ok ok What Just Happened Here?

turtlesnewmommy · Jun 7, 2012

I'm spending more time in the bedroom with Turtle. I just want her to know I'm here, see, and I'm not going to hurt her. But come on girl, it's been almost two months. Yesterday I took the advice of a couple of you and put a tee shirt of mine up under the bed with her. I also took another tee shirt and folded it and placed it under her food bowl.

Then,earlier today I was dozing off and thought I felt something on my bed. I didn't move, but peeked out and saw Miss Turtle-Dove investigating my toes. I was both excited and scared.This was a crucial moment and I didn't want to screw it up. She tip-toed her way up to my face and started sniffing my hair. Then I felt a cold nose on my cheek! I opened my eyes only slightly (another bit of cat-wisdom from you) and closed them again slowly. I don't really understand that technique, but I trust you all.

She didn't hiss, she didn't run, but she didn't stick around either. After a little grooming she went back under the bed.

This was just such a little accomplishment in the big scheme of things, but I'm very puffed up about it. Just as pleased as can be. Thought you all should know. Turtle is as much "yours" as she is "mine". I know Cheryl always thought so.

subvet642 · Jun 7, 2012

That's awesome! It's a good sign.

TurtlesNewMommy said:
I'm spending more time in the bedroom with Turtle. I just want her to know I'm here, see, and I'm not going to hurt her. But come on girl, it's been almost two months. Yesterday I took the advice of a couple of you and put a tee shirt of mine up under the bed with her. I also took another tee shirt and folded it and placed it under her food bowl.

Then,earlier today I was dozing off and thought I felt something on my bed. I didn't move, but peeked out and saw Miss Turtle-Dove investigating my toes. I was both excited and scared.This was a crucial moment and I didn't want to screw it up. She tip-toed her way up to my face and started sniffing my hair. Then I felt a cold nose on my cheek! I opened my eyes only slightly (another bit of cat-wisdom from you) and closed them again slowly. I don't really understand that technique, but I trust you all.

She didn't hiss, she didn't run, but she didn't stick around either. After a little grooming she went back under the bed.

This was just such a little accomplishment in the big scheme of things, but I'm very puffed up about it. Just as pleased as can be. Thought you all should know. Turtle is as much "yours" as she is "mine". I know Cheryl always thought so.

minka · Jun 7, 2012

This is a great step! Letting her come to you is the best way to start off. :nod:
:clap:

carolina · Jun 7, 2012

That's amazing news!!! OMG, there goes Turtle again! Yey, I can see that in not time you guys are going to have an amazing relationship - that girl will own you BIG time - you just watch :lol3:
:hugs:

:rub:

-_aj_- · Jun 7, 2012

Thats great news in so pleased to hear it, turtle is coming out of her shell :clap:

ldg · Jun 7, 2012

:lol3:

ldg · Jun 7, 2012

Carolina said:
That's amazing news!!! OMG, there goes Turtle again! Yey, I can see that in not time you guys are going to have an amazing relationship - that girl will own you BIG time - you just watch :lol3:
:rub:

You just can't help it. :lol3: Three months from now, you'll be posting about how your legs fell asleep because Turtle's on your lap, and even though you HAVE to go to the bathroom, you REALLY didn't want to disturb her, she was SO cute. :flail:

amcm74 · Jun 7, 2012

<--- me! I'm so happy for you and Turtle. She was brave enough to come out and investigate and nothing bad happened to her!

blueyedgirl5946 · Jun 7, 2012

I am so happy Turtle has a new home with lots of love. You know her heart has to heal and you will help her in that process. In time, oh gosh, you are going to have a great relationship with her. I just love stories like yours and Turtle's. Thanks for sharing with us. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. LOL

denice · Jun 7, 2012

Thats great, she's coming out to investigate you. It may seem like a small accomplishment but it is huge for her. It won't be long before she completely trusts you and her new home.

catnamedpanda · Jun 7, 2012

I'm so glad Turtle is starting to come out of her shell. It wont be long before you two have a great relationship.

stephanietx · Jun 7, 2012

Way to go!! What happy news!! Keep up the good work!

natalie_ca · Jun 7, 2012

It sounds like you made progress! I remember that Cheryl didn't press Turtle and let Turtle come to her at her own pace. It was difficult for Cheryl to do, but it paid off in the end.

One thing I have always found helpful when getting a new kitty used to me, especially the extra timid ones is to sit on the floor in their room and read a book out loud. It gets them used to your voice and presence and because you are sitting on the floor, you are not a scarey giant. When she comes out, just let her mingle around you without making overt attempts to pet her. Let her come to you and if she rubs up against you, give a gentle stroke, but don't try to pick her up or hold her. Having a toy in the area helps too. I know Turtle loved to play Fetch with Cheryl, but that was after Turtle had started to be more at ease with her.

Lots of vibes coming your way!!

kailie · Jun 8, 2012

This literally brought tears to my eyes! Really encouraging news!

kittykatty · Jun 8, 2012

That is definitely a fantastic step! I think you two will be friends in no time. I'm sure Cheryl would be really happy to see this!

margecat · Jun 10, 2012

Natalie_ca said:
It sounds like you made progress! I remember that Cheryl didn't press Turtle and let Turtle come to her at her own pace. It was difficult for Cheryl to do, but it paid off in the end.

One thing I have always found helpful when getting a new kitty used to me, especially the extra timid ones is to sit on the floor in their room and read a book out loud. It gets them used to your voice and presence and because you are sitting on the floor, you are not a scarey giant. When she comes out, just let her mingle around you without making overt attempts to pet her. Let her come to you and if she rubs up against you, give a gentle stroke, but don't try to pick her up or hold her. Having a toy in the area helps too. I know Turtle loved to play Fetch with Cheryl, but that was after Turtle had started to be more at ease with her.

Lots of vibes coming your way!!

I used to do a similar thing with my foster cats in their quarantine room. I'd sit in a chair in the middle of the room, and just start talking in a normal, conversational tone: "Hey, Smudge--wanna watch TV? Any good shows on?" I knew all 4 were hiding in that room, so I would also throw down cat treats on the floor, in the center of the room (this forces them to come far into the room). Eventually, they would creep further and further toward my chair, and then the ice would be broken. I always did this at the same time every night. It usually took a week or so to work.

feralvr · Jun 11, 2012

I AM JUST BEAMING right now

You should be PUFFED up over this!!!! Great, great news and things are sure to improve from here little by little. That was a huge step for Turtle Dove :rub: :heart3: Tell her we are ALL routing for her !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :heart2: I think Cheryl :rbheart:

is smiling too :hugs:

nanner · Jun 11, 2012

Oh, wow!!!! :clap:

:nod:

I'm also getting tears in my eyes!!! This is so special. Turtle is a special kitty, and you are a special person, and I think the combination is going to be perfect.

Your patience is paying off, and I can't wait to hear all the bits and pieces of the growth of this relationship!!! Yay!!!!

kookycats · Jun 11, 2012

What fantastic news! Step in the right direction.

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