Last night, Brazil took a step forward in his socialisation. It
was nearly bed-time and the door to the library was open but the room’s light
was off. I thought I saw a smudge-like form by the window, so I turned on the
light and there he was. The significance of this was that not only was he out
of the closet while the library door was open, but he did not immediately run
for his refuge when he saw me.
We observed each other for a minute and then he did hasten to hide. But he was out again a moment later. This, despite me being awake and moving about the otherwise illuminated apartment, going through the usual bed-time chores. So far as I know, he was still at the window when I went to bed.
In the morning, having left the library door open all night, I saw
that Brazil was once again near the window. (Though the two pictures look as if
they had been taken at the same time, they were six hours apart; a
characteristic of this time of year…) He remained in place, carefully watching
me until the relative noise of scooping litter-boxes frightened him away.
He has not been out of the library closet today except to eat and use the box; I shut the door for a quarter-hour or so several times a day for these purposes, as I think he may not come out otherwise. The darkness seems to be Brazil’s friend; night-time evidently gives him security and courage. I know cats well enough to realise that he may not repeat his appearances tonight or for the next week or two – then again, he might. But I’ve found that in growing used to a new situation, assuming all things remain equal, a cat moves forward.
These photographs depict the Cosy Apartment’s newest guest moving forward.
It seems that Brazil is making progress. It may take some time, but I'm sure he will find that the Cosy Apartment is a great place to be.
ReplyDeleteIt may be slight progresss, but progress nevertheless. Brazil is fortunate that you will be patient and allow him the time he needs to acclimate.
ReplyDeleteWe love you, Brazil!
ReplyDeleteAny progress is good, and it is good that he didn't run and hide as soon as you turned the light on.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to see those early steps and shows of bravery.
ReplyDeleteTime will tell, but we feel sure you'll both be cuddling up before you know it, or so it will seem.
ERin
Any progress, no matter how small, is progress. Slow and steady is the way to go. Happy Sunday sweeties!
ReplyDeleteEven baby steps are steps forward and are to be celebrated. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat poor little guy. Do you have any idea if something in particular happened to make him so fearful?
ReplyDeleteWe've had him and his siblings in the rescue-group since they were very young kittens. They were all in the same foster-home, and each socialised at a noticeably different rate. His sister was just adopted and took two weeks to come around to her new people. Brazil became friends with another rescue who was never entirely socialised and may have started copying his ways.
DeleteI am so grateful for the news of progress.
ReplyDeleteGlad there is some progress.
ReplyDeleteTaking it one paw step at a time and in the best direction. Good for Brazil!
ReplyDeleteEvery little bit is a step in the right direction. Way to go Brazil!
ReplyDelete