Friday, November 8, 2019

When Change Isn't Terrible

Neville is becoming more and more comfortable with living in the cosy apartment. He has begun using the litter-boxes in the store-room, the ones the other beasts use, and not just the box in the library, which was his sole box during his brief confinement in that room. To me, this suggests that he is starting to think of himself as acceptable by and accepting of the others.

The Thin Man also has been exploring his small world more, not restricting himself to the top of the tall cat-tree in the sitting room. I find him sometimes relaxing on the couch; he will now and then eat his dinner on the shorter cat-tree, and he has been up on a dining room chair. As well, he has jumped on to the bed at bed-time twice. He seems a bit bewildered as to what should happen next, and even rather disappointed that all that follows is sleep. He has on both occasions soon jumped down again. But the important thing is that he leaped up in the first place.


Neville is comfortable around the other cats. I attribute this to their almost complete apathy toward him. I think he enjoys that. At his previous foster-home, he was one of many cats, too, but several annoyed him, without meaning to; one, in particular, an eager little kitten, thought of Neville as a playmate, or perhaps a play-thing, which led to stress on Nevsky’s part and, in turn, bad blood-sugar numbers. Now, he wanders about, briefly stared at by some, and verbally savaged by Cammie if he is in her way, but otherwise unnoticed. I believe that this has permitted not only a remission in his diabetes, but an ironic kind of welcome. A cat who isn’t definitely rejected by a group soon finds his own place in it.

He is also warming to me. He enjoys play-time, and especially meal-times. I pet him as often as possible and, when I do, have noticed that his purring starts sooner. He doesn’t like being held, and may never do, but merely twists and turns in my grasp; he doesn’t scratch or bite. Neville is a cat of moderate patience. I can cut his claws, though he begins to end the procedure after one paw is done; even so, I can do both forefeet without much trouble.

As Neville and I grow more acquainted, and accustomed to each other, I will learn more about him, and his trust in me will increase. So far, his integration into life at the cosy apartment has been good, from my point of view; I hope it is from his, too.

16 comments:

  1. Sweetheart, you have the tip of your tongue out!!! I am so glad you are at home in the cozy apartment now and learning to trust your dad and the others.

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  2. I love seeing a contented cat. I’m glad to hear he’s integrating so nicely.

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  3. Neville looks pretty darned comfortable in those photos. I even see a "raspberry" in the second pic. Perhaps a commentary on having his photograph taken. :-)

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  4. Neville looks so cute in both of those pictures, and it's great to hear how well he's doing. He has become accustomed to the Cozy Apartment and to his roommates. But the best news of all is that his diabetes is in remission. You've done wonders with him, John!

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  5. It is always nice to hear good news, and that Nev is getting on so well, and his diabetes is in remission is very good news.

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  6. Love those photos, especially that last one, he seems quite content and happy!

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  7. Aww buddy we are glad that you feel comfortable and safe.

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  8. Great start to my Saturday..
    Loved reading about Neville's progress!
    Settling in nicely..wonderful news...! :).
    Bless the little fella..!x

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  9. He is a smart fellow from being around the corners in life and is now enjoying his new home. That is quite the relaxed pose he has

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  10. Neville certainly looks content on the top shelf of the cat tree.
    And the look he is giving you is inviting and friendly. I think he
    must be thinking at that moment that life is good at the apartment.

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    1. I have left some comments on your blog; sometimes they show up, sometimes they don't. Just so you know, we are reading!

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  11. This is great news John. Lucky Neville to have found his way to you.

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  12. Trying to get caught up with all the news at the cozy apt! Delighted to hear how well Neville is settling in. Plus having his diabetes in remission! Excellent!
    Sorry I haven't commented in a long time. I lost my princess, Lucy, to cancer a month ago. To say I'm devastated is beyond words. She was my first ever cat just like Tungsten was yours. Watching Parker's journey with cancer was hard and then after he passed my Lucy had it. Sorry to ramble on but I just wanted you to know that I'm still out here reading your blog just not commenting.

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    1. I am very sorry to read about Lucy's passing, Patty. I would write that I know how you feel, but each pet is an individual, as is each human, and each loss is unique, as is the grief that comes with it. No matter how long they are with us, the separation is painful, but with such first friends, it is particularly difficult. Please accept my condolences. Godspeed, Lucy.

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    2. Let me add my sympathies. When my first cat, Archie, died, I had a hard time dealing with the pain. I’ve come to believe I’ll see all my cat and dog friends again eventually, and I’m sure that’s true of all of us.

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