The Excellent Cats welcome the new year by planning an expedition in search of 'She who must not be named'

[Grumpyoldpersonwithcats]

Carried forward from the previous thread.
www.mumsnet.com/talk/the_litter_tray/5440081-prison-dramas-bands-and-ouija-boards-the-excellent-cats-audition-sing-and-plot?page=1

Lenny however needs a rest before he starts searching.

Stripey is uncharacteristically chill today. Perhaps because last night she had epic zoomies and could apparently see ghosts all over the living room.

Then so chill that she went to sleep in the crook of my arm with her back legs sticking up in the air.

that is just the cutest stripey legged picture

I love the stripey legs!

Biter has finally given me a bite - just as well, I was beginning to feel overlooked! He likes to come and lie in bed stretched out like a human in the morning, but this morning I stopped stroking him under his chin, and this obviously displeased him. He gave me a gentle bite on the arm and began purring again when I recommenced stroking 😂

Clearly just his way of saying "Oi! Don't stop" to you @Kirova .

Absolutely no malice from the sound of it, backs up my thinking that his previous people just didn't understand Cat.

Finlay would be a repeat offender at a kitty food bank - we try and keep him to 4 sachets a day plus biscuits and dreamies, lick e lix etc - although some days he can con more if he tries multiple people
As you can see it’s not making him fat - burns it all off with the hours of wandering

I’m not sure Kitty would be all that bothered. She does like her treats and will go & sit by the treat drawer & stare at me when she wants one, but having to socialise with other cats would probably put her off using the food bank.

FC2 is sounding increasingly adorable, @Kirova.

At least Finlay is a very active cat.
Herbie wouldn't burn it off as he's very lazy!

Kitty’s watching suspiciously, because she can see I’m tidying up but doesn’t yet know whether I’m going to get the hoover out.

I agree; he is super affectionate and hasn't been bitey at all. He loves to be stroked and does like to wind around your legs constantly, which can be a bit of a trip risk. And he can get quite excitable with his toys / random items like a empty toilet roll which he hunted down and tore to shreds this evening. But he hasn't gone for hands or fingers, even when he's in a playful mood.

I think FC1 has sussed that she has moved next door. She was sitting at the window today and spotted me leaving - you could see the cogs turning! She has started going outside into her garden as of 2 days ago and her cat flap is getting installed tomorrow. We're also cat-sitting her next week for a few days, as her new owner is going away.

She's definitely onto you!

I am getting really sad that Micia is still so scared.
She ran away from e today and hid under the bed.
Any advice please?

This is going to sound weird, but have you tried really soft music? Something classical and calming?

Maybe she needs a bit of white noise. If she came from a noisy environment and has been a stray, she might find quietness a bit overwhelming.

I like singing to cats, but it's not for everyone 😂FC1 had her own song and it really calmed her down when she had her week in heat, crazy to escape for boyfriends. FC2 also has a song but for no specific reason!

Awww Breadcat, that’s so hard to hear. I’m sure Micia will come right soon, keep talking to her gently and sitting quietly in the same room.

Have you tried Feliway, @Breadcat24? I agree with @Kirova & @Defiantly41 - patience & relaxing music. It must be so frustrating though.

I can highly recommend Feliway @Breadcat24 as we are still using one upstairs and one downstairs for The Stray since moving six months ago and can tell when it needs replacing (she's anxious at not being allowed outside yet, long story).

My previous feisty rescue didn't respond to Feliway but became very zen-like at the vets where they used Pet Remedy.

Thank you @EmpressaurusKitty @Pixiedust1234 @Defiantly41 @Kirova
I had got feliway in there but it was a new liquid container in an old feliway plug. the level has not gone down much in 3 weeks so I have bought a new plug set in case it is faulty.
Watching James Martin with here now - not sure what she thinks about my comments on his strudel!
I will try some music or put a radio in there
Thanks again.
There is no chance she is going back even if she continues to be shy

@Breadcat24 Have you tried Zylkene?

I'm sure Micia is happier with you @Breadcat24 than she was at the cat shelter or living as a stray, even if she's still a bit wary. I'm sure she'll stop running away from you given enough time.

FC2 must have been puzzled when she saw you through the window @Kirova Wait until she goes outside and realises she can come and visit.

I missed my morning walk today....

@Breadcat24 don't worry too much about Micia.

She's been through a lot in her young life and she's bound to be wary to start with. She'll soon calm down and start trusting you and your husband.
♥️♥️

3 weeks is nothing, @Breadcat24! Look back on this time in a year and you won't remember what you were worried about I bet.

Trust takes time when you've had some hard experiences, especially if she's naturally timid. It will be all the sweeter when you win her confidence.

You know you're a safe person who will love her and respect her boundaries. She will realise it in time.

O. M. G. 🙀Look at those bunny feet 😍

I know, he was all squished up and purry and snuggly 😭

I did the whole 'I have to get up now and go to work' speech, broke my heart 😿

I've actually seen FC1 several times this week next door - for one reason or another. She always reacts very gratifyingly by getting onto my lap and kneading and purring. I also went to the vet with her (and her new cat father) yesterday for her final wound check. Despite having refused to stay still, not climb, not jump and not wearing her collar or surgical jacket, it has healed perfectly - phew.

Anyway, I'm glad that she isn't dark with me for taking her to new home and abandoning her! I think it really helped that she had spent lots of time with her new owner and she knew he was a safe person. Also having all of her things with her (toys, but also her blanket, her food bowls, etc.) must have been reassuring.

FC2 is very loving, and I think his biting reputation was very undeserved. I do keep waking up to him washing my hair, which I suppose some people might not like 😂