Jimmy is home!!

Well, Jimmy has discovered the joys of windows and the sounds of the woods....... I opened him a window today that goes out to the woods so he could hear the birds and outside noises and he loved it! The way my house is arranged, it is like a second story window because the house sits over a basement. He has been running across the bed from window to window looking out. He is enjoying sitting on the window sill and I am thrilled by this. Let me add one thing. I have cracked him a window before but he did not explore it. Today was the first time and I am not opening it all the way. Just 4" or so. Don't want to take chances with the screen since it's new to him. But he loves looking out and listening to things.

And today when I was in the room, he 'darted past me' brushing my leg as he went by on his way to the window sill. Isn't that cool?

He is not coming up to me but he is traveling the area of the room with me in it with him. Finally........... Still not eating much but that will happen. He is still still drinking and tinkling...

Tomorrow I'm trying bacon and eggs and try to bribe him with that. He did not like [or eat] his tuna or cottage cheese. I did get him to lick cottage cheese off his lip. I tried to feed him with a spoon while he was laying down. It got on his lip and he licked it off. hehe

Iams is last resort since I have tons of cat chow. And I do think he is eating very very small amts of cat chow or there would not be small amts of poop in his litter. He tinkles about 2-3 times a day...

When he is laying down, I can touch him all over. He even lets me rub his tail. I have scratched him under the chin but he has not purred for me yet and he does not raise his chin like most cats. He is not comfortable enough yet. That will come. As long as he is in a cubby hole, I can pet him however I want and he is fine but not when he is out in the open. He needs that cubby hole safety net. I have him several spots round the room fixed for beds. Under a dresser I made him a pad. He has a box with a pad in it. He has my husbands suitcase with the socks and he has his crate with towels in it. And he has another box. The mattress and box springs sit on the floor in there as we don't really sleep in there on a reg basis so he can't get under the bed. But it scooted out so he can get behind it if he wants.

Tink, Dovey, Angie and Cookie, which are the youngest, have all been in there with him. I am not leaving them in there without me because I don't them to scare Jimmy. I am not worried about him hurting them but I don't want them to scare him to bad. Tink and Cookie are fine. Dovey and Angie can be a little cranky and possessive of things. Dovey, is she thinks she has a bluff on someone, will just keep hissing and I don't want her to do that to Jimmy. She is a little small boned thing with a big attitude. Tink is just sweet. Very loving little cat. Angie is also sweet and Cookie is very passive. Tink and cookie are best friends and I feel Jimmy will like them very much one day. They are the mad house dashers and I can't wait till he starts dashing with them......

But Jimmy seems better this afternoon. I do think he was depressed [like eileen said] when I got him. His eyes are bright and big right now and and he is actually checking things out in his room instead of merely hiding now. The food issue will probably change now. But he seems more lively today. He is displaying an interest in his surrounding. Thank goodness. I do think he wants to belong to someone but he is just not sure. He is very different than Star. Star will probably never be 'tame'. She will always live with me but I doubt she will ever approach me. But I can see Jimmy fitting in like the other cats. Don't get me wrong. Star fits in but she is and will always be ...feral.... She was a wild kitty too long. I could be wrong but we'll just have to see. But Jimmy is calmer than Star has ever been. He is the cutest thing.

He is relaxing with me and with my husband and with the cats he has met so far.

I have not introduced him to Cleo [Patty] or Kissy [cept when she snuck to get steak] or Socks [very dominate] or either of the other males. And Star is in her own world in the house. She would not follow me in there. Turtle has not met him yet either. Right now I am just sticking with the young ones so he can find a buddy. Mama kitty will be introduced to him tomorrow. She is a mellow fat cat who he might like. She is not dominate or anything. She purrs constantly.

But Jimmy is coming along and I am so pleased..... He is going to be a good cat. A very good cat. I think all Jimmy has needed was one on one with a person. He is not trusting yet but he is MUCH more relaxed today.

JIMMY...JIMMY... JIMMY...JIMMY...

Jenn

Uh oh, when I read that part about how much Jimmy's enjoying his views from the window, it was another kleenex moment. He seems to be settling in so well, Jenn, considering it's been less than a week. Sounds like he's really responding to the one-on-one attention you're able to give him. He didn't get nearly enough of that in his foster home because there were so many other cats to care for. I think you're right that he wants be somebody's cat. I picked up on that when he was kitten. It's like he wants the human interaction, but isn't quite sure how to accept it. It's very encouraging that he's out exploring his surroundings more and more. That's definitely a sign he's feeling more comfortable.

I cooked him a scrambled egg with chedder cheese and two pieces of bacon this morning. He was resting in the crate when I took it to him. He changes cubby holes all the time. I hope the smell of the bacon runs right through his bones and he can't stand it.. I want him to eat a big meal so bad. I leave him alone to eat. I'll check on him here in a bit and see if he ate some and I'll post another update.

