This is so true!!!! Sometimes it's personality and you can work around that... Sabrina came from the home of an elderly woman. Moving into a home with a dog, a bossy calico, a ADHD boy and a 3 year old girl was just too much sensory input for her and she hid under the bed most of the time. I had to make quiet time for her. When she had her first stroke I think she forgot she was afraid and socialized more.

Joey came from the local shelter and is a bit neurotic... he was electrocuted about 5 years ago (Chewing on the vaccume cleaned cord). I can't remember if he was weird befor this happened. The scars on his chin are starting to fade. If someone addopted him today the would think he was abused by the way he acts but he wasn't.

Get to know them and their personalitls. Accept them and love them for who they are.

Don't get me wrong, we love Petunia for who she is and understand she is never going to be an overly affectionate cat. I just want her to feel more comfortable and secure in her home. She was found on the streets, and I feel like she is never sure if this is a temporary or permanet thing. I just want her to feel comfortable and welcome in our/her home. I want her to know that she can come to us for affection if she desires, and that we are here to protect her and make her happy. I just want her to know we are not going to hurt her and she is welcome to be in any part of the house. We just need her to start believing she is our forever kitty.

I also was looking at old photos and saw that before Willow she actually use to come around more, so I am making sure she realizes she is still an important member of the family, and work on spending time and playing with just her.

I'm sorry I "race read" all the post at the end of my morning break and missed your post about the positive changes that have occured. "operation Bond with Petunia" How sweet is that

Good News on the Petunia front....

We have seen some great changes in Petunia in the last few weeks. She has started coming around us more. She even cuddle up in bed the other night?!! She has never done that. She comes around in the morning when we are getting ready to be pet and loved.

But, the best thing to happen has been the purchase of the Cat Fishing rod toy. http://www.bamboopet.com/products/detai ... /10/824111



We found it on super sale $7 instead of $30 and picked it up. I don't know what it is about this sily toy, but our cats love it, Petunia included. I think it has made such a huge change in her already. At first she was scared of the noise the mouse made hitting the floor, but now she hears the mouse hit the floor and comes running from upstairs to play. Somehow my two kitties have figured out a way to play together with this toy, and it has allowed us to engage Petunia in play again, at a level of greater comfort for her. Us humans are father away with this toy, and she is gaining comfort and confidence. It is so awesome to see. Last night Petunia sat and stared at my Fiance until he played fishing with her. And then she spent the whole evening downstairs with us, she never does that.

So yeah!