Day 1210 Proof of Life

 

And so it begins… Christmas lights, stockings hung, and all that is merry and bright slowly filling every corner of the home. But before we get to all that… the cat.

I’m not sure letting her go down into the basement was a good idea, because she’s hiding so deeply I couldn’t even spot her. I searched high and low and couldn’t find a single sign of her. I admit, I began to think the worst, maybe she’d crawled up into the rafters, found her way under the upstairs floor, and died in her hiding spot. But I kept searching for any sign of life.

Finally, as I scanned every inch of the perimeter, I saw her dart away from the glare of my flashlight, slipping out from behind the water heater. She’s alive! I had put out tuna, dry cat food, and various other delectable treats, all of which she refused. Again, I worried, can a cat actually starve herself out of defiance?

Melissa came by hoping to meet her, carrying a gift of Simply Puree ahi tuna treats. I gently broke the news that she might meet Gypsy in a month or two, but there was no chance she’d see her anytime soon. Still, I put one of the little pouches in a bowl and set it quietly in the basement, asking the cat, yes, out loud, to please eat.

A while later I checked, and the food was gone… thank goodness! I offered a second pouch, and that disappeared as well. Progress. So in between decorating and hauling in all the bins of holiday cheer, I’d bring a treat or two down to Gypsy, hoping she’d eventually realize I’m not all that bad and happy for the miraculous signs of life. 

I researched ways to calm her and discovered they make plug-in diffusers that emit some kind of kitty-chill pheromone to ease cat anxiety. They’re on their way and should be here soon. So with the right aromatherapy, treats, time, space and patience, maybe by spring we’ll have a cat brave enough to venture out of the cold basement. I doubt she’ll be out in time for a Christmas miracle...maybe we can shoot for Valentine’s Day?

Either way, Christmas is coming, family will be here, and this Grammy better get ready! Tim did his best to hide. Whenever I’m in work mode, he tries his hardest to make himself invisible, but even he got caught in the tornado of decorating and was asked to clean up a bit. Not his favorite words, but he played busy for a few minutes, then quietly slipped away like the cat so I wouldn’t ask him to do more.

As the season picks up speed, I’m happy that even in the chaos there are small victories, warm moments, and creatures (human and feline) just trying to find their place (hiding place at times). Here’s hoping Gypsy finds hers here at home soon.

Sometimes safety isn’t a place...it might just be the moment you (or your feline friend) finally believe the world around you means you no harm~ Fingers crossed!