A note about the shy ones

Last Friday I visited the shelter for some much needed cuddling and playing. There were a handful of new cats, so that on Monday when I came in for my shift, I felt like I had been given a sneak peek as to what was in store. I arrived early, but those precious minutes flew by, and I didn't get to say hello to every cat I wanted before I had to get to work.

Marieka

"What are yoouuu doing down there?" ~Fortissimo

Young Meiko wasn't very good at posing for photos.

We were short staffed again, so not much time for extra playing. I usually visit Mickey, Grayson, and Tuckerman first, and I regret not being proactive and seeing them before starting to clean. By the time I peeked my head in after 8pm, they were all tuckered out and not in the mood to say hi.

It was another crazy busy day, and although not so full of volunteers, it was full to the brim with visitors.

Bailey, a shy and hostile cat, let one of the volunteers pet her for a short while, and even let me pat the top of her head! I was so proud.

Chanterelle is still scared and lashes out, but there's a wooden scratching stick that she loves. When I brandished it she became visibly excited and hopped up to a shelf I could more easily reach.

Chanterelle and her scratching stick

Victor, a cat that was adopted in 2012, but recently returned because his owner developed allergies, was clearly unhappy. He wailed and hissed, and wouldn't let anyone pet him. The sadness and confusion in his eyes broke my heart.

Victor in his cage

I was attempting to clean his cage when the medic brought the food around. So I slipped the bowl into the cage and taking a chance softly stroked his fuzzy head. He didn't seem to mind, and let me pet him the entire time he ate.

A little while later the medic was back, trying to coax him out from the corner to give him an injection. He wasn't having any of it. Eventually I walked over and placed my hands in his cage, encouraging him to come over. It didn't take much for him to stalk over and rub his head against my hands. He flopped over and let me pet him until he was calm enough for the medic to give him an injection. But I'm telling you- being returned through no fault of his, and having to get injections- it's no wonder he was a grumpy cat.

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I was saddened to hear of the loss of Brioche, one of the cats at the shelter, end of last week. He had been struggling with several illnesses and yet seemed to be on the upswing. I had been excited to track his progress and was shocked by the news of his death. Rest in peace, Brioche.

Brioche (facing away) snuggling with Annabelle (left)