"Just like any other cat" sounds pretty big to me
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Poor Pengy thread is gone
- Thread starter captiva
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oh it sounds pretty big to me as well!!! with each step you come a little closer
That sounds good to me!!
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- #164
Originally Posted by rapunzel47
"Just like any other cat" sounds pretty big to me
Oh I agree - it's not really "nada..." But it's not the big headbutt, either. Sometimes it's hard to be patient...I want to grab her up and love on her, but that will not happen.
I gave her a peice of canadian bacon tonight (I'm making pizza for dinner), and she didn't take it from my fingers, but as soon as I laid it down, she pounced on it. It was cute.
It's just hard, sometimes. I know she's moving at her pace, and it's wonderful to see her out and about more and more, and the best is meeting her eyes and seeing the different expression there (not fear, more like slight caution) then before. But it is hard indeed to go at her pace sometimes.
But I can. And so can she.
Best-
Michele
I gave her a peice of canadian bacon tonight (I'm making pizza for dinner), and she didn't take it from my fingers, but as soon as I laid it down, she pounced on it. It was cute.
It's just hard, sometimes. I know she's moving at her pace, and it's wonderful to see her out and about more and more, and the best is meeting her eyes and seeing the different expression there (not fear, more like slight caution) then before. But it is hard indeed to go at her pace sometimes.
But I can. And so can she.
Best-
Michele
I've just had a chance to catch up on about a week's worth of Pengy. Pengy playing after dark! Pengy napping on the trunk before dinner! Woohoo! Things sound like they're going splendidly Michele. Yay Pengy!!!!!
Yep, Whoooohooo indeed.
So over the last week, I've noticed that Pengy has been hanging out on the trunk far more than the baker's rack. I put on hold building a bridge until I could where she liked to spend her time more - the rack or the trunk. After watching a bit more, I've come to the surprising conclusion that she likes the trunk right now...I've seen her there more and more and more, and this afternoon she was on the window sill looking out and then came and laid down on the trunk.
The other day, I ran across a small bookcase for about $15 (and I mean small: perhaps 18"(wide)x24"(tall)x12"(deep). I left it in the hall for a day or so, and then put it into the bedroom under the window by the side of my bed, away from - but within sight line - of Pengy when she's on the trunk.
Tonight I will move it to between the trunk and the footboard of the bed. Do I think she'll use it? Not likely, but who knows? She's seen it for two days now, and hasn't taken issue with it, so maybe she will use it if it's placed there. It does mean going UP to the bed, rather than down, but maybe I'm all wrong about that...and since she knows where my head is located (the far end of the bed) then perhaps she will be comfortable at least getting on top of it and looking....I will also be covering the top with a "cat throw" = something they can claw and sleep on....because the top is slick (not because I want to protect it) and Esse has already decided the feel is not for her. I don't want Pengy to get the courage up and then not like the way it feels, you know?
Again, who knows, but I will soon be placing it at the foot of my bed...and I will let you know if something happens.
I wonder...I really wonder.
Best-
Michele
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Many crossed fingers here! C'mon Pengy!
Pengy sure is being brave lately! Coming out on the trunk and not fleeing is a big deal for her!
Dear Pengy,
You have no idea (yet) just how soft, warm and comfortable that bed is where the human and other kitties hang out. Work up the courage little girl, and make a big leap of faith!
Dear Pengy,
You have no idea (yet) just how soft, warm and comfortable that bed is where the human and other kitties hang out. Work up the courage little girl, and make a big leap of faith!
You're absolutely correct, Heidi, it's a huge step for her. No-one yet has stepped on the bookshelf in it's new spot - I put it out there last night. I need to show Simon what to do; he'd rather leap and pounce on me to get onto the bed....LOLOL....maybe if I get him to use it, Pengy will follow.
