When Cat's Attack You

Yesterday's visit at the Anderson Animal Shelter was met with mixed results. A couple of cats attacked me! Yes, really.  One was a cat that is often ignored and has been there about one year, Blackie, and the other is one that I have handled before, Memphis. While the shelter is an environment where one will encounter every cat personality, one likes to think they can help these difficult ones, but its not always the case. At best, I ended on a kind note, cuddling with one of my fav's, Loverboy!

Blackie

Blackie is a 3 year old DSH, black female.  Apparently, she had a family before coming to Anderson. While I managed to get her out of her cage, it was not without cause.  She managed to get all her front claws and even the hind ones into my shirt and gloves!  Her claws seemed to curve under more so than the other cats.  I had a real time trying to get her loose!  I tried placing her on my lap to see if she would sit with me, and to my surprise she was OK with that and would have sat there forever!  So she just needs some time out of her cage!

Next, I let Memphis out of his cage(see the cat showcase for his pix).  He just walked out on his own, once I opened his cage door.  He was quite normal acting, did not cause a stir with Blackie or Majken (also out for a break).  So, I thought I would try him out on my lap and see if he can just be a lap cat.  This is where all Hell let loose, Memphis turned into some demon cat like I had never seen before!  I was scared for my life.  He totally freaked out: clawing, biting, slicing my arm at warp speed! My heart skipped a few beats for sure!  Now, I understand he does have neurological issues and then some.  I have to believe a cat like this would benefit from some sort of drug therapy, just like its human counterparts.

Tiger

I also let another cat out for a stretch, Tiger. She walked out of her cage on her own, and seemed to enjoy exploring the maternity room. Though, I didn't try to pick her up(been scratched enough already).  Apparently, the former owner had her locked in a bathroom for a few years as he didn't want her scratching furniture!  She was a little hissy, but hopefully, with play dates she will overcome that.

Oliver

Finally, after these kitties were put back, I started the play session with the FIV+'s:  Thomas, Loverboy, Ginger, Miss Ellie, Alvin, and Oliver.  I had to go in two groups as they all don't play nicely together.  Miss Ellie was playing with the laser as I hoped.  Though she was cautious with Alvin romping nearby.  Alvin plays wildly with the laser or flying balls.  Oliver hasn't been out of his cage in a while, but today I decided to get him out.  It was a struggle, but he was good about it(no claw marks!).  He is not up to par, he just seemed to curl up and want to sleep.  I will have to make him a priority next visit.

Finally, the visit isn't complete without getting Thomas, (jailbreak)Loverboy, and Ginger out.  These cats see me, sit up, and start meowing loudly; they know their playtime has arrived! Loverboy is no trouble at all to get out of his cage; he needs no help whatsoever. Ginger on the other hand, weighs a ton, so he steps into a basket I put in his cage, then I lift him with the basket, and its easier for me to move him.  We all go to the maternity room and the fun begins as usual.

Thomas and Ginger: Brothers in Arms

Loverboy chases the laser beam, Alvin runs after the ball, Loverboy runs after Alvin.  See, Alvin can mitigate both groups of cats fairly well, and seems to get more animated with Loverboy in the picture.  I don't trust any of the females in this second group as Ginger, Loverboy, and occasionally Thomas will attack one another, and they have to be policed accordingly!

Once the play session is up, the cats know it, as their expressions drop! They know it when I  carry each cat back to its cage one by one.  They learn fast. The lively atmosphere has turned gloomy!  I leave Loverboy last as I wanted to take him to the window for some fresh air. He loved it. Too bad he only had a minute there!  I wish I had a 'get out of jail free' card for him! 

Loverboy back in his cage, turns sad.