Bear-Bear at Play

My new foster-cat, Bear-Bear, does not seem to have suffered from a period of adjustment. This is strange, since I’ve found that many cats, even the most affable, one who may clearly love his new environment, will experience a kind of discouragement upon arriving in a new place. Tucker, of instance, a very sensitive animal, was outgoing and excited to be in my apartment when he first came. Then after a day or two, retreated, and stopped eating. Even Tungsten, a most practical and stolid cat, became temporarily depressed after a time of initial interest.

Bear-Bear did not seem to suffer this period, at least not from what I could see. He was probably anxious, but dealt with it by trying to be my friend, a tactic which worked. He’s a loveable gentleman, and wants to be chums with every human. He is largely indifferent to other cats.

At first, he gave the impression of being confused when invited to play with the toys laid out for the felines. He would watch something roll or fall, listen to it squeak or ring, but do nothing about it. Perhaps this was his period of adjustment. It couldn’t have been a case similar to Tucker’s: that roly poly seemed not to know how to play, and had to be instructed. Bear-Bear, when he decided to enjoy himself, certainly knew what he was doing.

He likes the Undercover Mouse. This is a battery-driven toy which features a revolving wand. The interest in it among the perma-cats is varied. Rachael had been frightened of it, while Luther’s enthusiasm over it caused him to launch himself upon it from across a room, knocking the wand off its stick every time. Bear-Bear's enjoyment is a bit more restrained and he sensibly uses both forepaws to seize the wand.

He also likes a fuzzy mouse, which appears to be the last of its breed in my house. Remind me to get more. He chases it when I throw it, knocks it around, picks it up in his mouth and tosses it. It’s already in its final stages. Bear-Bear also runs after a simple plastic coil, which none of the others cared about. He skids across floors and rolls up rugs in his attempts to seize it.

Bear-Bear strikes me as a good-natured fellow, usually happy, pleased with things, glad to explore and a gently vibrating motor of purring when he’s petted. Why he isn’t already someone’s prized friend baffles me.