I thought Queequeg was the shy one

[anaisninja]

It's been harder to leave the little guys after I feed them. They've gotten significantly friendlier in the last week; running up to me excitedly when I walk over to feed them (which didn't surprise me), eating while I held the cans, tolerating some petting while they eat. Them following after me and meowing when I go to leave is what's breaking my heart.

I brought the skelly fleece and layed it out on the picnic table last night. Opened up their canned food and called them up to eat. They were okay with the blanket - didn't know if the strange scent or texture would be a deterrent, and it didn't.

It's probably - no, it IS - a really stupid thing to mess with an animal while it's eating - especially a hungry feral one. But feeding is the only time I ever get within reach of Ishmael and Queequeg, so that's what I've been doing. Holding the cans a certain way will let them rub up on my hand, which they don't really mind. With my other hand, I've been very lightly petting just over their spine towards their hindquarters. They look a bit annoyed, but let me do it.

Ishmael was okay with some petting right off, so I thought he'd be the first to come around. But yesterday night, Queequeg finally let me stroke his fur on the back, and didn't run away. He even let me scritch down his spine, and lo - elevator butt!

Arching his back up, Queequeg pressed against my hand and looked up at me. I melted. He rolled into the bend of my arm, grabbed my hand and rubbed his little batface monkeylips all over my fingers. And gave me a good healthy bite. I jumped and squeaked like a hurt kitten, which made him run away. He didn't break the skin, but he was close. Did I blow it?

I felt a soft catface rub on my elbow a moment later, and it was Queequeg. <3 He let me give him rubs, purring that awesome kitten purr that you can feel with your hand, and resonates through the whole kitteh.

I had described what a lap was to them earlier, what I thought would be for future reference when they might actually have a home. When a human offers a lap, I explained, that person is signaling submission and a wish to serve the cat. When the cat gives a lap, they have effectively immobilized the human for their own purposes, namely proper worship. Queequeg took this talk to heart and gave me a lap. <3

Don't think I'm going to have to screw around with a live trap. A thick towel and another set of hands should work fine. Hell, I've left the car door open a few times, they're interested in it when I go in there. Maybe I can open some cans of food, set those on the floor, let the kittehs come in, close the door and drive home.

I've pretty much got clearance to bring them home. Hurricane season is fast approaching. Although Sarasota appears to be charmed in that respect, such young kittehs should not have to live outdoors with all that rain and wind.

Comments

[evamoon.livejournal.com]

So heartwarming!! Good furry friends!

PS. Willie has a bell now an she sends her grumpy love.

[rubibees.livejournal.com]

I had described what a lap was to them earlier, what I thought would be for future reference when they might actually have a home. When a human offers a lap, I explained, that person is signaling submission and a wish to serve the cat. When the cat gives a lap, they have effectively immobilized the human for their own purposes, namely proper worship. Queequeg took this talk to heart and gave me a lap. <3

I love this!!! You are being so kind and respectful, of course they want to come home. Just might not know that yet.

[anaisninja.livejournal.com]

Glad that you like! I've been a faithful cat minion for many years, and hopefully a degree of insight into catliness after that much time. :P

I'm glad that they are acclimating to the indoor with people thing, however slowly it be. =^_^=