Socializing a Difficult Cat

Last Thursday's visit was a happy time, at the Anderson Animal shelter in South Elgin, IL. For one, Thomas was out of clinic and back to his old cage. Secondly,  Miss Ellie played with us! Also, I tried to get in a little earlier this time so I could spend some time with new cats. Thankfully, volunteer uber alles and mentor, Lauren, showed up on the scene to help me out.

The happiest instant was with Miss Ellie, a very pretty calico, and a typically moody, hissy lady, that could lay her claws or teeth into one's hand without warning, I have the scars to prove it!  This time she came out of her cage willingly.  Now I wonder if its because volunteer(Uber Alles) and friend,  Lauren was present, and Miss Ellie may be more familiar with her. She even played catch with a ball, and chased the laser pointer around too! All this coming from a cat that never played with me before. This cat has made a complete turnaround! It shows that there is hope for a difficult cat! Adding to it, she is FIV+ too.

 

Snowball

I let Snowball, Tidbit, and Lucky1 out of their cages. Since its my first time with these cats, I don't know their personalities yet. Snowball is a pretty, long haired all-white cat. Tidbit, also long-haired, with a calico pattern. Quite nice natured and enjoyed her brief visit to the maternity room. She did not like returning to her cage, and started growling(not many do!). Lucky1 is a black cat, and I don't think he has ever been out of his cage! He was quite disoriented when put on the floor!

Tidbit

I also let Memphis out- a black and white tuxedo, and a purported neurologically problematic cat. Sometimes, I feel bad when I pass his cage; I don't know what's going to happen to him. He is not popular with anyone, and is always passed over by potential adopters. He just seems very energetic at times. But today, he acted fairly normal on this instant.  I opened his cage, he simply walked out, checked out the surrounds(maternity room) and when he was tired of it, walked back into his cage on his own. He really goes crazy chasing the laser pointer image around.

Memphis