Breakthrough!

As I've mentioned, I recently adopted Koala, a four-month-old feral cat.
He needed medication for the first couple of weeks, so he saw no
reason to be trusting. He's been spending most of his time under the
bed, and never coming out of the room where I first had him sequestered.

I've been spending about half an hour in the room every day, lying on
the bed, reading, talking and singing to him. Nothing changed.
Yesterday instead of lying on the bed, I put some bedding down on the
floor and lay on that. He scooted back to the farthest corner under the
bed and wouldn't come near me, even when I offered some treats. When I
managed to get up, I put the bedding on the foot of the bed. This
morning I noticed that bedding had been disarranged.

After I finished my breakfast, I was working a crossword puzzle when
Pickles, my 8-year-old female, decided to come up on my lap. She
settled down and I went back to my puzzle. Suddenly I saw movement out
of the corner of my eye. I looked up, and there was Koala, starting to
pick up a fuzzy ball. I spoke to him, and he immediately disappeared.
However, a couple minutes later he came back. This time he picked up
the ball and looked at me (or maybe at Pickles) as if he were asking
permission. I said, "It's okay. You can have it." He took it and
walked out of the room. Pickles didn't move.

When I laid down on the floor today, he was back in the corner again,
but I still think we've had a breakthrough. To the best of my
knowledge, that's the first time he's been out of his room since I put
him in it.

Joy

--
Joy Unlimited
Colorful Crocheted Critters
Photos at http://www.PictureTrail.com/joy9

On Sunday, August 24, 2014 6:52:17 PM UTC-5, Joy wrote:
As I've mentioned, I recently adopted Koala, a four-month-old feral cat.

He needed medication for the first couple of weeks, so he saw no

reason to be trusting. He's been spending most of his time under the

bed, and never coming out of the room where I first had him sequestered.



I've been spending about half an hour in the room every day, lying on

the bed, reading, talking and singing to him. Nothing changed.

Yesterday instead of lying on the bed, I put some bedding down on the

floor and lay on that. He scooted back to the farthest corner under the

bed and wouldn't come near me, even when I offered some treats. When I

managed to get up, I put the bedding on the foot of the bed. This

morning I noticed that bedding had been disarranged.



After I finished my breakfast, I was working a crossword puzzle when

Pickles, my 8-year-old female, decided to come up on my lap. She

settled down and I went back to my puzzle. Suddenly I saw movement out

of the corner of my eye. I looked up, and there was Koala, starting to

pick up a fuzzy ball. I spoke to him, and he immediately disappeared.

However, a couple minutes later he came back. This time he picked up

the ball and looked at me (or maybe at Pickles) as if he were asking

permission. I said, "It's okay. You can have it." He took it and

walked out of the room. Pickles didn't move.



When I laid down on the floor today, he was back in the corner again,

but I still think we've had a breakthrough. To the best of my

knowledge, that's the first time he's been out of his room since I put

him in it.



Joy



My sister had four cats. One was the upstairs cat, one was the downstairs cat, one was the basement cat, and one was the (enclosed) veranda cat. They all ate together in the kitchen, and I think had the same kitty litter box. But they each had their own territory and their own privacy. Maybe Koala will keep to your bedroom, but after awhile be willing to share food in the kitchen. Toci

Joy Unlimited

Colorful Crocheted Critters

Photos at http://www.PictureTrail.com/joy9

On 8/24/2014 8:11 PM, Cheryl wrote:
Joy Wrote in message:
As I've mentioned, I recently adopted Koala, a four-month-old feral cat.
He needed medication for the first couple of weeks, so he saw no
reason to be trusting. He's been spending most of his time under the
bed, and never coming out of the room where I first had him sequestered.

I've been spending about half an hour in the room every day, lying on
the bed, reading, talking and singing to him. Nothing changed.
Yesterday instead of lying on the bed, I put some bedding down on the
floor and lay on that. He scooted back to the farthest corner under the
bed and wouldn't come near me, even when I offered some treats. When I
managed to get up, I put the bedding on the foot of the bed. This
morning I noticed that bedding had been disarranged.

After I finished my breakfast, I was working a crossword puzzle when
Pickles, my 8-year-old female, decided to come up on my lap. She
settled down and I went back to my puzzle. Suddenly I saw movement out
of the corner of my eye. I looked up, and there was Koala, starting to
pick up a fuzzy ball. I spoke to him, and he immediately disappeared.
However, a couple minutes later he came back. This time he picked up
the ball and looked at me (or maybe at Pickles) as if he were asking
permission. I said, "It's okay. You can have it." He took it and
walked out of the room. Pickles didn't move.

When I laid down on the floor today, he was back in the corner again,
but I still think we've had a breakthrough. To the best of my
knowledge, that's the first time he's been out of his room since I put
him in it.

