Kiefer

Kiefer  (KN)

During a recent snuggle session with some Single-Wide buddies, we were rudely interrupted by a big black cat who decided that he wanted in on cuddling as well. 

With long-haired brother Indiana  (DW)

 Kiefer came to us about six years ago, in company with his brother Indiana.  The two were very close, initially, but on release, it was long-haired Indiana who approached volunteers and visitors for petting and attention, while Kiefer took himself out of reach. In fact, it became apparent that Indy wanted to be with people so much that someone finally stepped up and adopted him.  Kiefer didn’t show any signs of distress, but he also didn’t change his habits, and was generally to be found on one of the upper walkways on the deck – watching, but not participating.

Kiefer the loner  (KH)

In the intervening years he has largely kept himself to himself. He’s not scared or aggressive with humans, he doesn’t dislike other cats...  But he has that black-cat way of disappearing when he doesn’t want to be noticed.

Kiefer tucked away (KN)

Recently that seems to have changed. Kiefer is now down at floor-level (or on the back of the couch) more often than not, and is more confident in approaching people for the petting and attention that he used to dislike. There are some volunteers that he seems to like particularly, and he comes to investigate when they arrive. He still prefers to be on the deck – but he’s investigating the main room more frequently.

Braving a visit to the main room  (KH)

In the last year he’s even braved the crowd looking for attention from weekend visitors, and can often be found pushing his way under a caressing hand. He likes it best when someone will sit with him on the chair by the mesh, and he will weave his way from that seat to the cat-tree. Food is not a major motivator, though he’s happy to take what’s offered as long as it’s not directly from the hand; he’d rather pick it up from floor or shelf. 

Are you offering pets?   (KN)

what he wants is human attention – he’s not close with most of the other cats, and prefers to keep himself to himself. Apparently he has been caught pee-ing in the wrong places – but like some of our other “inappropriate urinators”, he may be stressed by the presence of others, and would do better on his own.

Reaching out from his favourite place on the deck
towards the back courtyard   (KN)

This is another boy who suffers somewhat from Black Cat Syndrome – it’s very easy to miss him, and he will take himself out of sight when he’s not sure about the company.  But for lovers of house-panthers, I think Kiefer would be a winner, now that he’s feeling braver.  Come and meet him!

Blog by Brigid Coult

Photos by Kim Howe, Karen Nicholson, Debbie Wolanski

April 21 - How quickly things change...  Cats hide their physical problems so well that by the time they show up, it's too late to do anything.  Finding a few lumps on Kiefer  led to a check that showed him riddled with cancer.  Rest well, sweet boy...