Update: Nelson & Lucy

Nelson has finally started to get used to the idea that he's got some human friends at the sanctuary and will now and then initiate cuddles himself rather than waiting passively without much expectation. Getting it through to him that he might have a cat friend or two, though, might take a bit of time.

Nelson was enjoying a cuddle with a volunteer on Monday night when Lucy became interested in the proceedings and drifted over to get in on the action.

Surprisingly, although Lucy was certainly interested in getting some human cuddles, it was Nelson's attention she tried the hardest to get. And she did have to try hard. Despite several luxurious cat dances for his benefit and an emphatic presentation of her behind for him to sniff, Nelson remained totally oblivious. Only when she threw caution to the wind and started grooming his face and ears did he finally realize that this pretty lady might actually be interested in him and give her a few licks in return.

Might this be the start of a beautiful friendship? It's too early to tell yet, but I hope so. It would do them both good.

"Coming out" update: Amber and Nelson

Seeing cats begin to come out of their shell is a wonderful thing. Here are progress reports on a couple of our formerly less gregarious kitties.


Amber

When we first met Amber back in June, she was an adorable, tiny little grey thing... who didn't want to have anything to do with us. She was so frightened that she would just hide in her cat bed, her ears perpetually pinned back.

As she began to relax in her environment and get to know us, she slowly went from defensive hissing and spitting to curiosity. At first she would still hiss but allow us to stroke her in her bed, and then she began to cautiously climb out of her bed to receive visitors.

She's now been released from her cage and, though still skittish and prone to hide under things, hasn't forgotten that she enjoys having us stroke her. Approach her slowly and then let her decide if she wants to come within reach, and you may be treated to anything from showy cat dances to full upside-down wriggling and purring as you stroke her.

And those ears? Very much facing forward.

Nelson

Nelson's problem wasn't one of being scared, but simply being perpetually overlooked. And, as can happen with the more introverted cats, he'd gotten to a point where he'd given up on even asking for attention.

A little time in a cage this summer seems to have done him some good, as it made him more visible to people who might not have noticed him otherwise. With more people making a point of visiting and spending a little time with him, he began to think that maybe he did in fact deserve a little attention.

A little while after he'd been let out of the cage, Nelson surprised me by coming forward when he saw me and initiating a cuddle, which we both enjoyed. It's great to see this boost in self-confidence! Now we just have to help him keep it up - everyone who went to visit him in his cage, please keep coming to see him now that he's out.

Aldo

Earlier this week, Karen introduced me to a grey shorthair named Aldo.

photo by Karen

Aldo was surrendered some years ago to the No. 5 Rd. shelter along with another cat. The other cat was adopted but Aldo wasn't, and so he was brought to the sanctuary to live.

Like Nelson, he doesn't put himself forward for attention and so is one of those cats who people just don't notice. Over the years, he seems to have resigned himself to this life. But resigned does not mean disinterested: Aldo loves any show of attention and affection given to him.

Karen remembers him as a round little thing when he came in, but these days he's much thinner. Clearly, this boy needs a little love! He won't come to you, but if you seek him out, he'll be delighted.

Nelson

There's nothing really special about Nelson's story, but I find that in itself makes him worthy of a little extra attention.

photo by Barbara

He came to RAPS 7 or 8 years ago, likely after being surrendered. He's always been a nice cat, but since he doesn't try to initiate contact with humans like some of our more outgoing residents, he doesn't get much attention from people.

With other cats, he has even less luck. Leslie says he sometimes get into fights because some of the other cats just don't seem to like him, almost as if there's a vibe he gives off that they object to.

Since he never pushed himself forward for me to notice him, I'm ashamed to say that until this week I was one of the many who tended to pass him by.

He's currently in a cage while being treated for a cold. I gave him a little pat along with his dinner, as I do with the caged cats who don't look likely to shred me for my troubles. Rarely have I seen a response of such gentle delight: I barely had to touch him before he was beaming at me and kneading the air with his paws. After that, it was all purrs and rubs.

It makes me wonder - how many other shelter cats allow themselves to get passed over because they don't think to speak until they're spoken to?