Shish-Kebob, Age 8
She dislikes disorder, "smiles" by blinking her eyes when I come into room
Is very distrustful of everything at first; hides a lot
What I Did:
I "adopted" Shish-Kebob when she was 6. She was born on 9/11/2001 and lived with several male cats, including a Bobtail who liked to pick on her. She had taken to hiding all the time and finally stopped using the community litter box because the "boys" probably pounced on her while in it a few times. I brought her home, got a covered litter box, boxed it in on 3 sides so she could feel safe using it and she hasn't had an "accident" since! She's gradually become quite cuddly and loves being brushed and petted. She's scared to death of the outside and never goes near an outside door - so no running away for her!
How I Did It:
Reserved and finally friendly with me but not to anyone else. Once she got a "cave"-like litter box - no more accidents. She's been very healthy all the time I've had her - had her teeth cleaned once, is all. I love her trying to smile at me with blinking her eyes and she'll search for me in the house and if I get up, will race back to the bedroom where she wishes I would go and stay and pet her constantly. She sleeps close by me every night and is very attentive if I awaken during the night. I feel like she's my nighttime sentinel. She fusses if the bed isn't made and on sheet-changing days, is extra worried until the bed is fully remade. She loves to sleep under the bed quilt during the main part of the day but is quite active otherwise. She did have one urinary tract infection and I've switched to an ash-free cat food which seems to have eliminated the problem. She is very "talkative" and has a different sound for each circumstance!
Lessons Learned:
- Study the cat you're interested in and see how best to approach her/him and deal with any issues she/he might have.
- See how the cat interacts with other animals and consider how the cat might fit into your existing home.
- Enjoy the cat for its uniqueness and personality!
