It was three weeks yesterday that Gus moved in (I can’t believe it either!). He quarantined himself in a closet for three days. Then preferred staying in the cat room for another week.
By then he had an eye infection that required a vet visit. I hate taking a new cat to the vet. You are trying to gain trust so you jam them into a carrier, cart them off to a strange and funny smelling place and then put drops in their eyes for a week. Not a warm fuzzy beginning.
He took his time coming out. Gracie spent a lot of time with him and Morgan too. Sasha not so much. She gave him stink eye and the occasional sneer. She blocked doorways so he’d have to jump over her like a quarter horse at the Kentucky Derby. She tried to steal his food and his beloved treats. Gracie whopped Sasha on the head to bring her in line. I find that amusing as Gracie is 8 pounds and Sasha is 12. You always want Gracie in your corner!
When I gave the drops, I followed up with treats, a well-deserved reward. Somehow that translated into all the cats except Gracie who doesn’t like treats, thinking they deserved some too.
When I pulled out the meds, Morgan and Sasha appeared out of the woodwork and Gus tried to blend into the woodwork. It’s over now except for the weaning off of the treats.
Gus, like his friend Gracie, is quirky. This is his first time in a house. He did a three-year stint in a rescue. He won’t walk on the carpeting on the stairs but walks down the 3 inches of wood on each side of the carpeting. He likes cat grass more than catnip. Maybe it’s the novelty.
We’re teaching him how to play with toys. He watches but takes time to engage.
He lived in one room so the concept of multiple rooms amazes him, as did furniture, soft cushy furniture. It didn’t take him long to realize a bed was prime real estate. He hasn’t realized that hiding under it makes it hard to medicate him.
I don’t think he’s been down to the basement yet. He finally stepped into the screened porch on Wednesday. He was tentative. Thursday morning he was not. He was running laps to show a pesky squirrel that he meant business. That resulted in a very long afternoon nap in his yurt.
He likes yurts. He barely fits in them but he feels safe. They didn’t have yurts at the rescue but they had hidey holes. Sometimes I wish I had a hidey hole.
Three weeks down, a lifetime to go. Welcome Gus!
That sweet boy. It breaks my heart that he was in the shelter for so long.
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I don’t know why. He’s good looking and very laid back. A perfect pet.
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I will never understand!!!
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Sometimes I wonder if this rescue didn’t promote him enough when he was young and more adoptable. It’s “supposed” to be one of the areas best but that was 30 years ago. They worry so much about whether adopters are worthy that they miss the boat. I’ve had cats for over 50 years and I got two lectures from women my junior in both age and experience. I doubt I would go there again and unfortunately that’s not good for their animals.
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I have come to the conclusion that every rescue is seriously flawed because of 1) the people and 2) not enough money. And 2 won’t help with 1. So I guess your shelter is at least bad in the sense that it is erring on the side of extreme caution by having their staff or volunteers go through a “script” even if they can see that the adopter doesn’t need the info. And a lot of people in animal rescue aren’t good at talking to people either. That is why the person that I “followed” from my shelter was in part such a treasure. She definitely knew how to talk to people. You can’t imagine though how many people probably need that canned lecture those girls gave you.
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Maybe but with a lot less attitude. You don’t endear yourself to anyone when you scold.
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You could try sending a letter to the board of directors, if they have one, with a copy to the shelter director.
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I did give feedback but not sure if it got anywhere. I had asked for two things — weight and nails clipped before I got him. They had to sedate to put the chip in so I thought it would be easy. I did’t get either. His nails were daggers when I picked him. He scraped one of the helpers bad while getting put in a carrier. The response was, “Oh, the vet must have forgotten.” Seriously? I believe they didn’t ask.
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Are they staff or volunteers? My old shelter never did nails that I can recall. So weird that Gus sat there for all that time with no chip! Usually they neuter them right away and put the chip in. Now you are making me curious about the chip going in on the other cats. I don’t recall hearing about sedation. Hmm.
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I think there are staff and volunteers. I thought it weird that he didn’t have a chip too. He can get very upset at the vet’s office (they told me this but I didn’t experience it when I had to take him in for his eye infection) and they couldn’t chip him without sedation. I was also annoyed that they didn’t tell me he had other eye infections. It would have helped me when it happened. When I adopted Morgan, my oldest one-eyed cat, I received her complete medical records with her eye issues, medications given and eventual eye removal. I didn’t get that with Gracie. Any extra info you get helps. All the other cats came with their nails clipped. Gus was very skittish at first but he did let me clip his nails.
