After careful thought regarding Ashes inherent fear of me following that pooping incident the other day. I have devised a plan which I pray will work.
The kittens have a favorite spot to sleep, it’s a cat post located in my office in a dark corner. It’s a custom-made beauty, eight feet tall, consisting of three levels plus three hidey holes Four days ago, I moved it from my office into my dining room. I am hoping in moving this favorite spot of hers, she will in time go back to her favorite sleeping spot. Even when I am in the kitchen cooking or cleaning.
She already knows that her food arrives out of the kitchen. Hopefully that will put her a bit at ease. These were my thoughts as I was moving the cumbersome object to its new location. Also this time, they have a room with a view because it’s right by my dining room window.
Yesterday morning, when I turned on the kitchen light she was sleeping on the top of the post. Of course she skedaddled the minute she saw me. But it’s a start. My plan is to ignore her when she’s up there, until comes the day when she once again can accept my presence in the room without fleeing. I know I desperately want this day to come tomorrow, but we are working on her schedule and not mine. I see matted hair on her chest and neck forming. She is due for a flea treatment, but there is no way I can get close to her without her going ballistic, repeating the fear she feels.
I cannot treat her as if she’s feral, because she’s not. PTSD and being feral are two different entities. Magoo is already claiming his spot on the post, so I am hoping she will once again return and over time, we will find our way back to each other.
It’s a cat-and-mouse game between us now. At this point I’m just not sure who will come out victorious her or me? I am praying it’s will be me.
Well, she’s found the cat-tree, so it’s a start. Letting her feel safe there will likely move it along. Now she has to decide that she can be safe with you again.