And he does seem to be settling in eileen. He really does. He is still leery and doesn't approach me but he will. Also this morning, when I scratched him under the chin, he raised it before he thought about it because it felt good. When I did it a second time, he kept his chin down. It was like he remembered "Oh, I'm not supposed to like that"... hehe But he really does.

He is getting used to my touch now. And I love it that he is exploring. And I am also tickled pink that he is looking out of a window... It is a stimulant for him and he needs that. The birds sing outside that window all the time. And it's possible he can see deer. They run through the yard all the time. And he can also see the squirrels. So the windows are drawing him big time.

I can't believe it's only been 5 days. wow..... He has actually made a lot of progress in that time. He has quite a ways to go but he is moving along.

He probably wonders "what the heck is all these different little saucers sitting around?".... Each saucer has a different item.... I sat his bacon inside the crate. Yumm............

My cats are rotten. If I cook, they are convinced it is for them. Jimmy will beg one day as well. Even star stand 10 feet or so from me when I cook. She knows and one day Jimmy will as well. I am still ignoring her however...

I'll let you know how the bacon plan goes...... I'll update on that before I leave. I am going to finish mudding my new kitchen walls today so Jimmy will have a quiet day in his room.

Jenn

Well, Jimmy got to truly meet two kitties yesterday. I left tink and cookie in there with him for most of the night. I just woke up and it's 2:29 am and I just let them out of the room.

Also yesterday he ate a couple little bites of bacon. Thank god.... This food thing was worrying me.

As far as Tink and Cookie, they all did great. I think Jimmy liked them in there. He normally hides back in a corner of a cubbyhole. He was up front wide eyed while ago. Tink and Cookie are the nighly mad dashers so Jimmy probably had fun watchig them. They are little and a little less than a year old. Since he likes young cats, I figure he will like these two.

Jenn

I've been reading your thread Jenn and it seems Jimmy is coming right along.......your doing a great job!

I think Jimmy understands that he can go at his own pace at your house, and that is helping him feel safe. I am so happy you have taken him in. Have you tried Kentucky Fried Chicken yet?!? It seems like they all love that!

Here's Jimmy!!


He was hding in the house from the dogs who were running around. They are outside now. Look at those ears. You can tell he is mad. His door has been open for several days now and he has been finding all sorts of places in the house. There are absolutely no problems with him and the other cats and dogs. Muffin the dauchaund loves cat food so I have to make her leave Jimmy's bowl alone. But he's a big guy and he has decided Purina Cat Chow taste good. He is finally eating good....... Which is a relief. Since he has been running around the house now, I haven't petted him. He is still just exploring. The laundry room is the 'big hangout' for the other cats too. He must know that because he is in there as well.

Jenn

He does look a little ticked doesn't he Jenn?? Glad to hear all else is going well. He looks so much like my Petals. Wouldn't they have had beautious kittens?

Poor guy does look pretty stressed out, but he can handle it. Thanks for picture, Jenn. Jimmy looks great otherwise. Sounds like he's making progress in his new home. I still miss him, though!

Ahhh...I love Jimmy's picture.

Here is another picture of Jimmy sleeping. He was in the laundry room but not on the washing machine. This is probably a few hrs AFTER the picture on the washing machine. He fell asleep in the window watching the dogs. Making sure they stay outside. I tiptoed in there and snapped his picture waking him. He actually stayed in there and has not went back to the bedroom.

While he was on the washer he ate hamburger meat in a saucer. He is the only one who has ever ate on top of the washing machine. He stayed there through two loads of washing and drying today. It is a stackable so he got the full benefit of both. The rocking motion might have made him drowsy... He was very sleepy in these pictures.

Oh how sweet. Jimmy is beginning to trust his new home & Mommy.

Those are sweet pictures, Jenn. Gotta give Jimmy credit - he knows the comfy places to sleep. I'm so glad he's feeling at home!

I also think Yellow is going to be his friend. I have a picture I will upload tomorrow morning of Jimmy still on the window sill and Yellow sitting beside him.

Yellow likes him. And actually I think all the cats do. They have not followed him in curiosity or animosity. They are just taking him in stride.

Since Jimmy is exploring around the house now, he is more distant. It's going to take him time to really adjust to our life here. But he has made definite progress. The fact that he is able to move through the house with me in it as well is wonderful.

I don't know why all the cats love the laundry room. We are living in this little rent house and the laundry room used to be a porch and it is not as comfortable as other areas of the house, but the cats love hanging out in there. It might be because it is bright. I keep an old wooden ironing board in front of one of the windows covered in a blanket or a big towel so they can rest there and they adore it. Jimmy does too........

He stayed in the window till about 7 tonight and then went back to the bedroom and got in his crate and is asleep now for the night. He stays in there as far as I know during the night. Probably because the dogs are loose in here at night. He does not feel comfortable with them loose in the house yet but they just ignore him when he darts through. It's funny.