Good news today, though...Pengy was in the condo, so I got out my long yellow feather wand, and stroked her. She avoided it by leaving the condo and lodging herself behind the rocker. I laid down in front of the rocker, and slid the wand behind. I laid there, stroking her for a long while - about 15 minutes; she didn't move, and I was stroking her with some firmness (not too hard, mind you, but similar to a regular touch). I changed position to where I could access her head, and after a bit of concern on her part, she let me stroke between her ears and her cheeks. And then she relaxed into the experience!!! I went to a very light touch with the wand base (not even the feather) at her ears, and she slightly pushed into the wand - she wanted it more firmly! And so as I went to her level of touch, she closed her eyes...I have no idea if she purred - I was too far away to tell; but she had "that look" - the one where you know if you stop, the eyes will fly open and your cat will look at you like "Hey! I didn't tell you to stop! Keep GOING!!!", so for another 5ish minutes, I stayed there, on her ears, and just long-distance cuddled.
When I finally stopped, I laid the wand in front of her. Sure enough, she looked at me like I was offending her by stopping, and then laid her chin down on the feather part, closed her eyes, and just hung out there.
WOW!
She is doing well. I decided to "wand" her because it felt right this morning, and it hasn't felt right for a while...and I was right in my reading of the situation! And she enjoyed it - she really did. I want her to learn touch is acceptable, and that it can make you feel good; and today was a great step towards that.
And last look she was sleeping on the trunk...out in the open, stretched out and relaxed.
And Heidi, when I give her dinner tonight, I will read her your note. I'll let you know what she says!
YAYAY Pengy. Just thought I'd share.
Best-
Michele
Good news today, though...Pengy was in the condo, so I got out my long yellow feather wand, and stroked her. She avoided it by leaving the condo and lodging herself behind the rocker. I laid down in front of the rocker, and slid the wand behind. I laid there, stroking her for a long while - about 15 minutes; she didn't move, and I was stroking her with some firmness (not too hard, mind you, but similar to a regular touch). I changed position to where I could access her head, and after a bit of concern on her part, she let me stroke between her ears and her cheeks. And then she relaxed into the experience!!! I went to a very light touch with the wand base (not even the feather) at her ears, and she slightly pushed into the wand - she wanted it more firmly! And so as I went to her level of touch, she closed her eyes...I have no idea if she purred - I was too far away to tell; but she had "that look" - the one where you know if you stop, the eyes will fly open and your cat will look at you like "Hey! I didn't tell you to stop! Keep GOING!!!", so for another 5ish minutes, I stayed there, on her ears, and just long-distance cuddled.
When I finally stopped, I laid the wand in front of her. Sure enough, she looked at me like I was offending her by stopping, and then laid her chin down on the feather part, closed her eyes, and just hung out there.
WOW!
She is doing well. I decided to "wand" her because it felt right this morning, and it hasn't felt right for a while...and I was right in my reading of the situation! And she enjoyed it - she really did. I want her to learn touch is acceptable, and that it can make you feel good; and today was a great step towards that.
And last look she was sleeping on the trunk...out in the open, stretched out and relaxed.
And Heidi, when I give her dinner tonight, I will read her your note. I'll let you know what she says!
YAYAY Pengy. Just thought I'd share.
Best-
Michele
Aw! That's fantastic Michele! Good for Pengy for accepting your wand touch and good for you for knowing when the timing is right (and also when it's wrong). Fabulous!
Wow Michele! Pengy is doing so well. Doing those things which are "normal cat" things is just amazing - because we know that Pengy has had anything but a "normal" life until she found you.
I'm so happy for you and for Pengy that she had such a lovely long fuss today - it sounds like she was really enjoying it - bless her
. I'll bet she was purring - even if only inside. Before long your room will be RUMBLING with her purr
- w.hat a wonderful sound that will be.
Yes - do read her Heidi's letter. I can't wait til she makes that leap to the bed. I keep checking to see whether she's got there yet.
I'm so happy for you and for Pengy that she had such a lovely long fuss today - it sounds like she was really enjoying it - bless her
Yes - do read her Heidi's letter. I can't wait til she makes that leap to the bed. I keep checking to see whether she's got there yet.
