This may look like a nondescript photograph of my semi-feral cat, Sable, and, in fact, it is. It was taken this morning when she was doing nothing significant. It was after my breakfast, eaten at the dining table, during which Sabe came out in to the kitchen and started playing with a fuzzy mouse. But it is the play of the evening before that was important, because Sable played with me for the first time.
It was a very brief moment, no more than half a minute. It was play-time with the other cats, and Sable was sitting under the dining table, watching. I kept flicking the all-day-sucker-coloured streamer at her. It was difficult to persuade her to do something with it, as Valkyrie kept rushing at it. But when I was able to distract the eternal kitten, Sable reached out and placed her paw on the end of the streamer. She refused to let it go; I tugged on it, she resisted.
That doesn’t seem like much, but it was playful interaction between her and me; a first.
It was quickly ruined when she did release the streamer and I flicked it at her again. This time, it landed on her, and that was too much. She hurried away.
Even so, doing what she did was a step forward, a tiny step, barely noticeable, but a step. The journey of a thousand miles may follow.
I am very happy to read this. It has taken a long time, but she is learning every day that she is in a good place with you.
ReplyDeleteThose little steps are such wonderful gifts!
ReplyDeleteLittle steps are better than none.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful step forward.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I would call Sable's step toward socialization a "little step". When it comes to feral cats, any step toward socialization is a "big step".
ReplyDeleteEvery small step is a good one and shows she is getting more used to being close to you.
ReplyDeleteThose "small" steps really aren't small at all, though, they're everything. Life is made up of "small" steps, "small" moments. And that was pretty huge for Sable, I think.
ReplyDeleteHow fun for the both of you. She's finally learning that toys are a safe thing in the house and they are meant to be enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteThat's delightful. She's learning to enjoy herself.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, that's a wonderful first step!
ReplyDeleteHenry runs away from the Cat Dancer, even if I just drag it across the floor.
The Hubby and I toss toys near to Henry, as he'll run away if they come right at him. Then, he'll play with the toys that we'd tossed, so we figure this is a good thing.
Both Tucker and Brazil started out like that, afraid of the interactive toys.
Deletehi pawz two eye sable !!! all good thingz in time ♥♥ tell dad ta keep a mouz handee at all timez ;) ☺☺☺
ReplyDelete