The Little Gray Cat Journal

Sunday evening, June 3

I finished up my partition in the basement for make a cat-friendly room. Well, the wall was a frame with sheets tacked to the framing. I didnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t have time to do the drywall or hang the door. But itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s good enough for the cats for the next couple days.

Rocket hasnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t had any one-on-one with the little gray cat, and Mellie and Twinkie needed to get aquainted with the basement, so this was an opportunity to bring Rocket up and let Mellie and Twinkie go down. It was pretty easy – just open the basement door and the right cats headed in the right direction. I put Rocket in a carrier until I could let little gray out. Then let Rocket out. Rocket headed into the living room, where he spotted the little gray cat in the vestibule. They headed for each and bumped noses. No hissing challenges from little gray. Rocket continued on his rounds with little gray trailing. Now little gray started into her act. Rocket ignored her. She kept it up and finally he got tired of it and gave her a good, solid hiss with fangs showing. She backed down. But got up and started right in again. Rocket looked confused. I tried to give him some reassurance. I wish one of my cats would just put this little gray cat in her place. Itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s really funny how she looks up at me with a question on her face every time she challenges one of the other cats. Like sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s asking me, “How am I doing?†or “Is that OK with you?†I wish I could communicate with her. I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t think she understands “No!!†yet, and even if she did I canâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t be there all the time. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s getting bolder with Twinkie and earlier I saw her chase him for a little ways. I wish heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]d stand up for himself, too. Mellieâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s taking care of herself pretty well. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s got things under control in regard to the new cat.

Before I was finished with Rocketâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s session, I heard a crash from the basement. Somebody knocked something over. I thought I should check and see what happened. Rocket and gray trailed me to the basement door. I opened the basement door and her was Mellie streaking up the stairs. I think both Mellie and little gray were startled to see another cat coming at them. Especially little gray. She let out piercing screams and took off with claws spinning on the vinyl flooring. All four cats were spooked and there was a fur explosion with poofed-up cats flying in four different directions. I was pretty busy there for a few moments separating all the cats into four different rooms. Sheesh. Just when you think itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s going pretty good then something unexpected happens. I wonder how this will affect the other catsâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji] attitudes toward little gray.

So another day goes by – another day I was hoping to declare a finished and successful introduction – but instead another day that Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll just have to wait another day.

this journal is great. i am happy for your progress but i will be sad when the journal stops. i always look forward to hearing about the kittys.

Monday, June 4

I wake up at the usual time, but thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s a half hour later than I planned, so I could get ready for the roofers. I look out the window and the ground is wet – it rained last night – so my roof is wet. But the sun is breaking through clouds. Are they coming today? Rocket makes a ruckus in the basement – he broke through my partition. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m going to have to redo that so itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s more cat-proof. Maybe I can get the door hung today. More time lost dealing with Rocket. At 7:30 the phone rings. Roofers are postponing until tomorrow. More rain forecast. A feeling of relief. I can use the extra time.

Vignettes

The little gray cat is quieter this morning. Thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s no lasting adverse effect from last nightâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s events.

Little gray chases Twinkie. I hiss and both scatter. Little gray gets put in her room. Separation as disapproval.

Mellie and little gray pass each without any hisses or growls.

Mellie is sitting on the cat perch; little gray looks up at Mellie; Mellie looks down at little gray. No growls or hisses are exchanged. Little gray steps back a few feet and looks to me for comment. I give her some blinkies. She just stares back, looking petulant.

The roofing materials are being unloaded. The truckâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s engine is very loud. The cats have scattered into their favorite hiding places. Little gray doesnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t have a hiding place yet so sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s running around, low to the ground, cone wagging back and forth. I catch her and bring her to her room. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll feel safest in there.

Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m struggling today, not getting much done. The morning was wasted running from one end of town to the other to get a couple things I needed for the door in the basement wall. I hate that when I canâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t get everything I want in one store. With gas prices what they are and too many things and too little time, Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m willing to pay more just to avoid the extra trip. Merchants know this and price their merchandise accordingly, and they still donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t have everything I need.

After some time in the basement building frustration and very little else I go upstairs and Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m surprised to find the little gray cat sitting in the recliner. Thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s Rocketâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s favorite spot. Heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s not going to appreciate that when he finds out.

Why is it when Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m busy doing something my cats are all taking naps, but when Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m tired and want to relax they wake up and want attention?

Little gray sure loves to be groomed. She relaxes in my lap and purrs. But I see the one bare spot is spreading. Hair is growing back in where it started, but itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s moved down and gotten bigger. Something is making this catâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s hair come out. The culture is still negative. I dosed her with Revolution. That should take care of mites. I hope I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t end up with a naked cat.

Rocketâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s bored in the basement. I think Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll send the gray cat down to keep him company. He needs some more one-on-one with her, anyway. I open the basement door. Rocket wants to come up. Gray is sitting at the top of the stairs. Rocket looks intimidated. He doesnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t want to have to go past gray. Itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s a standoff. Gray doesnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t go down and Rocket doesnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t come up. Finally I get tired of waiting and shoo gray away and close the door.

Gray is pretty quiet this afternoon. She spends most of her time in Rocketâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s chair napping.

While Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m on the computer (and concentrating so I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t want to be bothered) Twinkle comes looking for some attention. Poor little guy has been so neglected lately. And been such a good sport about it.

Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m trying to teach gray to play with the other cats. I have her favorite toy, the leather shoelace, which Mellie and Twinkie also enjoy. I play with gray for a while, then I take it away and play with Twinkie. When gray tries to horn in on Twinkieâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s turn with growling and hissing, I hiss at her and shove her aside. Then itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s Mellieâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s turn. Some more hissing and shoving, but not quite so much. Then itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s grayâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s turn again. Repeat the process. I think sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s learning. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s just watching now. Until the very end, when she rushes at Twinkie with growling and hissing. I scoop her up and return her to her room, hiss at her, tap her on her forehead, and close the door. She was looking mighty peeved when I left her. This cat has such expressive eyes.

Little gray is restless and prowls about. The vocalizations she directs at the other cats sound less intense this evening. Maybe she really wants to be friends but doesnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t know how to go about it? Maybe sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s figuring out I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t want her to be so confrontational? Theyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re all guesses. What do I know? Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m winging it.

Rocket needs some one-on-one. Itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s a pain in the patoot shuffling cats around. They donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t always want to go where I want them to go. Mellie is in the office, but I want to do some work on the computer, so she has to get out of there. I decide Mellie and Twinkie can go in the basement. Twinkie readily goes down, but when I let Rocket come up, Mellie shoots up, too. I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t want to let Rocket out of my sight, so Mellie gets shut in the bathroom. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s not happy about all of this. I let gray out of her room. I go through the same routine, hissing and tapping, to let gray know sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s not to challenge Rocket. Rocket gets a chance to squat in one of grayâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s litterboxes. Grayâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s not happy about that. Rocket has to go back down as Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve got stuff to do. Nobodyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s happy and I have no idea if Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve made any progress or had any impression. Gray might be less likely to hiss and growl when Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m standing right there, but knowing cats, sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll do as she pleases once Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m out of sight.

Mellie is snoozing on a window perch in my office – on the west side of my house; the little gray cat is snoozing in Rocketâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s recliner – on the east side of my house. Separated by the width of my house, all is peaceful in coasterdom.

Tuesday, June 5

The roofers are here. The cats are freaked out because of the noise. Mellie and little gray wonâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t go down the basement. At the top of the stairs, gray screams at Twinkie and Rocket and wonâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t go down. I think these cats need to be boarded.

Called vet. Condo and cages are available. Cats go into carriers. Load carriers. To the vet. Unload carriers. Thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s a friendly tortie in a cage who canâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t stop trilling at us. Put Twinkie in the condo. Let him check it out. Then put Rocket in. Let him check it out. Then take apart Mellieâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s carrier. (Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s in a big ball at the far end and wonâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t come out for any reason.) Lift her out and put her on the middle shelf of the condo. She again forms a big ball with big eyes. Little gray screams her head off when I try to put her in the condo. This catâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s scream should be regulated by OSHA. Whereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s my earplugs? Thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s no way sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s going in that small room (about eight feet square) with those other three cats, so I have to put her in a cage. Everybody gets one of my dirty shirts or t-shirts for a reassuing scent. Litterboxes from home are put down. Familiar toys are left on the floor. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m already exhausted, and itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s only mid-morning.

I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t know…..is it more stressful for them to be in their own house with all that banging and scraping, or is it more stressful to be put in an unfamiliar room, even though itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s quiet?

After lunch. Go to vet and check on kitties. Mellie is still in a ball, just as I left her. Rocket and Twinkie are still huddled together on the lowest level, just as I left them. Mellie responds to some comfort and reassurance and I get her out of her ball and checking out her surroundings. Rocket comes out for some scratchies and tummy rubs. I transfer him to the top level, and he, too, starts to show some interest in his surroundings. Twink is still in a huddle, and heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s all claws as I take him out and hold him. He climbs up onto my shoulder, and from there he jumps into Mellieâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s box. Mellie isnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t happy to share her space with him and he get some hisses and some swats, but stays. I take him out and put him up on top with Rocket, and there he comes out of his huddle.

Little gray is quiet in her cage. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s up for some scratchies. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s such a sweet cat alone with me. I wonder if itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s just her nature to hate all other cats or if itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s just her insecurities in a new and strange place that makes her such a ball of fire.

Cats are home. The roofers made good time. They have the east side of the roof finished, and I decided that tomorrow morning Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll just put the cats in my bedroom on that side of the house, where at least the pounding wonâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t be right overhead. When I picked them up, the receptionist told me that theyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]d been quiet and resting all day. But I could tell from their body language that Mellie and Twinkie werenâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t at all happy there. Mellieâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s demeanor changed in an instant as soon as she exited her carrier at home.

Gray was snoozing in her cage, looking very relaxed, but when I took her out to put her in her carrier, she hissed and screamed at another cat in an adjoining cage. I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t know about her. She might be a cat thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s only going to be happy in a one-cat home. On the other hand, maybe itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s anxiety and insecurity that causes her to act that way, and when she gets secure in her new home, sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll be fine. I canâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t tell. But I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t want to spend a year working with her. I did that once before with Tommy and when I finally realized I had to let him go, it was very traumatic for both me and for Rocket.

It looks as though your making a lot of progress I love reading your journal

Wednesday, June 5

Last night we had some more play therapy between the little gray cat and Twinkie. I played with gray and the shoelace, running her around on the floor until she was panting. Then I played with Twink on the bed. At first she tried to jump on the bed and horn in on Twinkâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s turn, but each time she got shoved off. This happened the first couple of turns and then she stayed on the floor during Twinkeyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s turn. We only had one mild growl and one mild hiss during the playtime. But after playtime she gave him one pretty good hiss, and then she went back in her room.

Itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s nippy this morning. I have to start the furnace to take the edge off. Not unusual in early June in Wisconsin.

Rocket looks rather disconsolate this morning. I sure wish I could bring my big boy upstairs and trust he isnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t going to spray.

The roofers have arrived. They should be finished by noon. Twinkie is hiding in his usual spot in the closet off my bedroom. Mellie is hiding in her usual spot under my bed. The little gray cat doesnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t seem at all affected by the noise, being very relaxed on my lap when Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m checking her bald spots.

Someone related a story about how their cat suffered hair loss due to the anxiety of an introduction. I wonder if thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s whatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s going on with little grayâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s hair loss. It seems like hair is coming out on one edge of the bald area and itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s growing back almost as fast on the other edge. I now find a third bald spot developing on the right side of her neck. I wonder if this plastic e-collar is actually causing more hair loss by rubbing than itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s preventing hair loss by scratching. I decide to try putting booties on her back feet. This worked pretty good with Mellie. But I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t have enough of the right kind of first-aid tape and sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s able to shake off one of the booties right away. So the collar goes back on.

Gray is certainly a nice, relaxed cat when sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s with me. If her hair loss is due to anxiety, maybe her antagonism toward my other cats is as well. Hopefully, then, that will settle down once she gets to know them better and is more comfortable and confident here. But I canâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t wait too much longer to see improvement. I think I want to see definite improvement within the next week, or Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll have to seriously consider sending her back. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve been through these cycles before – improving one week and then back to square one the next. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m not going through that roller coaster again. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s a really cute cat and very personable toward people. Once she grows this hair back in again, sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll be very easy to readopt into a one-cat home. But what a shame. She doesnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t even have a name, yet. And maybe thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s one reason Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m holding off. Giving her a name would too bonding if she might not be staying.

This has been a crazy day. The roofers were suppose to finish up, but the compressor that powers their nail guns tripped my circuit breaker, and we couldnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t get the power restored. What with me futzing around trying to get them some power, running in and out, and all that, the kitties got pretty much ignored. Which turned out to be a good thing for kittle gray. She had the freedom of the house, and I think that with all the commotion going on, everybody was on the same footing and she had a chance to do whatever cats do to figure out their relationships. Sure, thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s still hissing and growling, but it seems to be pretty well balanced on both sides now. For example, I just saw her run at Twinkie, and he stood his ground. Then I saw Twinkie run at her. Both without any really hostile or defensive displays on either side. Now, theyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re chasing each other around the house. It looks more like genuine cat play to me; a big improvement from before.

So while my roof is incomplete and is sporting a couple of ratty-looking blue tarps, little gray is feeling more at ease with her place in this home, and Mellie and Twinkie are feeling more at ease with her being here. Thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s my impression of where it stands right now, anyway. And I have to caution myself that Rocket isnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t in the mix, yet. But after my downbeat mood of earlier in the day, right now Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m sore and exhausted but feeling better about gray. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s not the cat they said she was, sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s not the cat I wanted, but when she puts her lovey-dovey act on me with those big golden eyes, I hope she can stay.

Oh, and the reason for the power outage? My outside outlets were on the same circuit as my bathroom, and the GFI outlet in there tripped. Pretty weird

You don't want to keep little grey?

Thursday, June 7

Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m hoping that what worked yesterday for Mellie and Twinkie will work today for Rocket, so Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m planning on bringing him up out of the basement today and let him work it out with the little gray cat and show me heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s not going to spray. As a precaution, I put aluminum foil over all the known and suspected actual and fake spray spots, and plastic on the carpet. Thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s both for deterrence and for protection.

Rocket seems happy to be up. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m not quite sure where the balance lies between the little gray cat and him. Sometimes it seems that sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s on the defensive, sometimes it seems that heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s on the defensive. I guess thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s good.

Thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s a lot of hissing, growling, squealing and squawling today. But at times I find all four cats quiet and snoozing, so the warfare must not be too serious they canâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t take a break from it.

I wonder if the three – Rocket, Mellie and Twinkie – are trying the old cold shoulder routine. I find those three in close proximity in the kitchen and living room, and gray is all by herself in the bedroom.

Itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s kind of a crazy day. But as evening wears on and I must write in my journal I find that Rocket hasnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t sprayed (to the best of my knowledge,) no cat has killed or injured another cat, and at the moment (at least) everything is quiet.

And my new roof is just beautiful.

Friday, June 8

Itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s time to write my last page in the journal. The intro process is basically complete. Thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s nothing more to do that hasnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t already been done. Now itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s up to the cats themselves. As it always has been. My role has only been as a facilitator. Making it a little easier for them. I hope. In the end they decide whether to come to terms.

Today is a little quieter than yesterday, although Rocket has been in the basement for much of the day. Now heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s stalking around, murmuring about something or other. Oh, I know, I suppose he wants to go outside. Well, heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s been in the basement all day and I felt bad when I saw his disconsolate little face down there; now I give in and let him out. He heads straight for the warm concrete driveway to roll around and give himself a good back scratch. I assist him by scratching the underside of his torso. Then he heads straight for the lawn to browse on the green grass. I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t want him to eat too much, or heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll get sick and throw up. For which heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll wait until heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s in the house, of course.