Joy

--
Joy Unlimited
Colorful Crocheted Critters
Photos at http://www.PictureTrail.com/joy9


how sweet is that? Good job! I know that feels so good.


Yes, it really does. I also know that he's been on the bed at least
three times today. Once I saw his tail disappearing behind it as I
walked by his room. The other two times I heard a clunk as the
headboard hit the wall when he jumped down. That is also progress.

--
Joy Unlimited
Colorful Crocheted Critters
Photos at http://www.PictureTrail.com/joy9

On 8/24/2014 8:37 PM, toci wrote:
On Sunday, August 24, 2014 6:52:17 PM UTC-5, Joy wrote:
As I've mentioned, I recently adopted Koala, a four-month-old feral cat.

He needed medication for the first couple of weeks, so he saw no

reason to be trusting. He's been spending most of his time under the

bed, and never coming out of the room where I first had him sequestered.



I've been spending about half an hour in the room every day, lying on

the bed, reading, talking and singing to him. Nothing changed.

Yesterday instead of lying on the bed, I put some bedding down on the

floor and lay on that. He scooted back to the farthest corner under the

bed and wouldn't come near me, even when I offered some treats. When I

managed to get up, I put the bedding on the foot of the bed. This

morning I noticed that bedding had been disarranged.



After I finished my breakfast, I was working a crossword puzzle when

Pickles, my 8-year-old female, decided to come up on my lap. She

settled down and I went back to my puzzle. Suddenly I saw movement out

of the corner of my eye. I looked up, and there was Koala, starting to

pick up a fuzzy ball. I spoke to him, and he immediately disappeared.

However, a couple minutes later he came back. This time he picked up

the ball and looked at me (or maybe at Pickles) as if he were asking

permission. I said, "It's okay. You can have it." He took it and

walked out of the room. Pickles didn't move.



When I laid down on the floor today, he was back in the corner again,

but I still think we've had a breakthrough. To the best of my

knowledge, that's the first time he's been out of his room since I put

him in it.



Joy



My sister had four cats. One was the upstairs cat, one was the downstairs cat, one was the basement cat, and one was the (enclosed) veranda cat. They all ate together in the kitchen, and I think had the same kitty litter box. But they each had their own territory and their own privacy. Maybe Koala will keep to your bedroom, but after awhile be willing to share food in the kitchen. Toci

Joy Unlimited

Colorful Crocheted Critters

Photos at http://www.PictureTrail.com/joy9

It isn't my bedroom. That's part of Pickles' territory. It's the spare
room. Yes, she may stay there most of the time. I'd love to have him
and Pickles become friends and have him warm up to me. However, at
least for now, I'll settle for knowing he isn't scared all the time.

--
Joy Unlimited
Colorful Crocheted Critters
Photos at http://www.PictureTrail.com/joy9

On 8/24/2014 7:52 PM, Joy wrote:
As I've mentioned, I recently adopted Koala, a four-month-old feral cat.
He needed medication for the first couple of weeks, so he saw no
reason to be trusting. He's been spending most of his time under the
bed, and never coming out of the room where I first had him sequestered.

I've been spending about half an hour in the room every day, lying on
the bed, reading, talking and singing to him. Nothing changed.
Yesterday instead of lying on the bed, I put some bedding down on the
floor and lay on that. He scooted back to the farthest corner under the
bed and wouldn't come near me, even when I offered some treats. When I
managed to get up, I put the bedding on the foot of the bed. This
morning I noticed that bedding had been disarranged.

After I finished my breakfast, I was working a crossword puzzle when
Pickles, my 8-year-old female, decided to come up on my lap. She
settled down and I went back to my puzzle. Suddenly I saw movement out
of the corner of my eye. I looked up, and there was Koala, starting to
pick up a fuzzy ball. I spoke to him, and he immediately disappeared.
However, a couple minutes later he came back. This time he picked up
the ball and looked at me (or maybe at Pickles) as if he were asking
permission. I said, "It's okay. You can have it." He took it and
walked out of the room. Pickles didn't move.

When I laid down on the floor today, he was back in the corner again,
but I still think we've had a breakthrough. To the best of my
knowledge, that's the first time he's been out of his room since I put
him in it.

Joy

Wonderful! How sweet he picked out a toy. Keep up the good work.

Jill

On 8/25/2014 12:38 PM, Judith Latham wrote:
In article ,
Joy wrote:
As I've mentioned, I recently adopted Koala, a four-month-old feral cat.
He needed medication for the first couple of weeks, so he saw no
reason to be trusting. He's been spending most of his time under the
bed, and never coming out of the room where I first had him sequestered.

