Hi, everyone!
First, I must express how grateful I am for the wonderful advice and comfort provided by White Cat Lover, Epona, Ross0268, Persi, Green Bunny, and especially - LDG on my first thread ever on this forum concerning the suspected hateful nature of my cat. Once I knew that his behavior is typical, I handled him with much more confidence and patience. Today, I've made -incredible- breakthroughs with Java. When I came home from work, I was just hoping that 1) he did his business in the litter box this time instead of the kitchen floor and 2) he wasn't cowering on the kitchen counter again. Well, he didn't do his business anywhere yet let alone the kitchen floor, but alas, he was still cowering on the kitchen counter. However! I found that my mail was knocked over from kitchen bar and that wireless router had fallen to the living room ground. That meant that Java was trying to explore anyhow! Thrilled to death, I walked over to Java to give him some well-deserved praise and petting. He got into it so much that he almost slipped off the counter! After a while, he jumped off the counter of his own accord!
Hallelujah! While I was showering him with love and attention, I slowly backed away towards the living room. Eventually, I was stroking him in the middle of the living room and he was ready to tentatively explore. He was so cute! He would go off investigating different areas of the room (even staring down some of my shoes) and then quickly run back to me for some reassurance before heading back out.
Eventually, I even saw that he regained his appetite in a very -big- way. (Though, he still turns away from my cat treats.) As I'm typing, he's sleeping contentedly on the living room floor. (He always like to keep me in view.) He still has some shy tendencies. I have to make sure I walk softly and slowly, otherwise he'll get spooked and hide in the kitchen again. But this is some remarkable progress for his 3rd day home! I'm still a little anxious to see if he'll do his business in the litter box, but I've heard him rummage around in there a few times already. That's encouraging, isn't it?
Now that I've introduced Java, I'll talk a little about myself, I suppose. However, I'm not -nearly- as interesting as my baby! I decided to adopt a cat after living alone for the first time for several months. I've always either lived with a significant other or a roommate, and I didn't realize how lonely I'd be. Especially since I recently graduated university and I'm not nearly as busy, I needed something to love so that I could look forward to going home instead of dreading returning to an empty apartment. I think Java and I have a promising future together on that regard.
As a former musician, I own a piano that my ex-boyfriend has been housing since I moved out. I'm already nervous how stressed Java will be when movers show up to deliver the upright piano, not to mention whether or not he'd appreciate my playing.
Well, I'm sorry to ramble on like I have been. I'm so excited to be a first time cat owner!
Oh! Below is a picture of Java and I the first day I saw her at the rescue center. It's a stunning picture of Java, not so much for myself! Of course, the one day I venture out without makeup, someone would feel the need to take my picture.
First, I must express how grateful I am for the wonderful advice and comfort provided by White Cat Lover, Epona, Ross0268, Persi, Green Bunny, and especially - LDG on my first thread ever on this forum concerning the suspected hateful nature of my cat. Once I knew that his behavior is typical, I handled him with much more confidence and patience. Today, I've made -incredible- breakthroughs with Java. When I came home from work, I was just hoping that 1) he did his business in the litter box this time instead of the kitchen floor and 2) he wasn't cowering on the kitchen counter again. Well, he didn't do his business anywhere yet let alone the kitchen floor, but alas, he was still cowering on the kitchen counter. However! I found that my mail was knocked over from kitchen bar and that wireless router had fallen to the living room ground. That meant that Java was trying to explore anyhow! Thrilled to death, I walked over to Java to give him some well-deserved praise and petting. He got into it so much that he almost slipped off the counter! After a while, he jumped off the counter of his own accord!
Now that I've introduced Java, I'll talk a little about myself, I suppose. However, I'm not -nearly- as interesting as my baby! I decided to adopt a cat after living alone for the first time for several months. I've always either lived with a significant other or a roommate, and I didn't realize how lonely I'd be. Especially since I recently graduated university and I'm not nearly as busy, I needed something to love so that I could look forward to going home instead of dreading returning to an empty apartment. I think Java and I have a promising future together on that regard.
Oh! Below is a picture of Java and I the first day I saw her at the rescue center. It's a stunning picture of Java, not so much for myself! Of course, the one day I venture out without makeup, someone would feel the need to take my picture.
