Indy�s Time Out And The Angry Birds Project

We have always classified Indy as a “titan” along with Cow and Bunny. They were the feared ones, the “slightly mad” and unpredictable ones.

But all things change and this includes cat behaviour too.

Or was it that the Angry Birds blanket therapy has borne results?

This was the experiment we started on 9th April 2015: https://myanimalcare.org/2015/04/09/the-angry-birds-experiment-a-progress-report/. It was based on a very simple hypothesis, ie. by lying on the Angry Birds blanket, some of Indy’s anger and aggression would be “absorbed” by the Angry Birds.

Maybe it has worked because we let Indy out to play a week ago, and surprisingly, he was okay with everyone. He did not chase Heidi, Daffodil, Rosie and even Ginger. Vincent was not in the living room at the time and neither was Zurik, so it wasn’t a 100% no-chase record yet.

He played with the ball.

It even appeared that he wanted to play with Heidi!

I think the reason Indy did not chase Ginger (even though we thought Indy regards Ginger has one of his enemies – over the many grille aggressions in the past) is that he’s more or less accepted Ginger’s presence in the house.

Or, maybe…

Hmm…Indy has mellowed?

Cow, could we invite you to lie on that nice blankie, please?

Meanwhile, the hierarchy returns to normal with the girls…

So, some things change, while others don’t…at least, not yet. It takes time.

Familiarity does preserve peace at times. Change cannot be abrupt.

Speaking on the subject of familiarity and/or change, we are all looking forward eagerly to the start of the Neuter-and-Return pilot project. Of course we hope it will create a ripple effect to other areas as well. That’s what most animal lovers have been waiting and praying hard for – that one fine day, the killing will stop and street animals can finally live out their natural lives where they are, peacefully.

But a chat with an old friend today brought home a pertinent point – what are the needs of the people on the ground? Will they be supportive of a Neuter-and-Return method of managing the street animal population? Are they comfortable with having neutered animals roaming their streets?

Hence, such a project can only be successful and sustained long term if it has the acceptance and support of the people.

On this note, cultural biases may have to be addressed. Old habits that die hard would have to change too. It may not be easy to change fixed mindsets over a short period.

In implementing anything new and “revolutionary”, starting small and making gradual change would be wise.

Education and time are crucial to institute effective change.

Yes, Cow, that’s right.

Slowly, slowly…but surely.

Source: https://myanimalcare.org/2015/06/04/indys-time-out-and-the-a..

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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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