Saturday, October 25, 2014: Another Attempt at the Harness

When I woke up during the night, there was Tommy sleeping on the top shelf of the bungalow. She woke me up later at 6:30 when she ate some of her dry food. I warned her that it was almost time for breakfast, so not to eat too much and spoil her appetite.  Surprisingly she stopped eating and “told” me that I should get up and feed her.  I begged for another 30 minutes, but was only given 20 minutes, a good compromise.

We went through the early morning routine and then I did today’s puzzles while Tommy went and took her “after breakfast” nap. After finishing the puzzles I moved on to completing some small items on my to-do list.  As I finished one, Tommy appeared and let me know that she needed some attention.

After attention was paid, I made a scrambled egg breakfast. I offered a little to Tommy, but not only did she turn her nose up at it, she turned her back to the little plate and continued to sun herself.  Lesson learned, although she likes chicken, she doesn’t like their eggs.

While I cleaned the kitchen and bathroom floors, Tommy continued to sun herself, but occasionally turned her head to check on my progress. I still needed to clean the carpet, but that would have to wait for another time. I could at least do some dusting. I hoped that it would meet with Tommy’s approval.

Once finished with the cleaning and because it was such a beautiful day, I opened all the windows and balcony door. A strong breeze ruffled through the blinds on the balcony door and caused the study window to slam shut. Tommy came running to me for protection. I petted and reassured her that I would fix the problem. I raised the blinds to the top and put the stone stopper in the window. Tommy was then again able to enjoy the fresh air and sun, but she did remain close by me for a while.

When she was sure that the problems were over, she again moved freely about the condo. When she went into the bedroom I followed just to make sure that everything was all right.  Tommy was seated in the sun by the corner of the bed, ready to retreat under the bed to safety should the need arise.  A breeze did move the blinds, so I raised them up even higher. I again reassured Tommy, but when an even stronger breeze came up, she scooted under the bed. I left her alone knowing that sooner or later she would reappear in the living room.

Tommy kept sitting by the balcony looking out, so I thought it was time to try to the harness again. Tommy let me put her harness on her with just a little squirming, but she didn’t want to walk out unto the balcony. She’d previously tried going out on the balcony without the harness and I wasn’t comfortable just letting her roam free.  I picked her up and we sat on a chair on the balcony. She seemed to be okay sitting on my lap for a couple minutes, but there was no way that she wanted to stay out there.

When she starting crying and trying to escape I knew that the experience was over. I got her to the door before she bolted out of arms. I came in and she was very cooperative as I got her out of the harness. She immediately got some treats and I put the harness away. She then sat and cleaned her face probably trying to get rid of any tell-tale odor form the harness.

I’ll continue to get her comfortable wearing the harness, but since it will be cold, we’re probably done with the balcony for this season. She is showing me that she does trust me and wouldn’t harm her.  I just have to remember…baby steps, baby steps.

Tommy spent the rest of the afternoon and evening napping. She still occasionally hides under the bed.  As I watched My Cat from Hell they talked about a timid cat who would always hide and needed to be more confident in her surroundings. It reminded me of Tommy. We’re still building trust, but she still retreats under the bed.  We’re going to have to work on her confidence.

Tommy did come out for dinner and didn’t finish it all in one sitting. She came back to finish about 9:00 and then went right back to nap on the top shelf of the bungalow.  She had been sleeping more today and I’m going to leave the bedroom door open tonight so that she can have play time and roam the condo while I sleep. Maybe tomorrow our schedules will be more in synch.

After the news I was falling asleep so it was time for me to go to bed. Of course, that was right when Tommy woke up and was ready for attention. I gave her some attention, but then went to bed. I know that she will find “appropriate” ways to amuse herself while I sleep.