Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat General => Our cats stories => Topic started by: Desley (booktigger) on September 29, 2017, 13:45:18 PM

Title: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 29, 2017, 13:45:18 PM
3 weeks ago, we were asked to take in a ragdoll, she had been hanging round someone’s workplace. She was trapped, and taken straight to the vet for neutering etc. The vet did ask if we wanted to eartip her, as they felt she might need a farm home, but we wanted to give her a chance first. She isn’t a ragdoll, but is a seal colourpoint, we don’t think Siamese, as she is a bit too chunky for that. She wasn’t doing well in a pen situation, so we have shuffled things round to put her with an indoor fosterer, to see if she can come round. Just as we were arranging this, the person who had asked us to take mum asked us to take the kitten she had kept, as she was too wild. We decided that as mum was being moved, we’d arrange for the kitten to be neutered that day, to both go to the fosterer and be worked on together. The kitten is also a seal colourpoint, but fluffier than mum, we think about 3-4 months.

So far, they are hiding in different boxes in the room, mum (Coco), has hissed, growled and swiped when I went to put the food a bit closer to her, kitten (Chanel) was allowing fusses last night, but this morning has been hissing and swiped at me when I ignored the hissing.

Pics to follow
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on September 29, 2017, 14:13:18 PM
Look forward to seeing the pics Desley, and to hearing how you get on with them both
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Dawn F on September 29, 2017, 14:35:16 PM
ooh they sound lovely, I hope for their sake they will let you work your magic!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on September 29, 2017, 17:51:28 PM
They sound like a bit of a challenge Desley!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 29, 2017, 20:01:00 PM
Yep, certainly a challenge Lyn! Got home to find them cuddled up together, which could be a bad thing as mum pops at you if you get too close. The feliway is on the landing at the side of the cat room door, so it must get in there. Got this, but mum flew at me
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on September 30, 2017, 06:55:20 AM
Beautiful pair, Desley.  If it's possible, could you put the plug-in in their room?  And Zylkene mixed in with their food?
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Rosella moggy on September 30, 2017, 07:45:53 AM

Wow they look uber posh kitties Desley.  Very pretty  :Luv2: :Luv2:

The youngster looks quite unusual in a stunning way and can well understand why you didn't want to clip ears.

Very much hope you are able to bring mom and baby around but think it's gonna take a while?

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 30, 2017, 13:09:33 PM
Well, the decision not to eartip had nothing to do with looks,we hadn't seen her by that point. It will takes while, and judging off Chanel, quite a bit of blood drawn, but I like the challenge. Sue, I'm going to see if the feliway helps where it is first. Zylkene would be tricky as Coco doesn't like wet, but I have 1kg of RC Calm biscuits left, so giving her those
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 01, 2017, 09:14:21 AM
had a good moment with Chanel yesterday, I got her purring for a few minutes before she scared herself and hit me! Had nothing but hissing since. Coco was exploring more last night, so I have a full pic of her, she ended up sitting who's the chair while I was sat on it, and growled everytime I checked she was there.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 01, 2017, 11:42:23 AM
Well done, Desley.  Even a baby step is giant step with cats like these two.  Is that a scar on Coco' s hind leg?
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 01, 2017, 11:56:19 AM
it is, and I'm not bothered by the fact she has been reluctant since, I know it's normally one step forward, 2 back. She's swiping more, so slightly bothered by the fact mum is rubbing off on her. That patch is from where she was spayed
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on October 01, 2017, 18:04:21 PM
They are both very beautiful  :Luv2: I'm sure some patient love can only help, even if slowly. We have some calming treats for Sky, they contain valerian and other herbs, and she has just 2 a day. I think they might help a little but it is hard to say because she is so much more settled anyway.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 01, 2017, 19:45:11 PM
Ooh, do you have the name of the treats Lyn? Well, I ignored the hissing and swiping, and managed to get Chanel to eat some cat tuna from my hand. Slightly concerned that she is swiping a bit earlier now, like she is picking up mums bad habits
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Dawn F on October 02, 2017, 09:13:11 AM
I have used the Beaphar Calming Cat Treats


