure he sees Dali playing with it, and make sure he sees that you're both having fun. Let him just observe for as long he wants. I would use the lightest weight toy when he shows interest, and use really subtle short and quick motions while it's laying on the floor vs. encouraging him to catch it in the air. It might be less intimidating to him that way. When he shows interest and slaps at it, make sure he "wins" the toy to boost his confidence. My end goal would be to make him go into the game feeling like he can't lose!
My cats have almost always shown me that they'll chase a toy if it moves past them more than if it's in front of them moving directly away from them but YMMV

 

[Draco]

I would make sure he sees Dali playing with it, and make sure he sees that you're both having fun. Let him just observe for as long he wants. I would use the lightest weight toy when he shows interest, and use really subtle short and quick motions while it's laying on the floor vs. encouraging him to catch it in the air. It might be less intimidating to him that way. When he shows interest and slaps at it, make sure he "wins" the toy to boost his confidence. My end goal would be to make him go into the game feeling like he can't lose!
My cats have almost always shown me that they'll chase a toy if it moves past them more than if it's in front of them moving directly away from them but YMMV

Thanks! That's pretty much what I've been doing. Playing with Dali while Rembrandt observes. I don't force the toy on him. And I don't let the toys fly unless they're on the rug. They slip on the hardwood. Monet once landed hard on his back and never again I'd let them jump on the hard floor- especially with the furry toe tufts.

 

[Draco]

My heart can’t take this much cute

 

[epona]

Draco I am so glad you have new (and very floofy!) feline loves in your life, and that it is working out with Cassie.

You're right about being without a cat, it's horrible - after Jakey died on Monday I was of course grieving horribly and still am, but the empty house is just compounding it all, first time I've been without any animals since 1992, and I had sourced a kitten within a couple of hours (although we won't be picking him up until after Christmas). And yes I feel fine about that, I can grieve and give love and grow a bond with another cat at the same time. Some people need to wait, others don't. And I think Jakey would be happy that his vacancy in my home is being filled and I will give my love to another kitty, without ever forgetting him (or other deceased ones - Sonic or Radar, or Jasper my Senegal Parrot or Titus, Maximus, and Spartacus the budgies etc.)

I am very pleased for you.

 

[Draco]

Draco I am so glad you have new (and very floofy!) feline loves in your life, and that it is working out with Cassie.

You're right about being without a cat, it's horrible - after Jakey died on Monday I was of course grieving horribly and still am, but the empty house is just compounding it all, first time I've been without any animals since 1992, and I had sourced a kitten within a couple of hours (although we won't be picking him up until after Christmas). And yes I feel fine about that, I can grieve and give love and grow a bond with another cat at the same time. Some people need to wait, others don't. And I think Jakey would be happy that his vacancy in my home is being filled and I will give my love to another kitty, without ever forgetting him (or other deceased ones - Sonic or Radar, or Jasper my Senegal Parrot or Titus, Maximus, and Spartacus the budgies etc.)

I am very pleased for you.

I'm sorry to hear about your sweet Jakey. It's never easy at all. And I completely understand wanting to adopt right away. I adopted a week after Monet passed despite me saying it'd be me and Cassie for a long while, and it's alright to adopt whenever it feels best for you, no matter how hard it is.

You're right, I am sure Jakey is grateful you're opening your home and heart to another feline love. He wouldn't want you to be sad and lonely. None of us do. Your new kitten will help you heal and create a new section in your heart for more love.

 

[iPappy]

I'm sorry to hear about your sweet Jakey. It's never easy at all. And I completely understand wanting to adopt right away. I adopted a week after Monet passed despite me saying it'd be me and Cassie for a long while, and it's alright to adopt whenever it feels best for you, no matter how hard it is.

You're right, I am sure Jakey is grateful you're opening your home and heart to another feline love. He wouldn't want you to be sad and lonely. None of us do. Your new kitten will help you heal and create a new section in your heart for more love.

After losing Sarah on the 6th, I've tossed the idea around about adopting another cat. Historically, that cat distribution thing has literally landed cats or kittens at my back door, so if one should show up, they won't be turned away. I do believe that sometimes a great way to honor your cats you've lost is to give a great life to another. I'm very happy for you both.

 

[Draco]

After losing Sarah on the 6th, I've tossed the idea around about adopting another cat. Historically, that cat distribution thing has literally landed cats or kittens at my back door, so if one should show up, they won't be turned away. I do believe that sometimes a great way to honor your cats you've lost is to give a great life to another. I'm very happy for you both.

The distribution system must hate me because I've never seen a stray cat fall my way lol. Sure, there was "Cat Alley" At my job with a colony of cats, but one person took care of them and she selfishly wouldn't let anyone take any home. But I've never seen a cat in need on my travels or at my door. Maybe because I live on such a busy street next to the tracks? Is it odd that I hope to come across a cat in need?

But when the kitty committee decides it's time for you and you are ready, there will be a furball waiting for you!

 

[epona]

After losing Sarah on the 6th, I've tossed the idea around about adopting another cat. Historically, that cat distribution thing has literally landed cats or kittens at my back door, so if one should show up, they won't be turned away. I do believe that sometimes a great way to honor your cats you've lost is to give a great life to another. I'm very happy for you both.

Kind of what happened with me, was I sent Jakey's breeder a message to let her know he had died and send some photos of him in happier healthier times, and turns out she has a kitten from her last litter that wasn't adopted and wants a forever home - it's serendipity, I'm not spiritual or anything but sometimes stuff in the universe just falls into place in the random way it can do.
We're also going to ask the vet nurse at the clinic about other kittens or young cats in need of a home, they always know of some and it would be good to do that as well.