Outsiders

I worry about the outsider-cats. There is a feral colony at my work-place, as readers may recall. There are about half a dozen regulars who always show up for meals - Bijou, the handsome grey-and-white; Fresca and Shasta, the twins; Bauble, with the white ‘scar’ on her face (actually a crooked line of white fur); Philo and Nocturne, the black ones, and Mirko the Somber - and a few others who join in at various times.

Though they are called feral, the term ‘community cats’ is better suited in this instance, because, while unsocialized, they are no longer completely feral. That is the sad thing about this colony. Because they are always fed by the same people (myself and a colleague), the cats are accustomed to us. We can touch them at feeding time, while they mill about, eagerly waiting to eat. I am certain that these regulars can become socialised.

Unfortunately, it would take a dedicated person or persons to do it. I don’t believe it would work as well - and therefore, it wouldn’t work, period - if there were other cats in the home. I think these would prove a distraction and force the ferals to remain on the defensive; a feeling of danger or hostility would be counter-productive. As well, spending an hour or two with the ferals each day would not prove successful. I can do that with new cats I bring in to the Cosy Apartment because these ones, no matter how distrusting or frightened they may be, are nonetheless socialised. For the ferals to be brought around, the person would need to live with them and among them all day and night.

I could be wrong in this. In fact, I could be wrong in believing they could be socialised. I would love to see them, at the least, brought into a safe haven, like a cat-house, with comforts and toys, and a safely secured outdoors area for them. Even this is an unlikely future.

I believe they would thrive best as a group but certainly in pairs, as they are all friendly with each other, except for Mirko the Somber. Though a part of the colony, he is aloof from the others, despite his colour scheme suggested a family relationship with many. Mirko could be brought in alone. But even in his case, the previously mentioned conditions - especially around the clock contact with his person - would be a necessity.

For now, we will continue to feed and water them. There may come a day with a fortunate change in circumstances, some development that will alter the course of the ferals’ lives. But they will never know all the possibilities contained in the magical words ‘may’ and ‘if’. It’s just as well.

But There Can Be Too Much Comfort...

Then there are times when a cat can become too comfortable…

I came home from some shopping on the weekend to find Percival on the dining table, where he is not supposed to be. He seems unaccustomed to being told to get down, but he went along with my demands, eventually.

At least until I came back from another outing later that day…

Perce does comprehend the concept of not being allowed somewhere, unlike Horace, who also liked to sprawl on the table but was quite confused at the notion that he couldn’t lie anywhere, so long as he wasn’t actually on or in something. Percival simply is reluctant to leave a good spot once he finds it. I think the notion of a cat’s comfort is pretty black-and-white to him.

Comfort, Physical and Emotional

In an entry related to yesterday’s, I present Percival, finding his places in the Cosy Apartment.

It may seem that he is anxious about where he is lying, going from one place to another. But I think that when a cat feels he can try as many locations as Perce has been doing, it demonstrates that he is feeling comfortable in his new surroundings. He is not staying in one corner, in one bed, in one spot; he is exploring, testing a variety of possibilities. I think when a cat does this, he is unafraid, and optimistic with his world.

Percival always gives the impression of confidence, but who knows what he really felt initially. It would have been most unusual for him not to have been wary, even worried. I think it is behaviour such as this that show his true reactions. I am pleased at this.

If he would restrict his vocal reactions, I would be even happier…

The Most Important Provision

Sometimes I worry that I am not providing a good life for my cats. That is especially the case with Neville, who suffers from a resistance to insulin, and therefore must endure the effects of his diabetes without relief. He and I do have our times together, when I rub his chin for ten or fifteen minutes, and he purrs, before leaving for another location. But I worry that all of the beasts aren’t living as well as they can.

But then again, I think that I may be putting human sensibilities into the minds of cats. During the weekend, I watched a movie that gave me pause to think about what must be one of the greatest gifts a person or animal can have: security. Food is necessary, but without security, there will be doubt of its constancy. Warmth is comfortable, but without security, it may be taken at any moment. Companionship is fulfilling, but without security, it may vanish the next hour.

I think security is even more vital to animals than it is to humans, for we can plan for improvements in our lives. We can think of the future. Even if we just fantasize, we can imagine better times and hope for greater things. Cats, and most animals, I believe, live much more in the present than we humans do, with little thought for the future, except for the elements of their routine. The most important aspect of an animal’s life, then, is probably security, without which the basis of his existence will be fear, a draining, exhausting emotion that precludes or at least inhibits almost everything positive.

When we see our cats sleeping; resting cosily in a bed or on a quilt; dozing even on a hard floor, because they know they are protected from harm, I think they are benefitting from the best thing we can give them. We must provide much more, of course, but the basis of a good life, for any creature, is freedom from fear.

Perhaps if I have given my beasts that, they won’t blame me too much for any omissions for which I am responsible.

Oh, Waiter!

While the youngsters may think of playing - they haven’t repeated their performance from the weekend, but I am hopeful - the oldsters concentrate on what matters: food.

It was a couple hours after dinner when I took these pictures. Neville was feeling peckish again and was at the hard-food; Renn was waiting for a table to open up at the left-overs of his chicken dinner. Eventually, he grew tired of waiting.

They're Playing!

What a development! This morning, I witnessed Imogen and Percival playing.

I had seen what might be termed preparations for play, or perhaps tests for play, last week. Percival had been running around, and Imogen had followed, not involved in Perce’s fun, but, in a way, judging it, judging his willingness, or maybe his ability to separate playing from something too unpleasant.

This morning, after the beasts had had their breakfasts and their little post-meal naps, Percival felt energetic and started running about. Imogen ran after him. Very soon, I observed my new boy running into the bedroom, and my new girl running after him. Then, Imogen sprinted out again, Percival trotting, a little uncertainly, behind. But their postures and movements around the nylon cube were those of cats at play. And when Imogen hurried into the bathroom, Percival pursued her.

Everything had the stop-and-start action of two animals having fun; tails were up, and the only hissing came from Imo when, in the cube and facing one of its blank walls, she knew Perce was very near but couldn’t see him. I think that still unnerves her.

But what a step for both, especially Imogen. Had she known other cats in her kittenhood and played with them? Or is this a new discovery for her? Whatever the case, it is clear that she need not be an only cat in a new home, as long as the other cat or cats are gentle, unobtrusive and willing to let her be until she says otherwise. I was very lucky to bring her into a home with two oldsters who want merely to be left alone, and a new feline who cares more about attention from humans than his own species. It’s early days, yet I think Imo may have it in her to enjoy a feline pal.

This is a big step for Percival, too. It shows that he does have an interest in enjoying the company of other cats, but would likely let them set the pace. He might be just the sort to come into a home of a lonely cat who would benefit from a friend but would be initially frightened of a new family member.

I hope to see more of this behaviour. Will it occur tomorrow? Next week? Never? Unless scared into regression, cats move forward, so I am very optimistic.

All in One

I haven’t published anything on the blog all week. That’s principally because nothing of note happened. The beasts are doing well; their health is at least adequate, and they are in good moods. Perceval continues to sing and talk at night, which means he spends most of them in the library, where he falls silent. I hope still to have him adjust to the quiet of the night; time is on our side. His integration with the other cats has been without problems.

I hope everyone has a good weekend. I will report on anything exciting if it occurs. I prefer the mundane, really. I can report on that, just as well. Until then, enjoy a very rare picture of all the cats in one frame.