Taking Care Of The Outside Equilibrium

For more than a month since Rosie fell sick, the outside equilibrium has been disturbed.

The one most affected is Daffodil. Not only has she rejected (not recognised) Rosie, she also does not want to come into the house anymore. It’s rather sad, because it took us so long (I have lost count, but I think it did take us 2-3 years) to slowly allow her to feel comfortable and she finally took up residence on our bed, making it her home. She was practically living on our bed, coming down for meals and doing her business outside, then quickly returning to the bed.

We felt she deserves to finally have a home, after living on the street for 10 years (before we moved here). And we were really glad she chose our home.

But now, she doesn’t want to come home anymore. Initially she lived at the shoe rack, which is right outside our door, but now, she seems to be going further out.

Ginger is affected too, but he stays at the patio, still occupying his favourite chair, so Ginger is okay. But he too doesn’t want to come in and sleep in his orange basket anymore.

Perhaps they both think that Rosie is a “new cat” (the smell has changed so much) so, since Rosie occupies the house, they both move out.

Such is cat behaviour.

Vincent, Heidi and Mr Zurik are not affected, though. Heidi still comes into the house. Vincent still occupies the top of the car to guard the porch while Mr Zurik is still up to his tricks.

This morning’s early breakfast – Daffodil and Ginger in the kitchen.

Yes, that’s Indy with them.

Ever since Tiger and Tabs were granted access to “the rest of the house”, Indy has been itching to come out too. The only problem with Indy is that he sprays (marks territory). So, his trips out have to be supervised.  And Indy isn’t one who wouldn’t try to find a way out to the garden or the roof. The stainless steel netting might deter Tiger and Tabs, but with Indy? He might just find a way to take down the entire frame, which he did, when we first installed the aluminium netting for the kitchen. He took down the whole frame just to mock us.

Tabs is SO happy to be able to live outside. No more feeling intimidated by the Cow Family and no more getting sprayed with urine by Cow and Bunny. However, Tabs has this thing about only using the litter box in Bunny’s Place so she still has to go back inside for toilet time.

There is a litter box in the downstairs bathroom and one more in the upstairs bathroom – these are for Rosie’s use as well as whoever else. But Tabs insists on only using the one in Bunny’s Place.

Cats…they have their own ways.

Inside, the Cow Family rules. For example, only Cows (meaning Cow, Bunny, Pole and Cleo) can occupy the Bunny Bed and the Boat. Tiger, Tabs and Indy are not allowed on them.

Indy gets this large cushion or the floor mat.

Cows are privileged, somehow. They own property. Pole owns the condo. Cleo owns the apartments. Cow and Bunny spray on everything – that’s also a sign of “ownership”. Sometimes, I have to wash the coverings a few times a day too. But here’s the thing, you can wash and wash, and they will continue to spray and spray. Washing often only makes them spray more because it is the absence of their smell that makes them spray.

Hence, *sighs*…just live with it. You cannot win with cats.

Ginger still thinks Bunny’s Place is THE greatest paradise EVER.

His trips have to be supervised closely, because Ginger doesn’t know (and hasn’t learnt and probably will never learn) how vicious Cow & Bunny can be. Ginger thinks the whole world is good – how we wish it is, Ginger!

Source: https://myanimalcare.org/2017/03/26/taking-care-of-the-outsi..

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AnimalCare is a registered society that promotes caregiving to street animals and helps in their neutering and medical needs. AnimalCare has a Medical Fund, Food Fund and Education Fund.

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