[I've talked a lot about Clarissa, Spencer, Wendy, and Olivia, but seem to leave out Isabel -- so time to make up for that!!!]
Ever since Maggie left us, Isabel has been very different. It's not that she missed Maggie -- they got along but weren't close -- it's that she's much more friendly. Or maybe it's because I'm noticing more.
In fact she WANTS to be petted and she slept on my head last night.
I would have fainted but I was already laying down! This is huge for her.
Isabel came to me from the LA County animal shelter in Lancaster. This shelter has the highest kill rate of all the LA Co. shelters. She was dumped at the shelter by her owners along with another cat. When I got her, she was under 5 lbs (she's now 8), matted, and with a severe URI that turned out to be pneumonia. There was a debate at the shelter whether or not they would let me have her, because of her condition. Finally they did and she came home. I honestly remember little about the shelter and the discussions other than Isabel being in my arms and shaking with fear from head to tail -- she was NOT going to stay there!!
For the first 2 months, she lived under the foot of our bed, except when I pulled her out to medicate her, force feed her, and cut 1-2 mats out. She would run, slink, dive under there when we came in. She did not want to be held, petted, or even touched, especially around the head. Even looking at her caused her to panic at times. ANY loud noise would get her trembling in fear. Our theory is the couple's young son (the kid with the allergies supposedly) scared her by hitting her and/or shouting.
Eventually, as in 6-8 months later, she would let me groom her some, while growling and chewing on me a bit. (Okay, more than a bit at times.
) She still hated to be held or petted. Then Maggie was moved into the bedroom and Isabel took an interest in what we were doing with Maggie -- all the petting, holding, etc. Isabel started to not fight the grooming and allowed brief petting.
So, now, Maggie has been gone 6 weeks, and Isabel is an affection hog. She lets me hug her, lay my head on her -- all while purring.
Last night, I picked up the comb, turned around, and there was Isabel waiting for me. I sat on the floor, picked her up and put her in my lap, and combed her. I can use both hands on her since I don't have to hold her -- she just sits and purrs/growls. (Yes, she alternates purring with growling.
) Only when I comb her tail does she protest with a real growl. I go comb another cat or two and come back to the bedroom. She gets up from the bed and walks over to me and rubs against me to be petted. After her treats, we climb into bed. She usually sleeps on the floor on my side, but she sat there and stared at me, so I picked her up. She climbs out of my arms and plops down on my pillow and goes to sleep. I snuggle my head to her butt and she purred me to sleep.
I don't know where the "don't touch me at all" Isabel has gone, but I sure do love this new version!!!
There's two reasons I wanted to share all this.
-- First, to brag about her and how far she has come. She's First Princess! She seems so much happier and contented now that she isn't afraid of everything. (And I'm in tears of joy for her.
)
-- Second, to let others, especially Paola, know that just because a cat is aloof and/or fearful when you get him, with love and patience, things can turn around. Yes, it may take 1-2 years, but it can happen.
FAQ
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Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2012 6:39 pm