The little gray cat is sound asleep on my bed, making herself a nesting spot on top of one of my shirts. She looks like a raggedy old towel casually tossed onto the bed. Gray still seems to be most comfortable in this part of the house, which has been her home now for, gosh, itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s almost a whole month already.

I finally get to do some housecleaning, starting with the catsâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji] litter areas, which have been slightly neglected recently. With five boxes at three locations, compared to the normal two boxes in one location, and everything else thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s been going on, I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t feel too guilty. Putting away cat things that have accumulated in various places, dusting, and vacuuming, make me feel organized and somewhat more in control. Of course, thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s an illusion – it always is – and I know it, but it feels better none the less.

Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m amazed to find out that the little gray cat isnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t terrified of the vacuum-monster. In fact, she actually seems cautiously fascinated; approaching and backing as the noisy sucking-predator hunts back and forth across the carpet, swallowing all in its path. The other cats know they must scatter to their favorite bunkers as soon as the monster comes out of its lair.

Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m overjoyed to see that Mellie is relishing the flavor of Fancy Feast Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m trying out tonight. When I go back to check on her, I find Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve been deceived again. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s eaten the gravy and left all the solid bits. She butts my hand gently to remind me sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s hungry for her Innova dry. Sigh. She gets it. At least sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s putting on weight.

The little gray cat is quite the eater, greedily inhaling anything I put down, wet or dry, or even raw. And sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s gaining weight, too. I can see it on her. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m looking forward to weighing her tomorrow. Itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s so good to have one cat whoâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll eat anything – that solves the problem of what the picky cats donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t eat. And now I have two.

As evening comes on I know there are still many unknowns to be resolved only over time. But theyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re beyond the scope of this journal. I still donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t know if Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve been successful. Sometimes it takes months. Sometimes it never happens. Two cats can be destined to always hate each other. Cats have personality conflicts just like people do. And thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s the uncertainy about Rocket and whether heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll spray again. But from now what happens is all part of everyday life at coasterâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s house, and the story of the little gray catâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s introduction here is at

The End

-------------------------------------------------------------

coming next:

Post Script – comments on the journal and on introducing cats; a name for little gray?

Acknowledgements

My sincere thanks go out to all who offered comments, suggestions, and just good old-fashioned support. For those who posted in the journal thread, I intentionally did not respond to your posts in the thread, because I wanted to maintain my part of the thread as a journal, not as a discussion topic. Some of you I responded to by private message. Some found their suggestions implemented in the next dayâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s journal entry.

Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m also grateful for the excellent information about cat behavior published online and on paper. Articles and books written by fine authors and behaviorists such as Pam Johnson-Bennett, Dr. Bruce Fogle, Wendy Christensen, J. Anne Helgren, Jackson Galaxy, Mary Anne Miller, and so many others I canâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t name them all.

I also want to acknowledge the cat and pet-oriented web sites and message boards, where pet owners can seek information and discuss their pet problems, and get help and support from others whoâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve had the same experiences and/or share the same concern and love for their pets. What would we do without other people to talk things over? My thanks to the owners, operators and staff of these sites for creating and making available these resources and communities.

Postscript – Part One

On the journal

Everything written in this journal really happened. The only creative license taken was in the descriptive language used, which hopefully made the happenings reported more interesting reading. Of course, there were things that happened that werenâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t recorded in the journal, but all the significant events affecting the little gray catâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s introduction are here.

I began this journal on a bit of a whim. My original thought was “this might be fun.†My intent was to use and to describe all or most of the techniques used to introduce a new cat into an existing cat group. Along the way, the journal took on a life of its own and I found excuses to introduce bits and pieces of my own opinions and philosophies and various topics cat and non-cat, and reason to exercise some creative writing gone very, very rusty after many, many years.

Writing this journal took a great deal of time. Much of the journal was written in first-person present tense, and indeed many parts were written immediately after the events described. Of course, the cats always took first priority, but writing this journal caused many other important priorities to be neglected, to their detriment. So I can only advise that anyone wanting to introduce a new cat shouldnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t bother keeping a journal, and if they do, for heavenâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s sake, donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t post it on a message board!!

Update on the little gray cat

The little gray cat is becoming more and more at home. Today thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s been considerably less hissing and growling. I think she has come to recognize and accept her place in the local cat group, at least with respect to Mellie and Twinkie. She no longer needs to assert herself as much or feel defensive about being here. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve seen her pass by the other cats with no more than a sideways glance. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m very happy with her progress today.

Unfortunately, Rocket has sprayed twice more (that I know of) and fake sprayed several more times in addition (that Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve witnessed.) So heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s again spending his time in the basement and heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s quite unhappy down there. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve done all the usual things with no success. Again pulling out and studying my copies of Pam Johnson-Bennett I find that retraining Rocket would be a long process, possibly involving up to 30 days of conditioning at each spot. This just isnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t feasible. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m on the verge of taking my vetâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s advice and allowing him access to the outdoors. Frankly, I think he was already unhappy before the little gray cat came, having been fake spraying and exhibiting other signs of restlessness for some time. She just pushed him “over the edge.†I'm well aware of what this step means for Rocket and for myself, and I'm not happy I'm contemplating this decision.

So, as it usually goes in life, thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s some good news and thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s some bad news.