OOOOOOOOOO leaning into the caress!! YES!! Chastising the human for stopping! YES!!! Claiming the feather, by laying her head down on it! YES!!!! Snoozing out in the open and relaxed -- oh, my, YES!
The waiting is killing me -- I can only imagine how it must be for you, Michele, wanting so badly for her to know it's safe, and having to go at her pace. You are amazing. And so, of course, is she.
Pengy Darling, what a wonderful surprise awaits you when you finally take that leap of faith -- though I'm not so sure it will actually be a surprise. I think you already realize what awaits, and are just having that last argument between the gut and the intellect. Humans know that argument, too. It's tough, isn't it? Go for it, dear, you won't regret it.
The waiting is killing me -- I can only imagine how it must be for you, Michele, wanting so badly for her to know it's safe, and having to go at her pace. You are amazing. And so, of course, is she.
Pengy Darling, what a wonderful surprise awaits you when you finally take that leap of faith -- though I'm not so sure it will actually be a surprise. I think you already realize what awaits, and are just having that last argument between the gut and the intellect. Humans know that argument, too. It's tough, isn't it? Go for it, dear, you won't regret it.
YAY!! See Pengy? Sometimes it can be nice to get scritched.
Just watch out Michele - once she decides it's good to get petted you may never get a moment's peace!
Ophelia now insists that we love on her, and wakes Earl up to get loved on.
Just watch out Michele - once she decides it's good to get petted you may never get a moment's peace!
I know exactly what you mean about the "how dare you stop?" look cats give you when you cease your scritching.
I'm so happy to hear that Pengy's getting comfortable to the point where she can enjoy affection.
Fran said:
Colleen said
LOLOL...and tonight, she was in the tube, so I sat on the rocker right next to her. I laid my 4 fingers onto the side of the tube, in but not encroaching, if that's clear. I laid them there for perhaps 30 seconds, but no movement from her. So I slid my hand back out...and then watched with great surprise as she stretched over and sniffed (and sniffed hard) at the place where my fingers had been. I have no idea what that means, but I think it's prolly a good thing. She didn't bite the place, at least...LOLOL.
She seems to be in an adventuresome mood lately...I think tonight I will encourage Simon in his bookshelf mounting. Maybe Pengy will decide it's all right to go there....
Like was said above, seeing this cat doing "normal" cat things is so amazing and so sweet. She really really is sweet. I wonder how long it's been since it's been "normal" for her, and how hard it must be to be "normal" again, even in small bursts. It must've been so dangerous for her in the past, and to see her feel comfortable enough to do little things like sit on the windowsill, or lay out on the trunk, just makes me realize how far she's come. She is utterly amazing.
Best-
Michele
It is torture - but I can survive this. I have to reign myself in on occasion, but I'm really learning to see what her body's saying, despite what *I* want. But it's hard. Sometimes really, really hard.
You know what? That would be heaven. Pure heaven. She can wake me all she wants for more lovin' whenever she wants...Originally Posted by valanhb
Just watch out Michele - once she decides it's good to get petted you may never get a moment's peace!Ophelia now insists that we love on her, and wakes Earl up to get loved on.
Colleen said
Me too. I was really surprised to feel her lean into me. I opened my eyes to double check (I try to keep my eyes closed so she doesn't get confronted...) and sure enough she was angling herself for a better scritch.
LOLOL...and tonight, she was in the tube, so I sat on the rocker right next to her. I laid my 4 fingers onto the side of the tube, in but not encroaching, if that's clear. I laid them there for perhaps 30 seconds, but no movement from her. So I slid my hand back out...and then watched with great surprise as she stretched over and sniffed (and sniffed hard) at the place where my fingers had been. I have no idea what that means, but I think it's prolly a good thing. She didn't bite the place, at least...LOLOL.
