I didn't grow up with pets, so when I came of age, it was one of my first priorities to get a dog.And I've adopted lots of them from rescue organizations, mostly Dobermans and Bearded Collies, one of which I have now.
While I've enjoyed playing with cats, and especially talking with them and having them respond, I never had one I could call my own, until now.
Cleopa was born a feral, or wild cat, nearby my urban home. Somewhere, nestled between yards and parking lots, she arrived on the scene with at least two sisters and a couple of brothers.
Cleopa was born a feral, or wild cat, nearby my urban home. Somewhere, nestled between yards and parking lots, she arrived on the scene with at least two sisters and a couple of brothers.
About six months ago, I started leaving some food out for these teeny creatures, and I took a liking to Cleopa, who is snow white with beautiful black and red markings, mostly on her head and tail.
I resolved to adopt her, to tame her, and here's how I did it.
(1) I talked to her, every chance I got. Having a door that opens out onto a front terrace made this fairly easy to do. Before too long, she spoke back.
(2) I tried to pet her, but she bit me. Next, I decided to hand-feed her some food, which she was wary of, but couldn't resist.
(2) I tried to pet her, but she bit me. Next, I decided to hand-feed her some food, which she was wary of, but couldn't resist.
(3) Petting her back while feeding her came next.
(4) Next, I placed a bowl of food inside my door, moving it closer and closer to the kitchen with subsequent feedings. Finally, it came to rest next to the stove, where I feed her now.
(5) Before long, she allowed me to pet her without food, and then she jumped on my lap for petting, and finally she meowed to get in to be petted, without any promise of food.
Now, she's like a regular house cat, and she doesn't want very much to go out.
What happened to her brothers and sisters? The boys split long ago, but the sisters, Marquesa and Nochka are still hanging around, and I feed them outdoors.
(5) Before long, she allowed me to pet her without food, and then she jumped on my lap for petting, and finally she meowed to get in to be petted, without any promise of food.
Now, she's like a regular house cat, and she doesn't want very much to go out.
What happened to her brothers and sisters? The boys split long ago, but the sisters, Marquesa and Nochka are still hanging around, and I feed them outdoors.
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