Postscript – Part Two

On introducing cats

I only hope that readers of this journal donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t think that itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s always so difficult to introduce a new cat. Every case is different. It might range from “Hello!! Nice to meet you!! Câ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]mon in and join the party!!†to “Get outta my face you flea-bitten scumbag and donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t ever come on to my territory again!!†It all depends on the cats. Hopefully doing an introduction process makes it a little easier for them and gives us better odds at success.

There are cases where an intro might be pointless. Two cases come to mind: first is the foster home where the resident cats are used to new cats coming and going. The second is kittens. Kittens seldom need to be introduced to other kittens. Everything in their world is new every day. Why not another kitten? All other cases are somewhere in between. Generally younger cats are easier to introduce and be introduced.

Many people just “throw the new cat in with the others and let them work it out†and sometimes it does. But cats are very jealous of their territory, and theyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re not pleasantly surprised when a strange cat suddenly appears. They view the strange cat as a threat, not as a chance to throw a party. First impressions are crucial for cats. Tippy wonâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t readily forget the way she felt the first time she unexpectedly bumped into new Tinkle in the hallway. So regardless of the personalities of the cats involved, itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s always a good idea to plan to do an introduction, start to do an introduction, and then go from there based on the catsâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji] reactions. Maybe itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll only take a couple days; maybe itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll take months.

Thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s one mistake many people make – they see the intro as a series of steps, like baking a cake or putting together a model airplane. There are steps, sure, but how much time to spend on one step and when to move on to the next are governed by the cats, not by their humanâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s daily planner. Always go at the speed that the cats set. You might be able to skip a step. You might need to back up a step. Pay attention to what the cats are telling you. Miss Marple is going to be part of the family for a long time. A few extra days now will seem like nothing in a few months. Be sure to give it plenty of time. If in doubt, wait to see what another day brings.

Another mistake is lack of prior planning. People see a cat at the shelter, decide they want the cat, stick it in a cardboard carrier and take it home. Plan ahead – have a room and all the things the new cat needs ready before he comes home. Also have your strategy planned. How to get him into the house without Fluffy and Farfel seeing him. How to go back and forth, in and out of Fetchitâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s room without him shooting out between your legs. And so on and so on.

The third mistake often made is that people donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t realize how much time and how much effort and how much expense is involved. I daresay at least one, if not three factors are going to balloon to proportions beyond your wildest expectations. So donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t bring a new cat home when youâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re really busy, just before going on vacation, when finances are tight, etc. etc. Be sure youâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re ready to do this now, because once that new cat comes home, heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s not going to wait for you to get paid before he needs to go to the vet.

And believe it or not, thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s a fourth common mistake: new cat parents worry more about the new kitten – is she comfortable? Does she have enough to eat? Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s hiding under the bed and how do we get her out? Oh, sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s so cute!! Loves to play!! Spend time with her!! Really, the new catâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s worries can be put on the back burner while dealing with Muffet and Magnet – theyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re the ones that are going to make or break this new relationship. Remember, theyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re looking upon this new kitten as an interloper and disrupter, and as competition. Give M&M extra time, attention, playtime, treats, and so forth, and they think theyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re still number one in your sight. Even if your thoughts are on cute little Mipsie, still go through the motions with the other two. They were here first.

I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t need to outline the process for introducing cats here. There are many fine articles that explain the process both online and in print. I would suggest that you go one step further and know why youâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re doing what youâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re doing. And I guess that sums it up: when introducing cats, look at it from the catsâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji] point of view.

Update on the little gray cat

This cat is exceedingly mischievious. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s gotten into things that even Rocket didnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t at the same age. She has a permanent guilty look on her face. Which I really canâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t take too seriously when I look at those huge golden eyes. And she always has to be right in the center of whateverâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s going on. Which means, of course, sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s always in the way. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s had a toe stepped on several times already. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll have to do an Emiril on my cat-proofing and kick it up a notch.

Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m pleased but not too surprised to see that Twinkie and the little gray cat seem to be making friends. Twinkâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s a really nice cat. He had a hard time getting friendly with Rocket – I think his problem was he tried too hard – and he learned from that. Now theyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re nose-bumping already.

Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve talked to the two nearest neighbors about Rocket. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m making a sandbox cover for one neighbor and Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m going to put down some cat deterrent around the other neighborâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s garden and flower beds.

Otherwise, general slow progress is the order of the day.

And believe it or not, Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m actually still undecided about a name.

Postscript – Part Three

On naming cats

I have an awful time naming cats. Rocket is the only cat whose name came easily to me. In fact, he had his name within 10 seconds of meeting me, and two days before he came to live with me. Mellie was Camille at the shelter, so she was Cammie for a while. Then she was Sallie. Finally I settled on Melody, because of her sweet musical voice I had heard in the shelter. Except she said almost nothing for a year after she came here, and then for a while she just squawked. I never did call her Melody; itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s always been Mellie. Tommy and Twinkie both waited about a month for their names.

My cat-naming rules are too strict. They are:

1) keep the name to two syllables
2) donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t use a human name
3) end the name with an “ee†sound
4) donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t use an “s†in the name (because it sounds too much like a hiss)
5) donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t use a “p†in the name (because English speakers use an explosive “p†and cats donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t like the puff of air in their face)
6) two cats in the same house canâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t have names that sound alike

As you can see, I break my rules.

Thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s an old belief that cats have a secret name only they know. The poet T.S. Eliot is said to have maintained that cats have three names: the name that humans use with them, the name other cats use with them, and a secret name only the cat knows. He wrote in Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats

When you notice a cat in profound meditation,
The reason, I tell you, is always the same:
His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation
Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name:
His ineffable effable
Effanineffible
Deep and inscrutable singular Name.

Therefore, in addition following my naming rules, I have to try to figure out by what name my cat really wants to be called. This leads to trying out many names to see if any one name gets a response. This is how Twinkie got his name. I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t particularly like his name and would never have named him that on my own. But, I got used to it. Yet I wonder: is that his secret cat name, or just the name he wants his human to call him? As far as I know, he was never called that before I adopted him.

I like to do some light computer programming, so Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve written short programs to come up with cat names. One that I wrote for naming Twinkie constructed names from random combinations of phonemes. That was a bust. This time, Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve made a list of possible names, and Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m writing a computer program to pick one at random for me. Problem is, I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t like the names the computer has been choosing.

I suppose a cat just gets used to whatever you call him. If you use it often enough, he knows that itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s him youâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re referring to with that name. All my cats know their names. Their human names, that is. I think that the truth be told, I still donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t know their secret names and probably never will.

Update on the little gray cat

Poor Twinkie got hissed at by both girls last night. Mellie always hisses at Twinkie when Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m getting their before bedtime treats ready, and gray wanted to jump in on the action. I think she didnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t know who to hiss at so she hissed at them both and Twink got caught in the middle of a hissy fit.

Gray is really a smart cat. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve noticed she picks up on things fast. Last night was her first night using the treat balls, and she got the hang of it in no time. And it looked to me like she caught on by watchiing the other cats.

Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s a really selfish, self-centered cat, too. Even for a cat. She wants all the treat balls for herself. During playtime, she wants the toys all to herself. Itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s occurred to me before, and is reinforced, how much like Rocket she is. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve got a smaller, female version of Rocket. Rocket and Rockette? Nope. Violates rule #6 in a big way.

Today sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s my lap cat while watching a movie in the late afternoon. Thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s what Rocketâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s role would have been, too. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s such a relaxed cat as she lays in my lap – just sprawled out, head and front paws in the crook of my right arm, back legs dripping over the edge of the chair between my legs. I can feel her vibrate as she purrs.

Update on Rocket

Rocketâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s problem is such a part of this story that I didnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t want his adventures to be left out. Today I finished preparations for letting him go out. And about 2:00 this afternoon he did. He first headed for the warm, sunny concrete of the driveway to enjoy a good hot back scratch. Then he made straight for the lawn and browsed on grass salad. That was just the appetizer. He began patrolling the foundation of the house next. He was on the hunt for mice. I checked on him every 10 on 15 minutes, and by 3:00 he had caught at least three mice that I know of.

He seems to have made his base of operations under the deck. He was rolling around in the dirt under there, playing with a dead mouse. Then he went over to the neighborsâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji] yard while they watched from their deck and we saw him catch another one; it didnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t take long – the mice around here are pretty fat and dumb. He carried it inside the garage to the back door. It sure looked to me like he wanted to take it in the house and show it to the other cats. He didnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t kill the mouse at first, he just tortured it for a while. The poor thing was spinning in circles, its hindquarters paralyzed. I killed it for him, ending its suffering, by smashing its head with a trowel. Then Rocket ate it: head first – crunch, crunch, crunch – tail going down last – gulp. Lick lips – smack, smack. Look self-satisfied. I think my problem with voles tearing up my lawn wonâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t be a problem any more.

I have to say that if watching nature at work makes you squeamish, donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t let your cat outside, and donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t watch what they do out there. But Rocket did look like he was enjoying himself immensely, and no wonder after being cooped up in the basement. It seemed to me that he looked like, well, like a cat is supposed to look. And watching an indoor cat go outside unrestrained for the first time is, well, I suppose like a parent watching a child drive for the first time or go off to college. Itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s definitely mixed emotions -- trepidation dominating – with a certain amount of pride only slightly subdued. It wasnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t just me with the emotions. Twinkie was watching from the window, and he was letting out these plaintive meows that sounded like he thought he was losing his best friend. I sincerely hope heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s not. I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t think he is. He let me catch him, he brought the mouse to the garage, and he came to me from under the deck. At least I know heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s not going to head for the horizon. But Twinkieâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s friend might be away on assignment for awhile. A self-appointed assignment of thinning out the local rodent population.

Thank you for all the updates! I've been looking forward to them! I'm glad things are getting better, and more comfortable for the cats...well slowly! Keep up the good work!

Extra Rocket update

4:30 pm – the last I saw of him was his back end as he headed down into the drainage ditch. Thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s lots of mice back there. Now heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s nowhere in sight. I walk around the neighborhood, but thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s so many places a cat could be that Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]d never see, itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s a wasted effort. Heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s nowhere in sight. Now, Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m worried.

5:30 pm – another trip around the neighborhood. Looking behind the neighborâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s hedge, back and forth the drainage ditch, under the deck; nowhere in sight. More worried.

