Day 1207 Trust

 

We used to get such a kick out of the level of trust Peps had in us, sprawling out for a nap under a rocking chair or sleeping right in the middle of the stairs. She had complete faith that nothing (and no one) would harm her.

Our new cat, Gypsy (ugh, still not in love with the name), is struggling to adjust. I’m not sure what she’s been through in her few short years, but it’s clear she’s never trusted a human, and up until now, probably for good reason. She continues to hide inside her cat house, too afraid to explore the one room we’ve confined her to for the moment. She has food, water, and her litter box, but so far she won’t eat. I feel so badly that she’s afraid and unsure of me, Tim, and the uncertainty of her new surroundings.

I keep reminding Tim that she lived inside a cage for the past nine months. Kind of wild that someone grabbed a cat, threw her in a cage, and named her Gypsy?! I’ve been sitting on the bathroom floor in front of her little house, talking to her and reaching in to pet her (though I probably should stay out of her safe zone and just sit quietly). I’m sure the stress of everything new is causing her hunger strike, but hopefully she’ll eat soon. I may put her food right inside her house, entice her with a few options, and cross my fingers.

I set up a camera so I could watch her throughout the day while I'm away… crazy cat lady, I know! She never ventured out, but she did scoot closer to the opening and peek out here and there, so for now, I’ll take whatever progress I can get. I think she’s going to need a long time to feel safe here, and she may never trust us the way Peps did, but that's ok. Tim wants a quick fix, but that’s just not how this works. I reminded him that I once spent three weeks integrating a chicken into the flock and three months nursing another one back to health in our bathroom, so yes, the cat deserves some time.

She may never be the kind of cat who lounges out in the open, but if she can settle in and live out her life here happily, that will be enough for me. Let’s hope her hunger strike ends soon… this might call for a can of tuna?!

In the end, all we can do is show her patience and kindness, and let her set the pace. Maybe one day she’ll realize she’s finally home, and that she’s safe....fingers crossed. 

"The smallest feline is a masterpiece." — Leonardo da Vinci