and of course am a big fan of rc calm!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 02, 2017, 13:18:36 PM
Thanks Dawn, am doing a Zooplus order at lunch, so will see if they sell them. Popped in last night after giving them some supper, Coco stayed on the scratching post in full sight, admittedly growling a lot. Chanel was in the box, I managed to stroke her and got her purring again (at least she only kept hissing, there was no more swiping)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 02, 2017, 17:48:04 PM
  Well done Desley.   :)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 02, 2017, 20:56:37 PM
I've got a good feeling about Chanel, I keep getting curious looks from her. Tonight I dangled the da bird toy out, she put half her head out of the box while I was reading to them, I did get her out playing! But reluctant to take her webbox stick from me, but came out for it
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 03, 2017, 06:45:57 AM
That's so encouraging.   ;D ;D  I remember how excited we'd get when we first brought the gurlies home and some tiny communication barrier would be overcome.   

I still recall the day that Malt crawled underneath my dressing gown, which I'd laid over my tented knees, and went to sleep nestled against my thigh.   :Luv: :Luv:  She was the first to make that move. 

They still manage to surprise and delight us two years further on.  Am really hoping these two can be cracked and brought round.   :) :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 03, 2017, 14:06:59 PM
Yes, it is all encouraging – supper last night went pretty much the same, except that when Coco moved off the den, she didn’t rush into hiding, she seems to think behind the chair is hiding!! I did hope last night that as she will stay in the open, she has the potential, as she hisses and growls, but doesn’t fly off immediately, and stayed watching while I was talking to her. They still aren’t eating during the day though. I do enjoy the sense of satisfaction you get from timid cats, although not sure I’ve ever had a purr so quickly!! We’ve had my neighbours rugrats a year now, and they are still improving on a daily basis.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 05, 2017, 09:55:30 AM
What news, Desley? 
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 05, 2017, 15:03:33 PM
Here is Chanel in the open
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Dawn F on October 05, 2017, 15:10:01 PM
looks good, in more ways than one!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 05, 2017, 15:51:15 PM
Yeah, I'm so pleased at how well she is doing. Coco is sitting out in the open more and doesn't look as stressed, not sure if it is the Feliway or the RC Calm. She has found a new hiding place, it's slightly easier to see her which is good. My neighbour thinks I should try and grab mum to get her used to being handled, but I'm not a fan of doing that to kittens, have never done it to an adult, would rather they get used to my presence, then use food. Another breakthrough last night, cornered Chanel and held her, after a few mins, she struggled away, drawing blood in the process!! Then she went in the dome bed, I put my hand in to give her a treat, she swiped me twice before realising I had food!! Gave her one bit, then refused to give her the other till she purred, but I managed it.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 05, 2017, 17:42:58 PM
 ;D ;D  Desley that's great progress.  I'm sorry, but I'm with you rather than your neighbour.  With scared and/or feisty cats, grabbing is an absolute NO!   Your approach is by far and away thew better one - they need to know that bad things wont happen when you're around - that you're the bringer of lovely treats, and playtime and calm chilling out time. 
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 05, 2017, 20:07:36 PM
Thanks Sue. Had an odd moment with Coco earlier, I figured as she was in the top box that I could sweep the floor, a few minutes later a growling blur flew past me, was a bit scary for a moment. Got some of the calming treats when I ordered some more Calm
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 06, 2017, 06:59:38 AM
Ah yes - the introduction of "new stuff."  Everything gets treated with huge suspicion.   :shify: :shify: 

We got caught out like that a number of times. 

Even Moray, when we bought the Tru-pet grooming glove freaked out at first seeing it, and yet he loves to be groomed with it now. 

