The way to his heart? Bacon. I was cooking up some bacon for dinner tonight, and looked up, and there’s Donner at the doorway to the kitchen, sniffing the air. This is amazing because this morning we found him all tightly tucked into a little ball in between the couch and the wall. But we knew he was okay because we heard Donner and Oscar tearing around the house off and on all night long. It’s just us that makes him nervous now. But not when we have bacon. While he won’t take treats out of our hands, he was happy to eat a couple of tiny pieces of bacon off the floor while I stood over him and watched. Even Mike shared his bacon with him. That is quite a feat. Mike doesn’t share his bacon with many individuals, that’s for sure.
After his bacon snack – which Oscar could totally care less about – Donner and Oscar lounged casually under the dining room table together. D’OH! I’m sure I’m going to see them snuggle each other very soon. And then I will melt from all the cuteness.
Speaking of dinner, we watched Julie & Julia tonight. I completely loved this movie! In fact, I think it was better than Best Picture of the Year, Hurt Locker. We watched that on Saturday night. I didn’t get it. I don’t understand how or why it won the awards it did. In fact, I didn’t understand much of the Oscars last night – the only exception being Christoph Waltz winning for Inglorious Basterds. He was awesome.
I’m not sure if this information officially makes me an old lady or not. I sure don’t feel like an old lady, so that must count for something. Now can I say I’m not a cat lady? Uh. Nope. So much for me just being dog person. I like kitties now just as much as dogs.
I also want to point out that I am going to get 1 photo of Donner completely in focus in the very near future. But under the circumstances, I’m pleased to get just one paw in focus. He’s a speedy little guy and I’d be surprised if he weighed more than 6 pounds. He’s Skinny Minnie Miller alright. But he does have long legs and I think he may grow a bit taller than Oscar. But for now, Oscar is showing him the ropes and I hope he gets more and more confident each day. He made quite the leap this evening. I guess I’d better stock up on the bacon.
Oh happy day! We got up this morning to find evidence that Donner had left his little carrier, but he always stays in his carrier when we come to check on him. This afternoon we picked up some Feliway – a kitty pheromone miracle cure – that’s supposed to help ease the transition for a kitty to a new home. Wouldn’t you know 20 minutes after we sprayed this stuff in his room (my office!) this happened:
Oscar is up on the desk, and the little fella on the floor looking up is Donner.
That was quick! And kind of accidental. I forgot to shut the door all the way when I was visiting the little guy and Oscar came in. Then Donner scooted right out of his carrier to be with him. They hung out for a bit…
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“You don’t go to a whorehouse for a kiss.” You also don’t go to the kitty shelter to “look” at the orphaned cats. So, I would like to present Donner, the newest member of the Browne clan.
Donner is a lovely black kitty. He’s about a year old and has been living in the shelter since September of last year. He was very relaxed when we visited and friendly with the staff and other kitties. Apparently he was found with some brothers and sisters way up in 100 Mile House was considered feral at the time, but was sent to the Alouette Correctional Centre for Women for socialization. I found this out when I asked why the words, “Prison Cat” were on his file. EEP! I was relieved to find out he didn’t do anything illegal, he was just part of their pet therapy program. Phew.
He’s at our house now, but he’s very scared. He’s no Moosh and he’s no Oscar, that’s for sure. Both of our other pets just waltzed in and made themselves at home. Poor Donner. He’s making himself as little as possible and squeezing into any corner he can find in my office.
We’re following the instructions on cat introductions on this page.
It says it could take up to a week for him to warm up to us and start interacting with Oscar – which means they’ll be touching paws under the door. And speaking of Oscar, this is the whole reason why we got him a little brother. Ever since Liza moved out with her kitties, he’s been yeowling and meowing and hanging out by the connecting door. There was a week lag between tenants, and Oscar was just meowing and wailing until our newest neighbour moved in. Thankfully she has two kitties, so Oscar has buddies to touch paws with, but won’t stop meowing and meowing – especially at night. Our solution? Get a brother. I sure hope this works. I’m feeling optimistic for sure. Donner was very friendly in the environment he was comfortable in. I’m hoping he’ll fell comfy here and look forward to being buddies with Oscar.
Oscar is very curious and has met Donner for a few minutes already. He was very gentle and moved around Donner slowly.
Frequently Asked Question:
What? Are you crazy? Another kitty? Don’t you remember what happened in November with Oscar?
Well, we’ve now got pet insurance for Oscar and will get it for Donner, too. So their monthly maintenance costs will be very reasonable. And then we’re covered in the event of any other misadventures. We’ve learned from that last one. That’s for sure.
I sure hope Donner gets comfortable and then I can take photos of them all snuggled up and being buddies. Oscar is very game for this…he’s hanging out by the door, patiently waiting for that tiny paw to come under the door. And he’s much friendlier with us today, too.
Hey guys! Cynthia, Robyn, Scout [links below!] and myself did another set of free calendars for the month of March. Feel free to click on the image you like, download the big size and make it your desktop wallpaper.
Here’s mine:
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