Raleigh has again decided that I am someone to fear. He seems to have reverted almost to the stage at which he came to live with me. He doesn’t come onto my lap anymore, and scurries away from me whenever I walk near. It needn’t even be in his direction; he takes fright and runs.
While this is a set-back for the Peach’s integration into the household - which was proceeding rather well, in my estimation - it is not a complete reversal. At meal-times, he will often advance toward me as I carry the food-bowl to him, and he rarely runs at those times; on other instances, he goes back to hiding in the corner behind an armchair, and waiting for his food there. He also still comes out to play. He will sometimes expect the string-toy to come to him, wherever he has placed himself out of the way, but he is more involved with me at those times. He also enjoys rushing into the tunnel and fighting the string-toy from there.
While this is a frustrating development, I must remind myself that rescuing a homeless animal is about the animal, not the human. As I tell others, it may be months, even years, before a cat is fully comfortable in his new environment. He may never become comfortable. I don’t think that will be Raleigh’s fate. I believe he will find that he is safe and welcome in the cosy apartment. It will take time and patience. It will take his time, and my patience.
Raleigh was obviously badly traumatized by something--or someone--he encountered when he was homeless. I've known cats like that, and it's always so hard to tell what might trigger their fears into returning. As you say, all you can do is offer him love, and let time and patience do the rest.
ReplyDelete"...that rescuing a homeless animal is about the animal, not the human" Excellent!
ReplyDeleteI work with fearful and aggressive cats at PAWS Shelter. Undine is right - It takes a lot of patience, time and love in order for them to learn to trust. However, I'm sure that eventually Raleigh will come to realize that he is loved and he will return that love in his own way.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what triggered him. You'll likely never really know what will set him back, but so much of life is two steps forward, three back, one ahead, etc. You're doing a great job. Raleigh is in good, patient hands.
ReplyDeletemackerull still does this; in fact he did so this past weekend; look at me and went running; thought maybe I had my "deer cod she just waked up face" on all day, but tuna didn't run when he saw me... so.... I think maybe they hear something outside that we don't and it gives cause to some degree of alarm ?? ☺☺♥♥
ReplyDeleteI can imagine how frustrating it must be to have him become fearful again. I have no doubt though that given time he will be back on your lap. You have so much patience and understanding and he knows he has his home with you.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it has to do with the medicine you've had to give to him - although he's been good about it perhaps he's had enough and is worried you are going to do something to him. In any event I hope this set back is short lived.
ReplyDeleteSasha said exactly what I was thinking as I read. I suspect that is exactly it. I know Admiral got that way the last year of her life as her medication was always a struggle on both our parts and her weekly visits to the Vet were beyond horrible. Meaning her anguish was extreme and trying to get her into the carrier was beyond description. Raleigh doesn't fear you in the standard way. He shows that by playing and meeting you for food. He just wishes he didn't have to go through all that he must in order to live. My thoughts.
ReplyDeleteYou are so patient, I know you will help him overcome his fears however long it takes.
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