6:00 pm – I put out food and water for him, and there he is, in the drainage ditch. This cat has a built-in meal timer. I casually walk over to him, disguising my relief, and sing out my suppertime jingle, "Suppertime!! Suppertime!! It's sup-sup-suppertime!!" He knows the word supper, his head comes up and turns around, and he follows me back to the deck, where his supper awaits. I canâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t believe heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s so hungry. Hasnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t he been gorging on mice? Maybe that's hard work! Mellie jumps down from the table where sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s been eating her supper, ignoring her favorite dry food, sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s so happy to hear the sounds of Rocket out on the deck. I let Twinkie out of his room and he runs over, and the three cats have a mutual nose-bumping party through the screen door. I go out and give Rocket some pets and scratchies. It looks like heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s got fleas on him already. Sorry, Rocket, Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m so happy you came back for mealtime, but tonight youâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re sleeping in the garage. Or under the deck, if you prefer. Rocket heads under the deck. I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t know how this is going to work out, but so far Rocket is enjoying it, and after all that time in the basement he deserves. And Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m relieved to learn he can find his way around and come back home when he wants to. And happy that he wants to. Maybe when he gets his fill of outdoor adventurers, heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll be ready to come back in and be happy there, too.

Postscript – Part Four

On naming the little gray cat

I make this way too hard.

I want a name that describes the appearance of the little gray cat. Well, sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s gray. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s little. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s got big golden eyes. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s got four legs and a tail. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s a cat. What can I say?

I want a name that describes the little gray catâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s personality. Well, sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s full of energy – vivacious, I guess youâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]d say. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s full of curiosity. Thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s a normal cat trait, isnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t it? Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s mischievious. More so that my other cats. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s always got her nose stuck in whatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s going on.

I want a name that describes what she sounds like. She squeaks. A mouse squeaks. Can you name a cat after a mouse? Would she be insulted?

I want a name that she automatically responds to. Her “secret name†if you will.

I want a name that sounds cool. A name that flows off my lips and vocal cords like it feels right. A name that I can say over and over and not get tired of; not grow to dislike. A name that both the little gray cat and I can live with until death do us part.

Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve been trying out many, many different names on the little gray cat, trying to see if I get a reaction telling me thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s the name she wants to be called. I thought I had it once with “Teenie†(see Friday, May 18) but the reaction I thought I saw then hasnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t been repeated.

Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve tried variations of that name: “Deenie†and “Teensie,†“Teenybopper.â€

Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve paged through my English/Latin dictionary looking for Latin roots that descibe her in some way. “Incenda†because sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s firey. “Irasca†because sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s irascible. “Striona†as derived from her histrionics. “Tantra†from her tantrums. “Vexie†because sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s vexatious. “Kinetta†because sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s always in motion. “Questa,†“Quia,†and “Quidi.†Check your Latin dictionary.

Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve tried names from descriptive words: “Dustly,†“Breezie,†“Gustie,†“Screech,†“Squall.†“Pipsie†because sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s such a pipsqueak. “Pattypat†because sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s a paw-patter. “Pippypat†to put the two together. And then I stretched for “Mickie†because she squeaks like a mouse. Stretched even more for “Swiffer†because sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s like a duster. “DeeQue†because sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s such a drama queen.

Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve tried using technology to pick a name. Writing a computer program to pick names at random from a list. But then if I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t like the name the computer picked, what good is it? Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve used websites of popular pet names. But I want something different. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve used websites that find names that match keywords. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve tried random name generators.

Right now Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m wracking my brain for a name for, or descriptive word for, that nasty little girl in grammar school – the pushy, bratty one who always had something to say in a loud voice; who was always “me first;†who would never share – the one who for inexplicable reasons was the most popular in spite off, or maybe because of the way she was. Sheâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s the picture that comes to mind when thinking of my little gray cat.

Honestly, I really had hoped to have a name to anoint my little gray cat with in my journal entry today, but I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ll have to stretch it out at least one more day.

Rocketâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s update

I left the garage door open, and the patio door open, until just before I went to bed. But he was nowhere to be seen. So he stayed out overnight. And then he was on the deck at 6:00 a.m., waiting for his breakfast. He looked tired. I supposed heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]d been hunting all night. I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t understand why this cat can eat so many mice and still be hungry for catfood. But if it keeps him around, thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s fine. Heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s got food and water here. And today I made a sandbox for him beside the deck.

There are some drawbacks to having a hunter in the family. Last night I went out on the deck to discover the entrails and two front paws of a baby rabbit neatly deposited on the deck. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]d seen him carrying it to his lair under the deck earlier. Heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s been bringing much of his catch back. So even though he might hang out in the neighborsâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji] bushes or hunt up and down the ravine, he seems to consider my house his home base. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve had several chances to exam him which giving him scratchies, and he looks just fine. In fact, he looks happier than heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s looked in some time. I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t know where this experiment is going; Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m going to take it day by day; but Rocket seems to be benefitting from it.

Epilogue

The little gray cat is fitting in about as well as could be expected, considering Mellie’s disposition, which can rival the Wicked Witch of the West where other cats are concerned. I gave gray a chance to sleep on my bed last night, but she didn’t settle down, so she went back in her room. Twinkie had the bed to himself, until he started walking on my chest, and then he went in his room. Mellie is giving both Twinkie and gray the cold shoulder, and she still gives gray the evil eye and a level five hiss when gray forgets her place. Twinkie and gray are becoming friends. They play together and he watches her patiently while she grooms or acts up, much like an older brother with his little baby sister. It’s a good thing, this budding friendship, because Twinkie is missing his best friend: Rocket. And perhaps that’s why Mellie is so grumpy, too, because….