When we got the Gurlies it was in the week or so leading up to Bonfire Night, and we thought we'd lost them in a closed room.  I don't know to this day how they did it, but I'd only left them, for half an hour, and they managed to get the sliding wardrobe doors open, winkle themselves inside an overstuffed wardrobe, and get the door pooey after them!   :-:

Cats are ever resourceful, yet capable of huge changes of mind-set.   How was last night with them?
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: pandorawarlord on October 06, 2017, 21:51:10 PM
sounds as if there just coming along just fine, a mop next they usually like to chase them  ;) ;)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 07, 2017, 11:14:17 AM
I'm used to cats not liking new things, Lucy still doesn't like my rug, over 12 months later, just shocked at her reaction to something that wasn't near her (although that's a regular occurrence with Lu too!)she had a similar reaction last night when I scooped poo. Thu night was good, they were both behind the chair,
mum didn't pop when I got near, so I ended up laying on the floor moving my hand closer - bit disconcerting as she was growling and hissing but ears weren't back. Chanel has quite a few tabby strips where her points are paler, is that normal for colour points? They also don't have blue eyes.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: pandorawarlord on October 07, 2017, 13:02:07 PM
I have no idea re the fur markings or the color of eyes maybe a color point site can help, they are very beautiful anyway.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 12, 2017, 13:16:04 PM
Interesting evening with Chanel, she was reluctant to come out for Da Bird as I was trying to stroke her with it, so thought I’d see what she thought of the lazer pen – she was racing round the room for it, but got so fixated on it, she wouldn’t even sniff at the treat I was offering her, instead trying to find out where the dot had gone!! Tried to end it on a toy, but she still couldn’t grasp it. Tried to offer Coco a bit of a treat stick, and she drew blood again. Went in at supper, and forgot to check where Coco was, she was behind the chair when I sat on it, she flew out, but couldn’t get behind the bed, so she ended up on the den – she didn’t fully relax, but she watched Chanel play, and actually let me put some food close to her. Chanel is finally eating all her breakfast practically as soon as I put it down, but tea doesn’t go down as quickly. They have been here 2 weeks today, and I’m still unsure about whether Coco can come round, although I was a bit happier last night when she let me pick up bowls, fill them and put them close to her.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 14, 2017, 20:15:35 PM
Seemed to have a bit of a breakthrough last night, had been playing with Chanel and trying unsuccessfully to get her to take a treat stick from my hand, then my neighbour interrupted us. When I went back in, Coco had come out and was behind the chair, so I ended up sitting on the floor. Got Chanel to come part way towards me, then I started tapping my fingers on the floor to get her interested (I know you aren't supposed to encourage playing with hands, but I find it helps with kittens), and she could smell some houmous on my fingers so started licking them!! I got a full treat stick into her, part taken from my hand, part from the floor at the side of me, and part from my knee!! This pic was taken last night, if you zoom you can see Coco behind the chair

This afternoon, I swept the cat room, I thought I was only going to manage part of it as they were in the scratching post, but I was able to sweep in front of it without being popped at. Tried sitting on the floor again tonight, Chanel wasn't interested, but I could see Coco watching me. My sciatica doesn't quite appreciate it though!!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Rosella moggy on October 15, 2017, 09:01:52 AM

Hopefully Chanel will teach Coco that you're safe in time.  It's great that she isn't following her mom's lead being so wary. 

How long do you expect to be able to give them Desley?  I do wonder if Chanel would do even better being away from mom?

Which in turn makes me wonder if Coco might be forced into being more friendly if she weren't allowed to hide being her daughter.  Such a tough one to call.

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 15, 2017, 09:12:46 AM
Yes, it is tough to know if they would do better, but then Coco is watching Chanel play, but if I put Da Bird near Coco she pops at it, so I think it is helping her. I sat on the floor again last night (sciatica doesn't like that!) and I could see Coco watching me. This was when I went in at supper time last night.

Do you mean how long I've got to bring them round R?
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on October 15, 2017, 10:04:37 AM
I think, bloodloss notwithstanding, that they are coming on quite well. Softee softee catchee monkey, or cats in this case, I can't believe your neighbour thinks that grabbing them is a good idea. :doh:

They are really beautiful cats Desley, once you have worked your magic I can't see you having any difficulty finding homes for them. Will they be rehomed as a pair?
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 15, 2017, 10:32:21 AM
Yes, they are, especially when you consider it's only been just over 2 weeks and both had an unsettled few weeks prior to coming here. Coco has drawn blood twice while trying to offer her treats, my neighbour just suggested I used chicken instead!  :shocked:

My initial plan is to get Chanel homeable, then go back to the rescue for adoption, I don't think it would be feasible to find a home for both of them, as I don't think they will be ready at the same time, and I suspect they will need different homes. I think Coco will be harder, it's a shame Lucy is so intolerant, or she could have stayed here
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Rosella moggy on October 15, 2017, 10:34:27 AM
Do you mean how long I've got to bring them round R?

