RAPS is short for Regional Animal Protection Society, a registered charity and operator of a sanctuary which houses and cares for nearly 500 homeless or abandoned cats in Richmond, BC, Canada. The Neko Files is a celebration of the sanctuary and all those who live and work there.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Update: Tricia

When I first wrote about Tricia two years ago, she enjoyed being tickled and stroked... if you could get past her strong impulse to flee the moment she saw a hand reaching toward her. The only really reliable way to get some cuddle time with her was to corner her, but that moment where she'd invariably look at me in wide-eyed horror before she remembered that being patted was pretty nice always felt so awkward. And so it's been a little while since I tried "tormenting" her with cuddles.


When, on a whim, I reached out to her this evening, I was surprised that she didn't try to run away. Sure, she still crouched down just before contact like she half expected something awful to happen to her, but she didn't run away. And before I knew it, we were having a lengthy cuddle that she enjoyed without reservation. I was even able to go away and come back several times throughout my shift without feeling like I had to win her trust all over again each time (as had been the routine before).


Whether Tricia's gained confidence thanks to the determined efforts of one or two people or just repeated interaction with all volunteers and staff over a period of time, I don't know. But it's so nice to see her able to accept and enjoy some affection without having to be backed into a corner.

6 comments:

  1. This is wonderful! I'm so glad that this little cutie is no longer such a little scaredy-cat. I hope that she'll be getting a lot of tummy rubs now to make up for a few years of running away. Lovely photos, Claire!
    Marianne

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  2. Where does one find Tricia at the sanctuary?

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    1. In the doublewide. In the evening anyway -- I'm not sure if she goes out to enjoy the sun earlier in the day.

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  3. what a pretty little cat!

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  4. Tricia does often go out into the back courtyard on nice days but always returns to the doublewide to snooze.
    Marianne

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  5. I will look for her when I go there next time. Thanks ladies!

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