Rocket has gone missing. He stayed out last night and didn’t show up for breakfast this morning. It’s not like Rocket to miss a free meal. And my own appetite went missing as well as my motivation and concentration to get anything else done today. All the usual first steps have been taken. For now, it’s my job to wait. A job I’ve never been able to do well. I spend too much time glancing out the window. Out of the corner of my eye I catch movement on the lawn and go to the window. But it’s a squirrel, and no squirrel would be on the lawn if Rocket was here.

I understand sometimes cats will just be gone for a while and then come back. Rocket is a big boy; he’s got his claws and he hunts well. Barring a run-in with a car, a trap, or a poisoned mouse, he should be all right. But if he’s sick or injured, he probably went into hiding, and there are literally thousands and thousands of places he could hide just in the immediate vicinity. Finding him would be sheer luck. Yet, I must try, anyway. I know and understand all the risks. Yet, when I get hit with one of them, it’s hard to accept.

Rocket’s story isn’t really part of the little gray cat’s journal. But the gray cat’s story has had a consequence for Rocket. He’s missing. And Rocket’s story will have a consequence for the gray cat by putting my search for her name on low priority. In real life, stories don’t always have happy endings. Sometimes they don’t even have endings – we’re just left wondering. Maybe that’s the fate of this story. I don’t know. As of suppertime, he still isn’t home yet. But this journal is at an end.

Although I’ll try to give the little gray cat a real name real soon.

Yet Another Epilogue

This journal just wonâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t die. It wouldnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t let me end with such a depressing and ambiguous ending. It needed a happy ending and so it gets one.

This morning while walking the neighborhood I hear a familiar meow. Thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s my neighbor from two houses down out in the driveway standing on top of a rickety ladder below one of his trees. I quickly walk up the drive. “Do you have a cat up in the tree?†“Is it an orange tabby cat?†Thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s Rocket on a branch about 15 feet up, meowing his little heart out. I ask the neighbors to make themselves scarce because theyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]re just scaring Rocket. I try to coax him down with soothing words and his treat ball. He looks like he wants to come down, but doesnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t know what to do. I move to the other side of the tree, to shake the treat ball over there, trying to get him turned around. He turns around, but is looking at another branch. I think he wants to jump. Not a good idea.

I get the neighborâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s permission to bring my extension ladder. Not an easy thing to do, as heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s concerned about liability. I just want my cat. I go home, get the ladder, and return as rapidly as possible. Rocketâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s still there. Still meowing. I extend the ladder to the maximum safe length, carefully place it against the tree, and cautiously climb up. Itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s just long enough. Now that Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m sure of my footing, itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s no longer time for caution, itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s time for action, before Rocket decides to act first. I scruff him with the fullest and hardest possible scruff I can scruff, not too concerned about hurting him, and drag him off the branch, momentarily letting go of the ladder to unstick his hind feet, and then sling him over my left shoulder, where he attaches himself firmly to me. I donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t care. Let the blood run. I have my cat.

As we climb down the ladder he stops meowing and I can feel his claws retract as we touch the ground, then all the way home I can feel him relaxing. I transfer him to a frontal hold, and itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s with great joy shared between us we enter the house. Rocket first gets a meal and then a litterbox. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m concerned about the moan he gives when he relieves himself. I hope itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s a moan of relief and not of pain. Heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s been up in that tree for possibly as long as a day and a night. (Later a call to the vet convinces me to just watch him for awhile.)

We sit on the stairs, Rocket cuddled tightly in my arms, sharing our happiness at being together again. He has his little arms around me, too. Then he starts falling asleep. Well, of course, heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s been awake the entire time heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s been up in the tree. So I transfer him to a soft, snuggy place where he proceeds to sleep for six hours straight.

Rocketâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s awake. We spend some time together, giving me a chance to check him over. He loves being combed with a flea comb. Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m not sure Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]d recognize fleas, but thereâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s nothing moving in there, and a test with a spritz of water shows no flea dirt. Wow, some of his nails are really long. How did they grow that long in just four days? The long nails get clipped. Then Rocket sleeps some more.

Given the choice between the house and the outside, Rocket wants to go out. I need to show him he still has that option, so he goes out. He heads for a shady spot behind some bushes.

Now, heâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s back in the garage. Does he want to come in? I open the house door and Rocket comes in voluntarily. That's what I want to see. Making his own decision to come in. Rocket sidles to the middle of the kitchen floor, looking neither to the right nor to the left, then nonchalantly sprawls out like the owner of the house, the king of the pride, the master of his domain. Mellie and Twinkie come by with wide eyes and flared nostrils to sniff of the returned adventurer, and thrill in the mysterious and primal scents on his feet and on his fur. Rocket's sooooo cool. He's been outside. He's hunted.

Little gray cautiously approaches, growling and snarling growing louder by the inch until her nose is almost touching Rocket's ear. I hold my breath, fearing Rocket's ear is about to be punctured. But he ignores her. He knows what he's doing. (He thinks.) Her growling subsides. Rocket leisurely lifts himself from the floor, saunters into the living room, and takes up a commanding position on the couch, where he gives every sign of needing more catch-up on his sleep.

All is peaceful. Now I have no more excuses to put off finding a name for the little gray cat. And no more excuses to keep adding to a journal about her introduction.

You don't need to have an excuse to keep adding to this journal. You are more than welcome to post whenever you want, about whatever you want! I will keep reading it as long as you keep writing about it!

I laugh I cry I want more.