Monday, March 19, 2018

full integration happens

Last week I was in Tennessee working and enjoying the spring-like weather! The sun and coating of snow was beautiful.

Now that I live in New Hampshire, I can use the nearby municipal airport that is like 10-minutes from my apartment. Getting out of this very small airport didn't go so well due to the ice but I was able to return there. It involved getting on this tiny little prop plane in Boston! There are 8 passenger seats total.


I sat behind the empty co-pilot seat, so I had a great view of the pilot as she worked the controls. The plane was pretty bouncy in the air currents, it felt like we were floating above the earth. I usually would have been terrified, but this time it was actually very fun! I was grateful for my prescription motion sick medicine, because without it, it would have been very bad experience! It was actually so much fun, part of me thought it might be fun someday to learn how to fly.


There is an interesting little placard just to the left of her hand, which states, 
"Warning, To continue flight with an in-operative engine..."


With my ongoing work in Tennessee, I'll have many more opportunities to fly in the tiny plane! Fun times! When I returned home last Friday, it was time to start working on Pierre's integration into the kitty population.

He was the last one to be set free into the general population. He was ready to explore and right from the start, he did marvelous, just like his papa. Go Pierre!


He's super chill about the other cats, but he's wary when the humans are near. I love seeing him explore the space, he walks around with his tail straight up in the air, talking up a storm. He's quite the talker!

Pierre the explorer!


Theo's not thrilled about another cat to contend with in such a tiny space. Six cats is a lot in a 600 sqft apartment! We have two cat trees to help provide more vertical space.


When the sun is shining through the window, Oliver likes warming his belly!


Oliver seems to be feeling much better now.

I wonder how long it will take before it seems normal to see Oliver inside. It still catches me by surprise each time I see him. He's so relaxed and easy going, he loves inside kitty life! I learned something new about him today. When he has to hork, he runs up to a litter box, stands just outside the entrance to the box, hangs his head inside and horks into the litter box! What a very well behaved kitty! I keep finding new ways to adore him more.


Marvin continues to be unhappy and pee everywhere even though we have Feliway all over and give him Rescue Remedy. We've had to start confining him to a cage to keep him from peeing on everything. Laura recently took him to the vet to explore medication options (e.g. Prozac). While at the vet, we discovered some other health problems he's starting to have as a result from his daily steroid treatment for his asthma. So, we are going to cut the steroid back and hope it helps without causing him to many asthma attacks.


It's fun to see Nahum and Theo playing again. They don't have much space to run around here, but they do still have each other.


Rose continues to hide and act traumatized. I think Pierre, a true former feral, might be tamer than poor Rose. She comes out at night when the humans are dormant and does her cat thing. I built her a more comfy place to hide out in the closet, which she took right to.

Lasers to maximum power! Stay away evil human!!!

12 comments:

  1. Rose, you must miss the old homeland you keep hoping you'll wake up there again. But, here you and your siblings are. I hope you make the adjustment because I know it makes your mom and dad sad to see you so unhappy. Oliver, Pierre..I am tickled pink for you! GOOD boys. Marvin, I am sad myself for you. You are having problems that you can't control, sweet boy. I know you would if only you could. I hope the cut back on steroids help. Mom and Dad...hugs to you. Really. You have my total respect for your strength and love of family. BTW I have a pilots license but don't fly any more. I can fly single engine only.Too expensive to fly any more..

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  2. Things seem to be going well. Have you considered trying Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Attract Litter for Marvin? It's a bit expensive but it worked here.

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  3. Sweet news about the integration! So sorry that Marvin is having more health issues. He is a sweet old man!

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  4. Purrs for dear Marvin and we are all so happy about the news of Oliver and Pierre!

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  5. Aww, poor Marvin. Here's hoping you find solutions to each cats's 'issue'!

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  6. marvin....dood....we R sorree yur stressin buddy; therz been a lot goin on we noe....hope stuffz settlin down for ya ~~~~~~~~ st francis' blessignz ~~ ♥♥

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  7. moving is oh so very hard on cats. I think Eli is finally coming to terms with it.

    Sending purrs to Marvin.

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  8. That is amazing about Oliver throwing up in the litter box! It's great that so many are adapting so well. I sure hope Marvin's issues will be resolved with the vet care.

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  9. Have you tried a calming collar or what that upset his asthma. I am impressed that Oliver uses the litter box to throw up, I wish my cats were so thoughtful.

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  10. Plane - no copilot. Warning - what to do if engine fails - Me - yikes!!!
    I'm so glad you made Rose her own space. I've had some shy/pariah cats who did best when they had their own separate space where they felt safe. It is a pain for the humans, but worth it when the cat can relax and feel safe.
    Oliver looks great, and I'm so glad Pierre is with the bunch now - but Marvin! :( I guess your pee-free beginning was too much to hope for. It seems like they are putting all cats on gabapentin for everything these days, including spraying behaviors - talk to the vet about that as well. And - happy spring! Nancy

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  11. Seems like overall it's going well. So glad to read about Pierre. Thanks for keeping us posted.

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