I have just a few more photos and videos to share.
At the last vet visit before they went back to Gifford, the cone stayed on and the tail bandage was removed, and we were to soak it twice a day in an antiseptic solution to stave off infection.
It's worth noting that even though he really didn't want these tail soaks to happen, he is a flight kind of cat instead of a fight kind of cat. Once he knew he was cornered, we didn't need to burrito him or even restrain him, just putting a hand on his back was enough signal, and he would just give up and let us do what we needed to do. We tried to make up for it with head scratches, and that did seem to help. He would purr and we'd give him treats immediately after, and he'd eat them right away. And he'd accept more head scratches after the tail soaking, so he forgave fairly easily (lucky for us!). It was easiest with two people, one for head scratches and one for tail soaking, but we both did it solo when needed without too much trouble. He's such a good cat!
Philip also supervised my morning workout on a couple of occasions. Too boring to post video, but it was endearing.
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| post-workout stretch |
I honestly never thought we'd get this far with Aurora. (She's only this comfortable and friendly when Philip is right there with her, but it's still amazing progress! I really think that if she were to be adopted with Philip or another cat with his personality type, she could eventually be a lap cat.)
This became a typical breakfast experience.
For a while it was only breakfast, but sometimes she felt friendly at dinner too.
At either time, Philip will happily accept head scratches (as long as he's done eating). Aurora will watch, or cautiously investigate, or in this case, want to play but not be quite sure how to ask for that.
And when she does play, it's a very different experience than the first time she came out from under the bed! She's a lot more relaxed.
Last video - her progress just amazes me.
I can take a little credit, but Philip and his steady personality is really what made all the difference. He's been a fantastic role model.
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| Even her hiding became more brave when he was around! Not her usual bed, not a very protected spot, and yet there she is. |
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| Considering exploring downstairs, settling for observation instead. |
Philip and Aurora were fostered through the Gifford Cat Shelter in Brighton. Please contact Gifford if you'd like to meet their cats!