I've been spending about half an hour in the room every day, lying on
the bed, reading, talking and singing to him. Nothing changed.
Yesterday instead of lying on the bed, I put some bedding down on the
floor and lay on that. He scooted back to the farthest corner under the
bed and wouldn't come near me, even when I offered some treats. When I
managed to get up, I put the bedding on the foot of the bed. This
morning I noticed that bedding had been disarranged.

After I finished my breakfast, I was working a crossword puzzle when
Pickles, my 8-year-old female, decided to come up on my lap. She
settled down and I went back to my puzzle. Suddenly I saw movement out
of the corner of my eye. I looked up, and there was Koala, starting to
pick up a fuzzy ball. I spoke to him, and he immediately disappeared.
However, a couple minutes later he came back. This time he picked up
the ball and looked at me (or maybe at Pickles) as if he were asking
permission. I said, "It's okay. You can have it." He took it and
walked out of the room. Pickles didn't move.

When I laid down on the floor today, he was back in the corner again,
but I still think we've had a breakthrough. To the best of my
knowledge, that's the first time he's been out of his room since I put
him in it.

Joy

That is certainly a breakthrough. Gently, gently does it and it's doing
it.

I think that's a big bridge crossed.

Judith

Definitely. There's been more progress today. When I got up this
morning, I didn't bother to close the bathroom door. I live alone, and
hadn't turned on a light. Koala's room is right across the hall from
the bathroom. I looked up, and he was standing in his doorway looking
at me. He stayed put even when I spoke to him. Of course, as soon as I
stood up, there was a cartoon moment with legs going every which-way as
he scrambled to disappear again. Later I saw him lying on the bed. He
saw me and didn't move.

There is also a toy in the doorway to his room. It's like a feather on
a string, except it's more like a miniature boa. It was in the living
room toybox when I left for Bible study this morning, but when I got
home it was lying in his doorway. I had been closing the door at night
and when I left the house, but now I'm leaving it open all the time.

Joy

--
Joy Unlimited
Colorful Crocheted Critters
Photos at http://www.PictureTrail.com/joy9

On 8/25/2014 2:03 PM, lid wrote:
Joy wrote:
As I've mentioned, I recently adopted Koala, a four-month-old feral cat.
He needed medication for the first couple of weeks, so he saw no reason
to be trusting. He's been spending most of his time under the bed, and
never coming out of the room where I first had him sequestered.

I've been spending about half an hour in the room every day, lying on the
bed, reading, talking and singing to him. Nothing changed. Yesterday
instead of lying on the bed, I put some bedding down on the floor and lay
on that. He scooted back to the farthest corner under the bed and
wouldn't come near me, even when I offered some treats. When I managed
to get up, I put the bedding on the foot of the bed. This morning I
noticed that bedding had been disarranged.

After I finished my breakfast, I was working a crossword puzzle when
Pickles, my 8-year-old female, decided to come up on my lap. She settled
down and I went back to my puzzle. Suddenly I saw movement out of the
corner of my eye. I looked up, and there was Koala, starting to pick up
a fuzzy ball. I spoke to him, and he immediately disappeared. However, a
couple minutes later he came back. This time he picked up the ball and
looked at me (or maybe at Pickles) as if he were asking permission. I
said, "It's okay. You can have it." He took it and walked out of the
room. Pickles didn't move.

When I laid down on the floor today, he was back in the corner again, but
I still think we've had a breakthrough. To the best of my knowledge,
that's the first time he's been out of his room since I put him in it.

Joy

Your making good progress. :-)


Thanks. It certainly seems that way. :-)

--
Joy Unlimited
Colorful Crocheted Critters
Photos at http://www.PictureTrail.com/joy9

On 8/25/2014 6:10 PM, Joy wrote:
On 8/25/2014 12:38 PM, Judith Latham wrote:
In article ,
Joy wrote:
As I've mentioned, I recently adopted Koala, a four-month-old feral cat.
He needed medication for the first couple of weeks, so he saw no
reason to be trusting. He's been spending most of his time under the
bed, and never coming out of the room where I first had him sequestered.

I've been spending about half an hour in the room every day, lying on
the bed, reading, talking and singing to him. Nothing changed.
Yesterday instead of lying on the bed, I put some bedding down on the
floor and lay on that. He scooted back to the farthest corner under the
bed and wouldn't come near me, even when I offered some treats. When I
managed to get up, I put the bedding on the foot of the bed. This
morning I noticed that bedding had been disarranged.

After I finished my breakfast, I was working a crossword puzzle when
Pickles, my 8-year-old female, decided to come up on my lap. She
settled down and I went back to my puzzle. Suddenly I saw movement out
of the corner of my eye. I looked up, and there was Koala, starting to
pick up a fuzzy ball. I spoke to him, and he immediately disappeared.
However, a couple minutes later he came back. This time he picked up
the ball and looked at me (or maybe at Pickles) as if he were asking
permission. I said, "It's okay. You can have it." He took it and
walked out of the room. Pickles didn't move.