He'll get used to them. It took Star a while as well to get used to them as two of them are big and clumsy but they are very non agressive to the cats. I have introduced Cookie, Tink, Star and Socks to the dogs and it all worked. Jimmy will be the same. He is just adjusting in many ways right now. New cats, new home, new people and windows....... It's all an adventure and he will grow to love it.

Also, since he is loose in the house now, he doesn't want me bothering him with petting. So I am just leaving him be and talking to him when I see him. I don't want to pressure him. I am just thrilled he is moving through the house.

The only room he has not been in is our bedroom. It took Star months before she went in there....

Jenn

p.s. I did pet Jimmy when he was on the sill today. He actually let me. He was not sure of it but it was ok. I figured he would dart to the bedroom but he didn't. That was the first time I have petted him 'out of his crate or hidy hole'. He was in the open so that is a good sign as well. And Eileen, the crate you sent Jimmy in, well that is his bed. He sleeps in there during the night. I have the door off so he can come and go and that has become his den. Thank you! He feels safe in there. I have it facing away from the door to the room so he feels comfortable in it and he thinks with it facing away that no one can see him. I have it covered as well with a towel. I keep his food and water in front of the door. So, in the future, when I take him to the vet, he knows his crate. It will be easy to crate him for the vet and I am very glad of that. I love the fact he loves his crate and enjoys it.

He might come out tonight however because I have the gate to the laundry room shut with the dogs in those two rooms. I shampooed the carpet today and it is not dry yet. The only dog able to fit through the gate is Muffin. The big dogs are back there and Jimmy knows when they are back there. I think he is used to Muffin who also darts around because he has been in his crate many times with her standing at the door of it eating his food. She is a riot. She thinks she is a cat. But anyway, it will be interesting to see what develops tonight with the big dogs put up. If I can stay awake that is....... Probably not..... I'm tired now and watching CSI..

Nite all.........

I went ahead and got the two pictures of Jimmy and Yellow. By the way, I even added a large towel over the blanket while Jiimy was laying there and he did not move. I had to pick Yellow up to put it under him. Jimmy was just laying there watching. But Yellow is picky about his cats but somehow or other he likes Jimmy. He would not sit there if he didn't.. That is ultra cool!!!




Yellow took him a nap there as well. I'll get a picture of that next time. Him and Jimmy just lay there resting..... Yellow is strickly an inside kitty right now till we move. All the others come and go in and out.. Star is outside tonight as well. Today I let her out for the first time in two weeks. She kept meowing at me to go out. It is hard to ignore her when she meows..... So she is on the porch chasing nats and moths jumping around. She will probalby stay out all night. Mama Kitty is out there with her somewhere.

Now............nite......
Jenn

Unbelievable. Star just meowed at the door and came in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I guess ignoring her has helped her. She wanted in and came right in the door......

Wow, Jenn, it's great that you were able to pet Jimmy while he was out in the open. He's definitely beginning to trust you. I think giving him the time and space he needs is exactly the right approach. I love the pictures of him and Yellow, who's a beautiful cat. I'm so glad Jimmy is finding some buddies among your cats. He'll get used to the dogs eventually too. I suspect any experiences he had with dogs in the neighborhood where we trapped him, might have been pretty negative. He was just a kitten then.
Thanks for the updates and pictures. It's reassuring to know that our big guy is in such a good place.

It looks like Yellow kitty has taken to watching over Jimmy.
What heart warming pictures.

More news. In Jimmy's bedroom, I keep my computer disks in there.......software and stuff. Well, today I was rumaging through stuff looking for a disk and Jimmy left his crate and went in the other part of the house. I had the dogs blocked in the laundry area with their gate shut. There are two rooms in the laundry area. One has litter, a huge dog crate and dog food and water. The other room has the washer dryer and stuff like that.

Jimmy walked right through the gate slats, past the dogs, and went in the back part of the laundry room and got on the ironing board. As you recall, the gate has slats approx 6" or so apart so the cats and the dauchaund can travel through there. I keep the litter boxes back there and the dog food and water. And the big dogs can see what is happening in the house with the slats. And that way the cats have access to their litter boxes so I don't have to worry. Jimmy went right through the slats like the rest of the cats........

Maybe he is like the rest of the cats......... I have some cats that LOVE to eat dog food... Expecially Mama, Toe and Yellow. Jimmy might end up being like them. They love pedigree dog food. Don't get me worng. They eat cat food too, but when I fill the dogs pan up, they come running..... I'll have to get a picture of them all eating together.

But I couldn'' believe it about Jimmy walking right through there!!!!

I was absolutely shocked. I had the light out back there and the light switch to that room is unreachable unless I walk back there so I took the flashlight and there was Jimmy...... Sitting there chilling with the dogs 10' away.. He doesn't feel threatened by them.......

wow.............. I guess I don't have to worry about Jimmy and the dogs now. I had been keeping them in those two rooms so Jimmy would feel free to explore things but if he is walking through the gate back there, there is no reason to keep them back there any more. Which is cool.........

One more thing. Jimmy was not darting either. He was walking fast but not darting. There is a difference........ Ye Haw........

Jenn