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It sure helps to have clipped nails. Good boy, Gus! He sounds like he got a bad rap at the shelter!
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They have 385 cats. Perhaps too many.
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HOLY COW!!!!! That is an insane number!
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Yup!
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Wowsa.
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About Gus being there too long. That is what I found when I started at the shelter, too. Cats who were there too long and not being promoted. Two of those are still living at my house HAHAHAHA.
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You have “sucker” tattooed on your forehead too! 🙂
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As do you ahaha!
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and proud of it! 🙂
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And rightfully so!
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I just want to hug him to bits 💕
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He doesn’t like to be held although he’d lay on your lap!
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Not many cats do like to be held, but how nice for you that he’s affectionate and wants to be close!
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Cats! Always on their own terms!
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It’s funny how cats deal with environments. Won’t walk on carpet. But if he’s overcome the distrust of the screen porch, he’s good. No matter the added problems ( and rising treat bills). watching Gus learn to be himself has to be fun.
Go, Gus, go!
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Last night I started going up the steps. A lot of times one of the cats races me. This time it was him. He sprinted up the carpet, lost his footing and slid down three steps. Didn’t faze him at all. He got up and beat me to the top. We still don’t think he’s gone down to the basement yet. We have a cat door (always open — no flap) that he has to go through. The bigger litter box is down there although we have one upstairs too.
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Never been in a home, how sad! I’m glad he has your home to blossom in!
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He’s been blossoming all right!
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Aww, sweet Gus is coming out of this shell a little at a time. I take it his eye is better? Sounds like Sasha doesn’t like that she’s no longer the new kid on the block.
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His eye is better. Sasha is better too. When Mollie passed, Sasha took the banner of alpha cat and diva queen. She wants him to know that. At this point, she isn’t growly or hissy anymore but will sit in his way just to be annoying.
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You had me at the name Gus! I’ll assume your husband is happy to have another man in the house. All the best to Gus, who doesn’t even know he hit the jackpot moving into your home.
Ps. If you find a human hidey hole, please share the details.
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I have a walk in closet and when I need a good cry, that’s my hidey hole. It’s private but not near as comfy as Gus’s.
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Gus is a very handsome boy. I’d say that he is doing very well for being their just three weeks. I look forward to following his story (and to him writing his own post)! 😀
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He is laying on the floor next to me wondering when he will be able to take control of the blog. He has stories to tell.
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Such a handsome boy! It sounds like he is settling in really well 🙂 A few hiccups are normal with integrating a new cat into an existing herd.
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He’s a good cat too. I was lucky…again.
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As I said before, Gus hit the jackpot being adopted into your home. So good to see that he is settling in nicely.
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Me too. He has been easy except for the eye infection.
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Hi, Janis – Did you ever tell Kate that if you were to be reincarnated into any animal of your choice – you’d choose to be one of her cats?
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Sometimes I feel like that too!
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I can’t believe that Sasha was a bit of a toot! But at least she wasn’t attacking, so I guess that was good. I’m proud of Gracie being more welcoming and accepting. A stranger in an alien situation needs all the help he can get! I guess it will take a while to get used to carpet, etc. River was a bit freaked out when she left the farm and came to our house, but homemade food started to win her over. I had to pick her up and put her on the big bed with us to sleep the first night. By the second night, she jumped up on her own — all resistance to the new place dissolved! It sounds like Gus has stopped resisting and is just simply adapting – because your home beats the shelter any day!
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We often laugh and say to each other, “So do you think he likes it here?” He is sleeping in one of his favorite spots, all cushy and happy. I worried more about Gracie. When I adopted her, she had a ginger sibling that she did not get along with. As it turns out, she loved him right off the bat. Sasha was the tool. She hasn’t hissed or growled in several days but she will still lay in a doorway that he has to go through although she won’t do anything else. He will jump over her. He has a very laid back personality. Almost a bit timid but some of that may go away.
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I appreciate the fact that Gus won’t let Sasha intimidate him!
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I think the lady at Gus’s home has a gift for integrating cats with very little fuss. She must have a calmness about her that allows the cats to just be. The pictures tell the story… contented cats. I am glad all is going well, Kate. I am happy this handsome ginger boy found a home with the Sassy Cats. It will be interesting to see what approach Gus has to mousies!
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That will be interesting. Morgan has mostly deferred to Sasha. Gracie’s vision was never good enough to be quick enough. We’ll see how he does. I’m sure nature will toss a few mousies in our house this fall.
