In Their New Homes, Here and There

Theodore and Chiff arrived at the Cosy Apartment yesterday late afternoon. Though they were somewhat frightened of their new situation, that didn’t keep them from exploring, as may be seen from the photographs below, taken last evening.

By the same time today, they had progressed in their trust greatly. Theodore is the bolder of the two, and was the first to permit me to touch. At first when I stroked him, his tail was down, but now it is up, and he will, after sniffing a proffered hand, rub his face on my fingers. I can also pick him up.

Chiff is more reticent, but nonetheless allows petting. A good sign of their comfort is that they are playing, wrestling together and, from time to time, making a great deal of noise in the library, though when I go to investigate, freeze and return my curious stare. They are eating well, and have already established regularity at the litter-box.

With regard to the other cats, both Imogen and Aurora have hissed and growled at them, to receive the same back. I doubt there will be much trouble from anyone, though whether they will be friends is an open question. Neville has invaded the library several times looking at what they have to eat, while Renn does the same for the purpose of visiting the newcomers’ litter-box. Neither oldster has an interest in interacting with the youngsters.

I am confident enough to leave the library door open all the time while I am present and awake.

Now, some readers have been asking after Brazil. He is, as Lynn and Precious once wrote about him, a tough nut to crack. He refused to eat in his new surroundings, so far as his new people could tell for several days. But last night, he ate some hard-food. He must also be drinking water, as he, like Chiff and Theodore, has been leaving deposits regularly in his box. The corner was turned, we believe, when the husband of the couple who want to adopt Brazil spent the night in Brazil’s room. Shimmer’s reaction to the wife was, she considered, one of apprehension. But during last night, with the man for company, Brazil came out of one of his hiding spots and slept on a cat-tree. (Surveillance of the newcomer is maintained through ‘nanny-cams’, which is rather a good idea for shy cats like Brazil.) It will be a long progression for Brazil, but we were all prepared for that. Now that he has eaten, we can breathe again.