Day Two

[kybearfuzz]

So, the good news is that he is eating, drinking, and pooping (in the litter box thankfully).

However, he's still the invisible cat for the most part, still hiding residing in the storage crawlspace via the laundry room. When I came home today, I really didn't see any evidence that he'd been out. Any lint on the carpet could have been tracked around by me earlier this morning when I was leaving for work. I checked on him via the flashlight, getting that typical stare right back at me, unmoved and uninterested (like a cat).

I really should have worked out, but I was wiped out from work and a dental appointment, so I felt the need to nap. So about 90 minutes later, I am awake again and go downstairs. I find the usual gift bag of toothbrush and toothpaste from the dentist office on the floor in the dining room, which is not where I left it.

Upon further investigation, I found the plastic bag of catnip on the floor in the dining room. It had been on the dining room table, now it was chewed open and its contents strewn about. So, he's been out and climbing around on the dining room table, so at least he's getting out some. However, now he is occupying the storage space and he's high as a kite.

I broke out the vacuum cleaner to get up the scattered catnip and checked on him via flashlight again. He seems fine.

The name game is still on-going. It's not easy to attach a name to him when I can't even get to know him.

Comments

[changeling72.livejournal.com]

Sweet pic! I quite liked the name 'Cooper' that someone suggested. Or perhaps you should find something that suggests a vagabond cat?

I have always wondered: why do Americans call flashlights, well - flashlights? Do they flash? We call them torches, I suppose since they are a modern equivalent of a flaming torch?

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I actually thought of the name "Hobo" which might fit in with his history as an apparent stray. Then I thought of going with the typical "M" name and calling him "Mojo" (just not sure that fits him).

And I'm not sure why we call them flashlights, but an online search turned up this Yahoo answer, though I'm not sure how accurate it is:

"They used to have a 'flash' button on them so people back during wars/harsh times could send coded messages in Morse code language. That is not necessary today but we kept the name ----same as you did for your English "torch" while there is no exposed flame these days."

[sunbeam-bears.livejournal.com]

Well, so far, he sounds like a "Bandit".

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Considering that I only see him fleeting moments out of the corner of my eye, I thought about naming him "Casper."

unsolicited advice -- but worth the price.

[champdaddy.livejournal.com]

Unless he is feral, a good idea is to put him in the bathroom (or some smaller sized space), close the door, and relax. Sit in the floor on his level so to speak while he investigates his surroundings. Shortly, he will want to investigate you as well.

Don't force it… don't pick him up or "chase" him, know what I mean? You have the right idea to let him come to you… just limit his turf initially.

That's one of the differences between cats and dogs. A new dog will check out people first, a new cat will focus on environment first.

Re: unsolicited advice -- but worth the price.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the advice. I wish I had given it more thought before I just turned him loose in the house.

I don't think he's feral, just a bit unsettled. He's *slowly* acclimating I think. I don't chase him, I'm just going to let him come to me. Eventually, he'll get bored with storage space living and see what I'm doing.

Murphy the Cat did the same thing and he was raised from a kitten in a loving home. It took him two weeks to come out of that storage space, but he was fine after that.

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

Sounds very standard cat behavior. Some years ago I had a 'loaner kitty' from friends who stayed with me for nearly six months. She'd always been skittish and upon arrival took up residence behind the couch, only coming out to use the litter box and pick at a little food. After several days I was concerned for her health. Moved the couch away to find her hiding in terror. Spoke softly, gently gave a pet, and she went back to hiding. But it seemed to break the spell. Over the next week she'd come out for longer and longer periods, then started looking for a bit of company (gentle welcomes given), then jumped on the couch one day and went into full cuddle mode. She completely came out of her shell (her owner said she was a different cat) and is actually the reason for why I have Miss Thing now. We just need to give them time, I think.

And hide the catnip better!

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I hid the catnip in a cupboard he can't open.

At least it shows he's been exploring the house, I guess.

[dr-tectonic.livejournal.com]

Coming out from hiding on the first day? I think he likes you!

Seriously, when we got Nico & Ioliel, they both hid so well for the first few days after we let them out of their room that we were worried they had somehow escaped the house. Sounds like he's settling in.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Heh! I certainly hope so. :)