I was out in the kitchen as the sun was coming up the other morning. The window by the table faces east (roughly) so as the sun rises, it streams through the leaves of the tree just outside and casts interesting shadows in the room. So I grabbed my camera :)
Eerie hand
This was taken without the flash and I’m pleased with the eerie appearance of the leaf shadows (and my hand) on the front of the dishwasher. You’d never know it was taken first thing in the morning, would you?
Which led me to wondering about interpreting appearances. So often I make an opinion based on first impressions. About 65% of the time, that opinion is wrong. You’d think I’d know better since I generally don’t make a wonderful first impression myself - too awkward, too clumsy, too nervous. In my head I know that a “wait and see” approach is far more likely to yield useful results but the temptation for my gut to make a snap judgment is often overwhelming. Since it is my nature is to seek absolutes even though I know there aren’t any, this will always be something I have to watch.
Not a lot of knitting went on this weekend. I did complete another coaster and Myria had a stern talk with me about “project spread”. I know what she means, and I feel bad that it makes her feel that her home is less than neat. But I like having all my stuff around me - maybe a security thing? I don’t know…
A former co-worker came by an 8-year-old female cat via her son who was moving from an apartment where he could have a cat to an apartment where pets were forbidden. She already has two cats of her own and really didn’t feel that she could do justice to another one. I discussed my particulars with her (she knew I had cats and had had them for a long time and was comfortable with the idea of my taking her extraneous feline) and Myria and I went over Saturday morning to introduce ourselves and to see if the cat seemed like she would like to come home with us.
It didn’t work out quite that way. Jade (which is what we are going to call her - her former owner called her “Baby” which just didn’t fit at all) retreated under a bed and stayed there until forced out nearly an hour later. Once out, however, she seemed friendly and reasonably pleasant so we agreed to take her home and see how things worked out.
Things have been somewhat exciting - as you may imagine. While Goldie seemed perfectly willing to share space with a newcomer, Jade clearly expected to be Queen of the roost and let Goldie know that in no uncertain terms the minute she was out of the carrier. Yesterday Jade spent most of the day behind the refrigerator and Goldie spent most of his time in the bedroom - opposite ends of the apartment.
This morning, things were a little better - sort of. Both of them waltzed around each other in the kitchen (Hey! Same room!) snarling and cursing at one another and then retreated to their respective hidey holes. I know it will take time, weeks, maybe even months, before they get their dynamic worked out to their satisfaction, but I’m hopeful.
With us, Jade is quite affectionate and personable (mostly), bumping her head against any available hand for an ear scratch, and sleeping on my tummy both last night and the first night. But something (we haven’t figured out what yet triggers a slash/bite reaction from her that happens very quickly. If it weren’t for the blood (a drop or two) you wouldn’t be certain it had happened at all because she immediately returns to affectionate mode.
It’s only been a couple of days. Jade has had a rough two weeks having been shipped from her original home into a new one (that had two cats already) and then moved again into our home. She’s understandably tense. Goldie has no idea who this stranger is or why she seems to hate him. We’re trying to be super-attentive with Goldie. The last thing we want is for him to feel left out or like we don’t like him any more - nothing could be further from the truth.
It’s going to take some time for things to shake down, but I remain hopeful that things will work out positively. That first impression thing? I’m going to be patient this time and let things evolve. It’s entirely possible that the cats understand the situation better than I do and will make their own arrangements. So long as that means they get along, I’m fine with that.
Black Jade of the Blue Moon
Happy Monday :)
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Jade is a beautiful kitty! I think you are right—the cats probably understand the situation best. After all, cats are the Superior Species—just ask one, he will tell you! 
Lisa - You’re so right! I never met a cat who didn’t think the universe revolved around their little behind!
She’s absolutely adorable! I have no doubt that she is going to make a wonderful addition to your household! P.S. Thanks for the Charlotte compliments. :-)
Thanks Caren - She is beautiful and we’re hoping things work out. We’re going to have to do something about the excess weight she’s carrying around though - a tubby kitty isn’t a healthy kitty :)
Jade reminds me so much of my McGee….except his eyes were yellow. McGee was very much my cat - he wasn’t thrilled when I had Dylan and then Colin coming along was the last straw. McGee didn’t believe in sharing - he left the house never to return. Sigh.
Enjoy Jade! You’re right - it’ll take awhile, but things will work out with Goldie. :) A new kitty is just what you need!
Geez Bron - I’m sorry you lost your kitty. I’ve heard of dogs becoming jealous of their owner’s offspring, but it happens to cats too? What a shame - and McGee is a great name too.
Good luck! We brought in a second dog (Moxie) when Murphy was 8 years old. They even new each other but when they were forced to live together it was a different story. It really took a year before they decided they liked each other and started to play. They are like best pals (sorta) now. It should shake out with time and lots of attention to both.
Hi Margene - Actually, things seem to be getting incrementally better every day. This morning they both sat in the kitchen, intensely aware of one another, but not fighting or even trying to. I’m feeling hopeful because of this and because Goldie doesn’t seem to be feeling insecure (because we brought a stranger in) and Jade seems to be getting comfortable and happy :)
