Portia continues to adjust to her new world. Last night was a big test, though, as it turned out, it was rather anti-climactic. I left the library door open through the night, for the new girl to come and go as she liked. It turned out, I suspect, that she did not like, and spent the whole time sleeping in her room. Nor do I think the boys went into the library.
That was, of course, the test: to see if there would be trouble. There hasn’t been during the day, so I imagined there would be even less at night. Portia still hisses at the perma-cats if they draw near; she doesn’t hiss at them in each instance, however. I feel confident in leaving the library door open permanently now. Our guest still spends most of her time there, and probably will for quite a while, until she feels comfortable with the boys.
Yesterday, she passed another test, which I had not expected her to take. While looking out the screen door to the concrete ditch, she met Ninja, a little grey cat who lives down the alley, and visits to supplement her diet (which, considering her compact little body and smooth fur, is likely both sufficient and healthy). As you may see from the pictures, the visitor felt safe enough to come near the food bowl. For her part, Portia was nonchalant, and did not even hiss, simply observing Ninja through the screen.
This was important, as I now know that given the average cat, Portia will not claw through a screen to get at a perceived rival. During the warm months, when a screen is all that is between an insider-cat and the wilderness, it’s necessary to know that that it is enough.
As for me and my gal, she enjoys being petted and stroked, but when she tells me she is satisfied, I had better obey – which I do. Stopping when asked is a way of building trust with Portia. If she knows that I won’t take liberties, she will feel more open to giving them. I think the time will come when she will want to lie on my lap – but, since wanting and doing are two different things, it may be longer until she actually lies there. That’s all right; when it comes to change, I have always preferred a relaxing stroll to a strenuous run, anyway.
I am very pleased that she is so good regarding Ninja. I know Katie is only just starting to be calm when she sees another cat very near her front door...clearly in her yard and trespassing. She used to go berserk but with age, she had become very calm. She will go from window to window but she doesn't become beside herself any longer. Portia is doing extraordinarily well I think.
ReplyDeleteThat's quite the change for Katie. I think she will feel much better for it. I'm sure you will, too.
DeleteShe is really doing good, it's gotta be tough for her dealing with all of the new things.
ReplyDeleteThat last photo in particular says “happy cat.”
ReplyDeleteGood job Portia.
ReplyDeletePortia is becoming more and more comfortable at the Cosy Apartment, and this is certainly evident in the last picture.
ReplyDeleteLooking at the last photo, I have to say, Portia is definitely relaxing into her new routine. Good for her and you too.
ReplyDeleteOh, MY! She didn't hardly show any reaction to Ninja! Maybe she thinks there is another kitty that she hasn't yet met, LOL!
ReplyDeleteAh! Bless! It's all coming together
ReplyDeletequite nicely, long may it continue!
Portia looks so relaxed and quite
happy with her life in the cozy
apartment..! :)
I am glad Portia has passed two more tests. She seems interested in Ninja but not at all agitated.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you are feeling better about Portia acting in a more relaxed way. It seems there is an invisible door between her room and the rest of the home. Boys stay on one side of the drawn line, and lady on the other. Precious never has hissed at outdoor cats that wander by, just gets so excited to try to decide which window will give her more opportunity to see them, and she always picks the right window.
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Portia!
ReplyDeleteEvery step toward living peaceably is a good one.
someone's cozy enough to expose the belly !! :) ♥♥♥
ReplyDeletetuna still to this day hisses mackerull; it was a constant for a good period of time; purrhaps tuna got a sore throat from his constant agitation though, because the hissing now is down to about once a month :) !! ♥♥
I'm hearing less hissing now, but I want to make sure on my holidays that everything will be all right to leave everyone free to roam when I go back to work. As for Tuna and Mackerull, I think they swim in different schools, those two.
DeletePortia is doing great! I'm surprised how comfortable she was with Ninja! Hopefully she will soon be used to the inside boys!
ReplyDeleteI had my email to you all set to go but it's not working. Hoping to see my techie son tonight so he can help me.
She looks quite relaxed as that last photo shows. She may hiss on passing as that is a cats way until totally sure of things and others. The petting will come as it will
ReplyDeleteThis is all such promising news!
ReplyDelete