Introducing Abby

You all are so nice - thanks for all the wishes and compliments. Abby is adjusting; still not using claws on me, but has hissed a time or two. There is a slight disrupted feeling in the household, but that's to be expected. She's a real cuddle bum, too. She really likes our social time; I put my bathrobe on, tuck her down inside, and work on the computer or walk around the house. Her motor is huge, too; her whole self vibrates when she purrs.

Simon is still trying to figure out who/what she is, Charlotte has decided ro not worry about it right off, Esse doesn't care (as there is plenty of food and love; that's her entire world concern...LOL), Penguin has come close and looked, sniffed, and not had an issue, and Pie, of course, saw her and fled, screaming "I've got a terrible headache; I think it's a migraine...I'll just lay under the bed and recover." LOL, drama queen she is.

Abby has eaten and used the box (yet still insists on sleeping in the box, so I have to be uber quick about getting it cleaned out...). She is a hider; she likes to be covered and secure...and she hums. Doesn't growl, exactly, but hums. Lets me know she's not a happy camper, or maybe it is that she's a happy camper. I'm not at all sure what she's saying...but she's saying it with a hum.

She's still in her kennel, and we're off to the vet's in about an hour; my vet is seeing her after hours ('cause he just rocks...) I'll update when we get in, and I've tried to get some shots of her to post up on a cat page. She's a sweetie, no doubt or question.

As for me, I'm doing all right. A whole lot of tired, and a whole lot of tense, but that's all right; things are changing, my friend is slowly responding and recovering, and I've found a new avenue of income; I've sold several photographs and have been asked to do more shoots with people I know. So while life is hard, it's also rewarding and fulfilling.
I'll be back to update after the vets, and hopefully get some pix up of Abby girl too.

And thanks again. This site never ceases to amaze me, with all the support and friendship here. It's great...and I really appreciate it. More than you all would know.

Best-
Michele

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Abby is 7.3 pounds (underweight), about a year and a half, apparently spayed, no ear mites, lots of fleas, and FIV/FL negative. Generally in good health, and very mellow. While waiting in the vet's exam room, I got to cuddling her. In my lap, she rolled over, gave me her belly, and just laid there, chilling.

And in the waiting room, she met a pug puppy; no fear, no hissing, a sniff, the pug licked her nose, and life was grand.

I'm very pleased that she's healthy...that will make me rest easier, no doubt. Her too. She got vaccinated (4 in 1), a flea pill, some ointment for her poor pads (they're abraded badly; it's neosporin and udderbalm, or something like that).

Now, to integrate her fully, and see if she can handle other cats. I think she will, but it's not just her - I've got the other five to watch out for, as well.

Anyway, I'll get some shots up tomorrow - I've got some other things to handle tonight; but tomorrow, you'll see the cat everyone who sees her says is "gorgeous."

Best-
Michele

I can hardly wait to see the pictures. I still can't believe anyone could leave a little one who sounds adorable behind. Again, Michele, you are so amazing that I'm honored to know you.

Jana

Yay Abby!

She sounds like such a sweetie, and so accepting of whatever comes her way. Kinda like the wonderful lady who found her in that awful house...

Oh, Michele!! (good tears) You are an angel. Thank you for saving this precious cat.

Michele, any updates on Abby? How is Pengy doing?

Michele, good luck with Abby. I hope your other kitties enjoy having a new addition.

Colleen, everyone is acclimating wonderfully. The first night she was not kenneled was rather interesting, but no blood just lots of yowls and growls. It's completely calmed down now, and my greatest fear - that Pengy would retreat and all progress would be lost with her - has NOT happened. Pengy is out and about; like clockwork, as Esse enters a room, Pengy is within 10 seconds of her, tailing her like her shadow. They are indeed a pair...and apparently, Pengy has no problem with her whatsoever. Surprised me, but hey, there it is. Pengy is soooooooo cool, and sweet and pretty happy, I think. Both Charlotte and Pie have had one (and only one) swipe out with Abby, and Esse is fine. Simon is still extraordinarily curious about her, but Abby is not yet curious about Simon. No one is inappropriately peeing, all are being normal, and seem to have realized that there is room for one more with no lack for them.

The home I had lined up for this sweet girl fell through - she was going to declaw Abby, and still allow her to be an indoor/outdoor cat. Nope, I can't do that. But there is *another* stray that is already declawed, so hopefully he's in good health and I can trap him and get him a furrever home (since he's already declawed, I don't have to worry about that, you know?) I'll find out about that next week.

