Homer's Odyssey Part 2 - The Accidental Smallholder

Posted: Saturday 24 April, 2004

by Rosemary at 7:19pm in Cats 1 comment Comments closed

Homer's journey to becoming a full member of the family continues. Physically he looks really well - his coat is black and glossy and he's probably about optimum weight. Mentally and emotionally, he's making progress, too.

Firstly, he now acknowledges his name and will come when you call him (usually). Secondly, he's much less nervous around us. He rarely starts away now if approached, he's happy to be brushed and we can stroke him with two hands at the same time (this used to freak him out). Thirdly, he is treating the dogs with the same disdain as Copper and Cassius do. He now comes out of his room when the dogs are around, particularly at feeding time. He's also chased Tess, who's back at bottom spot in the heirarchy. Finally, he started getting out and about right through the house - on windowsills, the settees and the chest of drawers in the kitchen, which is one of Cass's spots.

His progress has probably been helped by the fact that Cass has been lame for about 10 days. He's been to the vet twice but she can't find any injury. In fact, he'd been going around on three legs for a few days but when Dan took him to the vet, he sauntered out of the box sound as a bell. Anyway, he's been on house rest for a week, stir crazy. But his inability to whack the other animals seems to have reinforced Homer's confidence.

Homer still has a way to go, though. He likes to sit on the windowsill, and to look out of the french doors and through the cat flap. But if you open the door, he retreats pdq. During a grooming session this morning, I gently tried to lift him - no way! He skedaddled. So, progress but not there yet. It's lovely to see him coming on though.

If you're thinking about getting a cat, do consider homing an older cat. They have a lot to offer, and, generally, they don't run up the curtains! Try contacting Cats Protection League