At the beginning of the week something happened to Oleo to frighten him. I was in the kitchen washing the dishes while the kittens ran about; the other beasts were locked away in the bedroom. I heard some pounding, as if tiny fists were beating against nylon. This was followed by a cry or wail. I hurried into the sitting room but both kittens looked physically well, though Oleo seemed startled. I think he may have caught a claw in the fabric of the tunnel and had panicked when he couldn’t immediately free himself.
For the next couple of days, when the Felons were on the loose, Oleo avoided the nylon tunnel. Even when I tried to urge him inside, he refused. He was scared of it.
Then, last night, I witnessed an example of why two kittens are better than one. Oleo had been observing his brother during the week while the pair were out playing. Bisto was untroubled by the tunnel, and continually ran through and over it. Oleo started to attack the tunnel when his sibling was inside, as the two have been doing since I first released them into the apartment. Then, he went inside the tunnel again. By the end of their exercise-period, both kittens were playing in and around the terrible tunnel.
I had seen Oleo watching Bisto about the tunnel. I had seen him gradually overcome his fear and join in the games again. It was because Bisto had no anxiety about the tunnel that Oleo, within days of an unnerving experience, had put it behind him and regained his confidence. This was an excellent example of how kittens learn and grow, whether because of other kittens, or an older mentor. This was the power of a trusted friend.
Ah! That's amazing...
ReplyDeleteAs they say.."You live and learn"..
We hope the brothers get a home together - their bond is strong.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that domestic kittens carry the same traits is there wild cousins. They learn by play how to get on with life on the serious side. Those two little felons are ass cute as can be. So glad Oleo overcame his fear of the tunnel. And that he realizes it's still a safe place for fun.
ReplyDeletePlease excuse my poorly written comment. I must stop using voice activated typing when I am not wearing my glasses.
DeleteThat's all right, though I wondered how cute 'ass cute' might be... I make use of the 'delete' option when I make an error in a comment, which is often.
DeleteI am SO glad he was able to have his brother there to show him that no harm was done and it was alright to go back and play in the tunnel again. I have seen the results of such things happening too, and there was no one here, another cat, to reassure the little girl who was frightened by an experience. So glad these two are together and that things are going so well for them. They are happy as they can possibly be - and you are too. I know the other beasts wish these babies were gone, but for us out here in the blogosphere, we couldn't be more glad at where they are. Oh, and Katie has already put things in motion at the High Cat Court to completely exonerate Oleo and Bistro from the unfair and unfounded accusations that they murdered and dismembered the body and subsequently hid Fox's body. Nonsense. Its was the wind. The decision was announced just yesterday. They may go on about their business and henceforward, all windows will be closed. (no murmurings about the intense cold outside. It WAS the wind, That's that.)
ReplyDeleteThe circumstances of Fox's demise still seem suspicious to me, but I'll abide by the court's decision...
Delete*gavel descends strongly* "Court Dismissed. Defendants are free".
DeleteFriendship and trust is a most powerful thing with kitties.
ReplyDeleteThat was very sweet. You go little kitty!😸Pawkisses for a Happy Sunday🐾😽💞
ReplyDeleteI've noticed that even with the best human care, little kittens still need each other. I hope Oleo and Bisto can stay together forever.
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly why I suggest President-elect Biden and his family adopt two kittens, not just one! The example of having Da Boyz in our household; loving brofurs, who make us all squee with delight at their double image, is just an older version of your Felons.
ReplyDeleteToday, many shelters are reluctant to adopt out a single kitten. They would prefer that either two kittens are adopted together, or that one kitten is adopted into a home that already has a young cat in residence. Not only does it give a young kitten a playmate, but, as you observed, it helps him gain confidence. Not to mention, caring for two cats is not much more work than caring for one.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that by watching Bisto Oleo was able to overcome his fear. I have seen similar with Eric and Flynn. The most memorable was when we were in our top field, as far from home as possible while still being on our own land. Flynn stood on something which stung him, apparently a wasp as there was no sting left in his paw. He hissed, bushed up and ran like a demon for home. After a few days we went back up there and he would sit in the middle of the field and go no further. Eric would go back to him and touch his nose then continue with me. After 4 or 4 days with Eric doing this, Flynn got up and followed us. After he brave the top of the field again he happily continued his walks up there with no more fear.
ReplyDeleteI like that story. Eric and Flynn were good friends to each other, as well as brothers.
DeleteTruth, a trusted friend is a blessing.
ReplyDeleteTake care, stay well!
That is a good example of how resilient they are and can overcome the challenges of kittenhood
ReplyDelete