Abby is a doll. Simply a doll. She loves to get her belly rubbed, and will roll over and pull you to her belly. She lays her head in your hand and just purrs...She's eating well, using the box perfectly, and is just a sweetheart. She's still kind of antsy and edgy, but it's only been a week, and this is better than I had hoped for. She's tall and skinny, but hopefully she will put on some weight and not have protruding hip bones; she is, as stated, eating well, so I figure that will happen soon.

I've got a good bunch of cats here; funny, I've always said that as long as they know they're loved and have enough food, these guys will allow anything. I wasn't sure, but now I am; I've got a good bunch.

I will get a cat page up for her, and update the post when that happens (hopefully tomorrow). The shots I took I wasn't happy with, so I will reshoot tomorrow, and get that done, so you all can see this precious, sweet, darling wee one.

Best-
Michele

Excellent stuff, Michele!!

It all sounds great! So happy for all of them, and for you.

Updating quickly...

Abby is doing wonderfully. She has adopted my friend, and when she is gone on the weekends, just behaves so forlornly. It's adorable. Abby has a turbo motor; if you look at her, she wants lovin' and her purr starts going. She eats well, and in the kitchen with the other cats. She uses the box and is just handling everything well. She's had to make nice with 5 different cats, all with very different behaviors and mannerisms, but she's done so well.

Abby is, however, a clutz. She falls often and with great clumsy-ness. She'll be laying on the sofa and stretch out - and fall off. Or on the camp cot that my friend sleeps on, she'll be rubbing her head on Dee's hand, and fall off it. She's fallen off the coffee table, done somersaults off the cat-tube (a small cat condo, one floor), tripped while walking. I called the vet, and asked him if I needed to bring her in for a work-up, but he said no...she's just likely younger than we'd thought, and is going through the clumsy stage. Or, she hasn't had all the time to play that she's needed, since this occurs mostly when she's playing or lovin, and she'll grow out of it.

There isn't too much growling anymore, and I haven't heard a yowl in weeks; usually only when Abby feels threatened. Like last night; Pengy at the window under the dining table, Esse laying next to my work chair, Simon in my lap, Pie on a chair at the dining table, and Charlotte walking through the kitchen towards all of us. Abby growled a bit, and then got all involved playing with a catnip toy (which I've had for years, there's not a shred of catnip left, I'm sure), and me tossing string for Pengy.

It's all goody in the cat-hoody. I've had to make adjustments for the 6 of them, but it's all good...and they're all good. And life is good...at least in the feline aspects of things.

I tried to take some shots but I can't seem to get them small enough to post up. I'll keep working on it...and actually, as I think of it, I need cat pages for most of my guys...

Best-
Michele

Good to see you Michele! I'm so glad to hear that Abby is acclimating so well, and the rest of your crew too.

And is that a reference to PLAYING with Pengy?!?! Do tell!!!

Awwww... I'm so glad to hear that Abby is settling in well, and everyone is getting along for the most part!

Originally Posted by valanhb

Good to see you Michele! I'm so glad to hear that Abby is acclimating so well, and the rest of your crew too.

And is that a reference to PLAYING with Pengy?!?! Do tell!!!

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Heidi, check out the Pengy thread...you're gonna love it!

Originally Posted by noni

Updating quickly...
Abby is doing wonderfully. She has adopted my friend, and when she is gone on the weekends, just behaves so forlornly. It's adorable.

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Congratulations!!! ....this a great good new! thanks with share with us!!!...

Awww poor baby!!!! That is soo great you finally got her!!! She must have been soo scared! I hope you decide to keep her, it sounds like she already has a place in your heart and home

Originally Posted by laureen227

i hope you can keep her - she needs a wonderful companion like you to make up for that horrible person!

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The way she behaved as soon as you made contact with her makes you her human.

found it!!! (and this started a couple of months back? eek!)

wow Michele, you sure are an angel. How wonderful of you to take Abby in. It sure does sound like everything is going marvellously

we sure would LOVE to see some pics - let me know if you need some help making them smaller....

welcome Abby

Michele, thank you so much for showing Abby such love and kindness. It sounds like she's been thriving under your wonderful care.

This is a lovely story even though I'm not up to date on the Pengy thread or the friend story. I'm looking forward to knowing more and seeing Abby's pics.

Maybe some pics of the rest of the group, too?