Getting to know our new little man has been interesting. For example, he was exposed to ringworm at the shelter, so we're supposed to be "pilling" him once a day, but so far, we can't get him to take a pill. We tried (unsuccessfully) this morning, after which he went into his room to sulk for about 30 minutes. Also, we think he may be blind, given that he keeps bumping into things like wastebaskets and coffee tables, and he had trouble finding his food bowl this morning. When I talk to him, he looks at my mouth, not my eyes, and he never looks right at me like our other cats do. It doesn't really make any difference since he's an inside cat, but we're eager to take him to our vet to see if there's a way to find out for sure if he can see.I suspect that he's older than ten--either that, or he's had a very hard life, because he doesn't walk around like a middle-aged cat. He's weirded out by the hardwood floors; I know this because he takes tiny, stiff kitty steps when he's on them. To get down from the couch, he slides off rather than jumping, which could be due to the fact that his front feet have been declawed--can you believe it? Declawing is inhumane. I'm fine with him being an old guy though. At least he gets to live out his years in comfort, rather than being freaked out at a shelter.
Overall, our new little/old man seems content in his new retirement home. He's grooming himself now--he is so dignified! He' stretches out confidently on beds and couches, purrs constantly, head-butts whoever is sitting nearby, and eats about eight meals a day. (He came to us really, really skinny.) Lindy, he has become very attached to your room and especially the bed/comforter, and he spends a lot of time there. He seems oblivious to the other cats. Janie is still a little uneasy around him, but so far, the other cats haven't noticed he's here. Or maybe that's just an act: Ignore the new guy.
I think we'll decide on a name tomorrow. Later!
I think we'll decide on a name tomorrow. Later!
That's interesting; his eyes look like Mocha's (my friend Kate's cat), who is part Siamese and looks kind of cross-eyed most of the time. She isn't exactly blind, but I'd say she's pretty close. Good luck with the diagnosis!
ReplyDeleteAw...that's interesting. We don't see a lot (actually I can't think of any I've seen) of blind cats at the clinic. And that's soooo awesome that the other cats don't seem to care. Meanwhile at our house, Brett Veltri stayed over on Friday night. I put a comforter (from my bed) downstairs by the steps. Jessica don't like things out of place, SPECIFICALLY piles of stuff or bags. So I get home Friday to find that she has not only peed but also pooped on the comforter!!!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I hope your introduction continues to go smoothly!