Busy Sunday Morning

Loretta has quite the play drive.  Although we put her in the safe room overnight, she's been out all morning, and I've used every wand toy we have to keep her entertained.  Loretta ignores the other cats when she is so engaged, but I can't get anything done if I'm on the wand end of the wand toy!  Angel hisses at Loretta, and they stare at each other if we humans don't distract them.  Chuck, however, gets chased.  Loretta discovered the cat shelves, and had no problem walked up to the ceiling and hanging out up there.  Wherever I go, she follows, except for right now; I can hear hubby talking to her from downstairs.  Oops, no...now she's at my feet again.

We had at least six inches of snow yesterday, and more is falling now.  I am sure the roads will be clear for the Monday commute; oh joy!

Free-Roaming

Freedom!

Loretta decided it was time to meet the family, and she set herself free this morning before breakfast...by sneaking around my feet and chasing Chuck up the stairs.  Hubby and I are remaining as neutral as we can, as each cat meets each other and assesses the new situation.  Of course, Chuck just wants to eat up three bowls of food now.  Angel is more standoffish, but no blows have been struck, just some hissing and the tail-down creep.  Loretta has easily learned how to us the cat flaps that we've installed between several rooms, and it's fun to see her floofy tail disappear around a bend.  We are in the middle of a snow storm also, so looks like the family will be inside today, although I'm sure I'll find a way to get out there for a bit of shopping this afternoon.

Loretta Update

In the Parlor

Loretta continues to live in the safe room that we made out of the parlor.  Since there are two sets of french doors, we taped newspaper to block out the glass panes.  Several times a day, hubby and I go in, to just hang out, play, or give her meals.  I try to feed Chuck and Angel on the other side of one door, so each can associate good things with the other.  We also put her in a carrier and bring her out into the family/dining room, so Angel and Chuck can get a chance to sniff and/or observe.  Loretta gets out to explore too, when we can make sure there is no interaction from Chuck and Angel.

I'll admit, all of this is tiring, and a bit disappointing.  We thought seriously about returning her to the rescue group, and even made an appointment with them to hand her back over.  But after much reflection (and some crying on my part), we decided that we need to see this through.  Many cat-owning folks have questioned me; why not just toss 'em in together...they will find a way to work it out.  Yep, that's true, yet Angel and Chuck were here first, and have had run of the house for over nine years.  In deference to them, I would like to see them more accepting...and not running, hiding, and hissing.  If we give this slow introduction enough time, at some point, the cats will ignore each other, or at least be neutral...instead of aggressive, fearful, nervous, and scared.  Loretta is coming from a difficult situation; away from the only humans she knew, then in veterinary offices, surgery, sickness, then foster home, and finally a cage to get her adopted.  She KNOWS she's in the middle of someone else's territory, which makes her uncertain and a bit aggressive.  Angel and Chuck are shy and insecure with a new-comer.

We want to build up every one's confidence, by giving them good things when they are together, and good things when apart.  Lots of play, lots of love, good food and no concerns about not having enough.  A feeling of abundance.

Loretta is a sweet little joy, who loves a snuggle and walks on my lap when I'm reading a book and not paying attention to her.  She chirps and meows, dances and jumps.  She brings youth, energy, and curiosity to our family group.  What's not to like?