CATS ON TUESDAY is a group of cat lovers who share pictures and/or stories about their cats once a week, hosted by Gattina.
Frisky was my father's cat. The first time I "met" her was on a surprise visit to my parents around Christmas--TB and I just decided to drive down to help mom with her computer. It was the first time we tried to talk to dad about his failing eyesight and driving. Anyway, my father brought me into the bedroom to introduce me to a lump under the bedspread. He was laughing and said Frisky was too shy to really come out and meet me.
After dad died and we all descended on the trailer, everyone encountered that same lump. Poor Frisky. At this point, she's twelve years old and she missed my father. My mom said she was very restless ever since it all happened, looking for dad and crying. Mom can't hear the crying, of course, but she can see the cat's mouth open frequently and so she knew.
I wanted to try and make friends with Frisky but Mom said it would be really hard to do that. Frisky only wanted Dad and clung to Mom now because at least she was used to my mother. Sure enough, I tried to pet the lump and heard a lot of hissing. I went away. The next time I tried, I also raised the blanket so I could see her. Now, not only did I get the hissing, it was followed by a lot of snarls and growls. I did see that she's a black cat, like Indigo.
After that, I just talked to her whenever I was in the room. I'd say to her, "Hi, Frisky, I'm Cassie. You don't know me yet and I know you miss your Daddy Bean very much. I just want to be friends with you. Soon you'll be moving to New Jersey to live at our house and that is going to be a big shock for you. Don't worry, you'll be okay. We all care about you." My mother would watch me talking to her with a very skeptical look.
Still, on the last day Kristin and I were there, I saw Frisky lying out on top of the bed. I stopped and looked at her for a few seconds and she looked at me. She didn't move so I spoke reassuringly to her and then I left her alone.
Poor thing. She's grieving the loss of my father and is already reclusive to begin with. Now she's leaving the only home she ever knew to move to a strange house with strange people...and even worse, a strange dog and strange cats. Luckily, she'll have her own big room to hide in. She's going to have major adjustments--just like my mom. Just like all of us.
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12 comments:
Poor Frisky! You are handling it exactly the way I would. Talking friendly and reassuring works! Perhaps she doesn't understand the words, but she can feel the meaning. Of course she'll still miss your dad, but I hope she will have the courage to trust and love someone else.
Im sure Frisky will get used to seeing you in the long run. I have an adopted cat and everytime I come near she ran away but she keeps on coming back. Try touching Frisky once in a while but if he refuse that's okay, try again next again, until he gets to know and see you more. Good luck!
AL
Hello and thank you for dropping by. Yes I use Picasa too, it is lots of fun, especially the collages. I love your story about Frisky. My mum told me that my cat was crying all the time and sitting in front of my bedroom door waiting for me. I left home at the time. My cat Minda and me found each other many years ago and have been together for many years, she was about 14 or 15 when she passed, I miss her every day. I hope Frisky will be alright with the move, just keep talking to her like you do she will get to know you that way.. :)
What a nice story! Poor kitty. I'm sorry about your Dad, it must be hard on you, too.
Cindy
Frisky is lucky to have people who care about her and willing to go to extra means to help her to adjust.
Cats are such wonderful animals. I really like them better than humans a lot of times.
I am fairly new here. I think I have posted two or three times.
Thank you for visiting Peanut and Marshmellow and for all your nice comments. I hope you will visit again soon.
Iris
Very true, very hard for Frisky.
Our Nelly who had two other homes
before us, her furever home. She seems to be adjusting to 4 siblings and now a kitten. It has taken time for her to know she is home. :)
What a wonderful post, thanks for sharing that story. Happy COT!
Oh poor Cassie. I hope her next family will love her a lot and understand what she needs. I'm off to hug my Target and Au!
PS hope you are feeling better too.
Poor Frisky! I hope she has a good adjustment period.
What a nice story but a little sad too. I hope Frisky will get used to the new home ! But she will. cats usually make a lot of show and then when you expect it the less they suddenly change their minds.
Boy that's just like what Rasta went through when my mom passed. At least Rasta got to stay in the home she was used to though. Don't worry Frisky, you are going to a home filled with love, don't be afraid everyone there will love you to peaces!
I hope Frisky will adjust. She is lucky to have you and your mom concerned for her. Cats are such wonderful animals. They are entertaining, loving and loyal.
Thank you for visiting my blog and for your nice comments. I hope you will come again soon.
Iris
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