She seems to be in an adventuresome mood lately...I think tonight I will encourage Simon in his bookshelf mounting. Maybe Pengy will decide it's all right to go there....
Like was said above, seeing this cat doing "normal" cat things is so amazing and so sweet. She really really is sweet. I wonder how long it's been since it's been "normal" for her, and how hard it must be to be "normal" again, even in small bursts. It must've been so dangerous for her in the past, and to see her feel comfortable enough to do little things like sit on the windowsill, or lay out on the trunk, just makes me realize how far she's come. She is utterly amazing.
Best-
Michele
It's so great that you have the outgoing and superintelligent Simon there to model behavior for Pengy. Way to go Simon!
I think her sniffing at where your fingers were is definitely a sign that she is comforted by your smell. I mean, that's why she slept on the rocker with your shirt, and why she stole your bathrobe sash to cuddle with. I've noticed that when I pet Molly in one of her uber-affectionate moods, she opens her mouth a little bit so she can get an extra big whiff of "Mommy." (I believe cats have extra scent glands in their mouths.) Anyway, I think the "mommy smell" is very reassuring to her. I think it is for Pengy, too.
I think her sniffing at where your fingers were is definitely a sign that she is comforted by your smell. I mean, that's why she slept on the rocker with your shirt, and why she stole your bathrobe sash to cuddle with. I've noticed that when I pet Molly in one of her uber-affectionate moods, she opens her mouth a little bit so she can get an extra big whiff of "Mommy." (I believe cats have extra scent glands in their mouths.) Anyway, I think the "mommy smell" is very reassuring to her. I think it is for Pengy, too.
Yeah Pengy!!!
And a bigger YEAH for Michele!
You're doing wonders with her. I can't wait till you wake up to find her sleeping at the end of your bed! Hopefully you wake a little more coherant that I do!
Um, I'm not at all coherent. Pengy could be sleeping on the end of the bed right now for all I know when I wake up.Originally Posted by Sweets
Yeah Pengy!!!And a bigger YEAH for Michele!You're doing wonders with her. I can't wait till you wake up to find her sleeping at the end of your bed! Hopefully you wake a little more coherant that I do!
Colleen, I'm not sure she finds me reassuring, you know? I still think she sees me as the boogy-man, but maybe you're right. Could it be that she finds me reassuring without being friendly? I wonder.
Two things...
Simon was having nothing to do with the bookshelf. He kept leaping up onto the bed like "hey, I'm already here...why dya want me to walk on that? I can jump!!!" But Esse decided she was going to walk on the bookshelf from the bed to the trunk...and Pengy was watching. Maybe Pengy will understand it backwards, and from Esse...we'll see.
And the other thing just happened...and it was so cute.
You know those plastic bottle rings (like from mkilk bottles?)? Well, Simon loves to play. I took one of a jar of peanuts for him, and we were playing around. I was in the rocker, Pengy on the back floor of the first level in the condo, and Simon was chasing the ring being moved around with my fingers. I laid it down on the first floor front, and Simon came up and pounced...we played for a bit, inches away from Pengy, with her watching intently.
I got the ring away from Simon (I gave him another toy), and offered the ring to Pengy. She recoiled and thumped my hand - no claws, just a solid thwap. I kept my hand there, with the ring, and wiggled the ring around. Lo and behold, Pengy reached down and tried to take it in her mouth. She pulled, I pulled, and then she pulled again. My fingers are literally 1/2 an inch away from her mouth - no way she could not have realized I was there - and she was playing. She backed off, and I wiggled the ring a bit again...and this time she laid one paw on the ring, and used her mouth. Repeat of above. And then...then!!! She got wise, and laid her paw on my fingers - no claws, just firm pressure - and grabbed at the ring with her mouth. I let her have it then.
OH MY WORD!!!
She really is being adventuresome and courageous. Imagine...she touched me voluntarily - and with no claws - and took the offering I was making with the ring.
This is soooooooooo interesting. I wonder what will happen next....
Best-
Michele
