The Return of Cat Report

Asher-in-the-Bag

Just as last week, five cats, and the same five cats at that.

Since it sounds from the reports that VERA and esp WILLOW rarely come out, we made sure we focused on her first. I made Willow come down, then Janice made a cat burrito out of her. She was trembling at first but soon stopped. When released from the wrapping she stayed in the outer room on her own. She certainly loves height, whether atop the cat-stand or on a high shelf in her cage.  So, small steps in hopes in time she’ll let us actually walk her.

Her partner Vera (the more torbie of the two, her sister being more pastel) came out promptly on her own. She enjoyed games, the cat-tree, and being petted. No walk, but not shy about asking for attention. 

Myka was next, having been patient when Vera came and hissed at her through the bars.  She got the first walk. Janice got the harness on, then I carried her  in a loop all the way around the store, twice. If past cats are anything to go by, this may open her up to the possibility of a walk on her own little cat feet next week.

Mabel got the second walk. Again Janice put the harness on her and I carried little cat Mabel all around. She has a distinct pattern of leash-walking. I pick her up, carry her to a safe spot, then put her down. She at once makes a bee-line back to the cat-room. I carry her off to a different spot, she walks straight back to the room. Over and over. At least this got her out and about more than last week, when she made a cave out of the bottom area of the cat-tree and made her whatever’s the opposite of ‘king of the mountain’.

Finally Asher had no walk (too squirmy for the leash) but ruled the room. He and his mom are back on good terms again; had just spent too much time together I suspect.

Cat Toys: Thinking it wd do them good to have a few new toys to play, I brought in a paper bag, whichshe loved (even better with a catnip sachet dropped into it), a peacock feather, and string. She eyed a spider but it never came far enough down for her to pounce, so it lived to sneak away another day.

Health Issues:  Asher had a cough twice —not a sneezy cough nor a hairball cough but a croupy cough. Seemed okay otherwise, but we shd continue to keep an eye on her.

—John R.