When I laid down on the floor today, he was back in the corner again,
but I still think we've had a breakthrough. To the best of my
knowledge, that's the first time he's been out of his room since I put
him in it.

Joy

That is certainly a breakthrough. Gently, gently does it and it's doing
it.

I think that's a big bridge crossed.

Judith

Definitely. There's been more progress today. When I got up this
morning, I didn't bother to close the bathroom door. I live alone, and
hadn't turned on a light. Koala's room is right across the hall from
the bathroom. I looked up, and he was standing in his doorway looking
at me. He stayed put even when I spoke to him. Of course, as soon as I
stood up, there was a cartoon moment with legs going every which-way as
he scrambled to disappear again. Later I saw him lying on the bed. He
saw me and didn't move.

There is also a toy in the doorway to his room. It's like a feather on
a string, except it's more like a miniature boa. It was in the living
room toybox when I left for Bible study this morning, but when I got
home it was lying in his doorway. I had been closing the door at night
and when I left the house, but now I'm leaving it open all the time.

Joy

Koala is getting more adventurous! And discovering toys. He's also
discovering you're pretty nice, too. It's great!

Jill

On 8/25/2014 3:11 PM, Joy wrote:
On 8/25/2014 2:03 PM, lid wrote:
Joy wrote:
As I've mentioned, I recently adopted Koala, a four-month-old feral cat.
He needed medication for the first couple of weeks, so he saw no reason
to be trusting. He's been spending most of his time under the bed, and
never coming out of the room where I first had him sequestered.

I've been spending about half an hour in the room every day, lying on
the
bed, reading, talking and singing to him. Nothing changed. Yesterday
instead of lying on the bed, I put some bedding down on the floor and
lay
on that. He scooted back to the farthest corner under the bed and
wouldn't come near me, even when I offered some treats. When I managed
to get up, I put the bedding on the foot of the bed. This morning I
noticed that bedding had been disarranged.

After I finished my breakfast, I was working a crossword puzzle when
Pickles, my 8-year-old female, decided to come up on my lap. She
settled
down and I went back to my puzzle. Suddenly I saw movement out of the
corner of my eye. I looked up, and there was Koala, starting to pick up
a fuzzy ball. I spoke to him, and he immediately disappeared.
However, a
couple minutes later he came back. This time he picked up the ball and
looked at me (or maybe at Pickles) as if he were asking permission. I
said, "It's okay. You can have it." He took it and walked out of the
room. Pickles didn't move.

When I laid down on the floor today, he was back in the corner again,
but
I still think we've had a breakthrough. To the best of my knowledge,
that's the first time he's been out of his room since I put him in it.

Joy

Your making good progress. :-)


Thanks. It certainly seems that way. :-)

He's getting bolder. Pickles always sleeps on my bed. This morning I
woke up to hear Pickles hiss. I opened my eyes in time to see Koala run
out of the room. Later, after I was up, he did quite a bit of
exploring. While I was sitting in the living room he jumped up on the
couch, considered jumping across to the coffee table but decided against
it, came very close to my chair, and went even closer to Pickles to get
a toy that was by her. Pickles didn't react. He also spent a lot of
time looking out the sliding glass door to the patio where I put out
food for the birds and squirrels.

There may be a setback, though. I have a water leak in the wall between
my two bathrooms. One of them is right across the hall from what I've
come to think of as Koala's room. I'm afraid tearing out the wall and
replacing the pipe will send him back into seclusion.

--
Joy Unlimited
Colorful Crocheted Critters
Photos at http://www.PictureTrail.com/joy9

On 8/26/2014 2:09 PM, Joy wrote:
He's getting bolder. Pickles always sleeps on my bed. This morning I
woke up to hear Pickles hiss. I opened my eyes in time to see Koala run
out of the room. Later, after I was up, he did quite a bit of
exploring. While I was sitting in the living room he jumped up on the
couch, considered jumping across to the coffee table but decided against
it, came very close to my chair, and went even closer to Pickles to get
a toy that was by her. Pickles didn't react. He also spent a lot of
time looking out the sliding glass door to the patio where I put out
food for the birds and squirrels.

Persia always enjoyed that "cat TV".

There may be a setback, though. I have a water leak in the wall between
my two bathrooms. One of them is right across the hall from what I've
come to think of as Koala's room. I'm afraid tearing out the wall and
replacing the pipe will send him back into seclusion.

Yeah, that might scare Koala. But you can't just ignore the leak. Bad
luck, that! I hope things will settle down again soon enough.

Jill