More cat news. Because I know you're on the edge of your seats

[lexin]

Much better night for me; Smokey didn't put a paw inside my bedroom during the whole night (that I noticed) meaning at least I got some sleep. I'm still a bit tired from Tuesday.

I heard her at about 3:30am crunching her dry cat food, so she is eating something. This is a great comfort; I shall have to trust her that she's eating enough.

Also at some stage during the night she'd had a play – her ping-pong balls weren't where I'd left them on the floor. This is something else; she's slow to play with me – she'll run after a ping-pong ball once, but after that she's not interested. The only thing she's betrayed much interest in patting is my lanyard I use for my work passes. She's not at all interested in my mouse-on-a-string, for example.

I got up early, got dressed and sorted out the litter tray (she'd used it once in the 24 hours) then gave her half an hour's cuddles before I came to work. She tried to persuade me that she deserved a cat treat, but I was having none of it. I'm saving treats for when I get home.

As I arrived early I should be home by five, and we'll see how much of the flat is left!

I think she's doing quite well settling in given that today is only her second full 24 hours in my house.

Irritation one

I have visitors on Saturday that I can't put off, and I'll have to put her in my bedroom with a litter tray, toys, food and drink while my guests are there. They're all men – gamers, it's an AD&D Saturday – and I don't want to scare her with loud voices and big feet. Is that the right thing? I can't think of what else to do.

Irritation two

When I collected her I was told she'd need some treatment for her teeth – she's got some tartar that needs taking off. The RSPCA will be in touch as they'll be doing it and she'll need a night back there.

I said that would be OK – thinking nothing of it – but she's so clingy that I'm concerned that it'll really upset her.

She's getting less clingy as time passes, but what sort of length of time should I allow to pass before getting the treatment done? Better done sooner or later? What do people think?

Comments

[kittydesade]

If you'll permit a cat lover from Network to venture an opinion? I'd move her things into the bedroom but also keep her out and in your hands to a) see how she reacts to new people and b) get her used to new people occasionally showing up. That way she's at least used to the concept that Other Humans will sometimes come over into the Home Place and exist with their big stompy feet, even if all she does is retreat into the bedroom and sulk. But she isn't forced to stay out and tolerate them, and can go into the bedroom if she gets overstimulated.

[lexin]

I would if it was one person, but it's five men...I think that's too much for a kitty only four days in her forever home to cope with. What do you think? I'm at home to all advice!

[kittydesade]

It didn't seem to traumatize any of my kittens (I have regular D&D groups too!) when I brought them out. I kept them in arms, for the most part, except if they behaved as though they were curious about the newcomers and wanted to run around, then I let them run around on the table or in a place where I could keep them in sight.

If she gets scared, you'll know pretty quickly, and then you can take her back to her room and pet her, show her all her toys, and give her her own quiet space. Young things are pretty resilient. :) The important thing is that she knows she's safe and she has her mommy.

[lexin]

She is six - she's quite friendly but doesn't like anyone looming over her.

[kittydesade]

If I remember right, that'd be a little older than Maggie was at the time, and a little younger than Murdock (who's a rambunctious, crazy kitty by nature.)

Anyway, it's up to you. That's just what I'd recommend. :)

[stranger]

Yay for Smokey cuddles!

The teeth can wait a few weeks, unless the RSPCA has their own scheduled times for it or something. When she's been with you, say, a month, and she has a fairly consistent behavior pattern, you'll know how much it might upset her to be away from you for a night, and how much she normally eats. One of my cats has had this done, and has no problems afterward. (I do give him soft food just at first, but I'm not sure it would make a difference.)

Also, if she's crunching dry food now, her teeth are working well enough just for the moment, I'd think.

[lexin]

The RSPCA wanted her to have her teeth done on Monday - I got the phone call when I got home. But I told them how clingy she is andthey agreed to allow it to be put off until she's more settled.

[amberfox]

I've had my dog almost 2 years, and he still has occasional panics that we're sending him back to the shelter. So if kitty is jumpy, I might put it off just a little to avoid possible trauma from the idea of rejection. But that's just my opinion.

[lexin]

I can understand the dog's worries. I think putting it off will be better, until the memory of the rescue place recedes a bit.

[raincitygirl]

I agree with the person who suggests putting her stuff in the bedroom before they come over, but not necessarily shutting her in. If having five men stomping around distresses her, you can always shut her in the bedroom. But you never know, she might react better than you think. Re: the vet visit, yeah, I'd say put it off for a few weeks. That tartar's not going anywhere.

Incidentally, some animals, rescues especially, have gender specific triggers. My mum's dog is wary but okay with women and kids, but terrified of strange men.

I'm glad she's eating. The clinginess should wear off eventually.

[watervole]

I agree, leaving the bedroom door open gives her a choice. She can seek you out or retreat to a safe place.

[lyorn]

I would create a place for the cat to withdraw to, but not close the door. If possible, I'd leave the litter tray where it is, and ask my guests to tread softly on the way to the loo. My cats have always just crossed their legs and waited out the visitors, if they felt overwhelmed. If you feel that she night not, maybe a bowl with litter, just in case, but cats don't like it when things move around too much, IME.

(Of course, there was Big Cat: He'd been with us barely 24 hours when eight SCA fighters clanged through the hall, shouting for food and beer. Big Cat jumped up on the windowsill, and looked down with a "Hi there, lesser creatures. *I* am the Cat in the house.")

[lexin]

I think I shall do that, thank you. And make sure my visitors look out for little catty figures on the floor.