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Hi, Gus! Love your yurt. Very cool. You’ll be training your new humans in no time!
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Gus: This is a good gig. I know how to get treats and I can go anywhere I want. Three cute chick cats. What else does a mancat need?
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Wow! You have it made. Life can be good, right? I’m jealous.
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Awww, you have a great gig too! Maybe except for that bro of yours.
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Ain’t it the truth!
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Gus fits right in, even if he is the thorn amongst the roses at your house. I’m glad he tried the screened-in porch since there are only a few more months left to enjoy it – looks like he made the best of it (poor squirrel). I like this line: “She blocked doorways so he’d have to jump over her like a quarter horse at the Kentucky Derby.” Ha ha … guess Gus has been initiated!
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Sasha can be annoying at times. He did fit right in. I was worried that something in the porch scared him but I think it was just overstimulation. Too much new. He’s doing fine now.
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That is great news … it was interesting about the carpet and only walking on the wood. I meant to mention that last night … lots of new experiences, so you’re lucky it was easy to fit in and be part of the gang.
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It was important that he like other cats. Some of them don’t.
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I am so happy for Gus . I didn’t realize he had been at the shelter for such a long time. so sad.
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It is sad. They have 365 cats at this particular shelter and they are mostly older cats that will most likely spend the rest of their days there. The youngest cat I saw was one.
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So glad he’s settling in and Gracie is keeping Sasha in line! He’s a handsome boy.
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And very like-able!
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great stuff!!
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I enjoyed reading how the cats are treating each other. Gus had an uphill start, but it sounds like he has made great progress. He is so lucky to be in your home.
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He has made progress. We are lucky to have him. He’s an easy cat.
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That’s marvelous!
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Wow, he really seems to be settling in. Well done, Gus! You know you hit the kitty lotto, right? Yurts and treats should outweigh any short term medication. Enjoy that snooze spot on the bed. Cushy furniture is the best when you’re a beloved pet. 😺
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He seems to enjoy being a pampered pet. Even Sasha has softened. He was afraid of her at the beginning. She can be a real diva.
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It always takes time for everyone to get used to the new visitor. Sam kept looking at me like I’d murdered his baby brother when Elsa came to live with me but became her best bud and taught her how to be a dog. She treated him much better than she ever has with Norman. 😬
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Maybe she doesn’t like the English accent?
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Hahaha! She doesn’t like sharing me mostly.
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Gus is beautiful and my guess is he already loves his new home.
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He seems to like the freedom and the space. Open windows and a porch all to smell the great outdoors!
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Well done, Kate . . . and Kitty Crew!
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Other than the eye infection, it was easy. He took it slower than I’ve seen before but that’s ok. Last I saw he and Sasha were on the bed together.
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Sweet!
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So cute
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He’s developing a personality. At first he was just scared.
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That’s good. It always takes time rescuing a pet
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Sounds like he is getting more comfortable with his new home and pals.
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He is. He loves other cats and that’s one of the reasons I adopted him. It’s just been a slow process. He’s older so more cautious.
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I love hearing about Gus acclimating. It’s funny that Gracie has taken over head whomping, too.
Great photos.
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Gracie took a shine to him right off the bat. Even when he was isolated she would cry to go in and sit with him. It’s almost like he’s her baby (he’s 13 lbs.). She keeps an eye on him. Maybe she can feel his uncertainty. She has always whopped Sasha when she gets to be too much. Sasha can be over the top sometimes. I am grateful they get along. All of them.
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Sounds like he is doing wonderfully with his massively expanded world! He is so lucky to have gotten a home with you and your crew. And you finally have your orange kitty!
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Definitely a win-win!
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I’m happy Gus is feeling right at home.
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Me too. He can still be skittish but it’s getting so much better.
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That’s good to hear, Kate. Enjoy your weekend.
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Well since I have an obvious soft spot in my heart for gingers I have to say how very handsome Gus is – it sounds like he’s doing VERY VERY well adjusting and so are the other critters around the house. He’s a very lucky boy to have found his “forever” with you.
Hugs, Pam
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Sasha is getting much better and I have no doubt they will be best buddies. Sasha may worry about being in charge but she still likes to play with her roomies.
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oh welcome gus, so nice to meet you! we send lots of potp for your eyes and we hope you will love your new life… you found the purrfect home!!!
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Gus: Thanks! The snacks are good and the porch is purrfect!
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