Yes that's what I meant Desley.  It would be lovely to think they could be rehomed together but that's not always best.  I know Dinah wouldn't have given a hoot to have been rehomed away from her family.  Despite being a fab mom for 12 weeks or so (even allowing an orphan to join her gang and suckle), she dumped Ruby and Millie on us as soon as she was able to and showed no interest in them ever again.  We thought we were doing her a favour but I often wonder if she would have much preferred to wave them farewell  :-:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 15, 2017, 10:57:07 AM
It's not been discussed, but the boys were here 6 months, and we've had a dog for 2 years, so am sure they will get as long as it takes. I just hope it's the right thing for Coco, a couple of years ago we took in mum and kittens, mum was very quiet so we thought she was homeable, when we took her for second vacc the vet disagreed, we found her a home where she was safe if she wanted to go out, they kept her in for about 7 weeks before she showed signs of wanting to go out and was never seen again
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 15, 2017, 18:15:10 PM
Most relaxed I've seen Coco during the day. Had Chanel taking treats from my hand again, but she isn't happy if I try and touch her
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on October 15, 2017, 21:37:01 PM
Oooh er, I was too bored today, when I should have been doing stuff, and bought 6 of those crinkly balls, 3 for mine and 3 for Gills. I was just  :tired: :naughty:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 17, 2017, 20:59:13 PM
Another first - well 2 actually, it's the first time we've seen her eat wet food! I would have cropped my foot out, but shows perspective




Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Rosella moggy on October 17, 2017, 21:28:29 PM

Fabulous pic Desley  :evillaugh:  Sorry but it IS really .... err unusual  :evillaugh:  love it  :Luv2:

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 18, 2017, 12:45:13 PM
Yes, you can guarantee on a cat for moving at the wrong time. I have unfortunately upset them - I needed to move the scratching post you see them in, as it would be too awkward to grab Chanel for her boosters, mainly because Coco is also in there, and will probably draw blood on me. I was going to leave it a bit later, but when I went in at suppertime, Coco was on the den, so I took my chance. Went in this morning to a very stressed Coco (there are two boxes on the den, and an igloo bed in there), which was making Chanel hiss, but you could tell she was copying, by her body language.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on October 20, 2017, 02:33:04 AM
THEY ARE STUNNING DESLEY  ;D

SO THE KITTEN IS THE FLUFFY ONE, I THINK SHE LOOKS LIKE A RAGDOLL ALTHOUGH THE OTHER ONE DOESNT!

MAYBE SHE IS PART RAGDOLL AND WAS ALLOWED TO BREED WITH A RAGDOLL.......WELL KUST A THOUGHT.


WHEN I FIRST SAW THE BLUE EYES AND HEAD OF KITTEN I THOUGHT BIRMAN, BUT NO WHITE FEET.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on October 20, 2017, 06:17:42 AM
Sorry that you keep getting blood drawn Desley.

They are both very beautiful cats. :Luv: :Luv2:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 20, 2017, 12:49:23 PM
Well, I’ve had more blood drawn from Lucy than the fosters this week Paula, and I was only stroking her!! Have had a mixed reaction since taking away one of the hiding places, Coco initially seems really stressed and hissy, but then often settles and while not fully relaxed, she does lie in the open watching me, despite there being 3 more hiding places that she could go in. Chanel hisses, but then sits and gazes at me to either feed her or play with her, and she’s very responsive, so you can tell she’s just copying mum. She will happily sniff my fingers, and eat biscuits from my hand, but not interested in being touched. I did wake up to the sound of playing though, so she’s acting like a normal kitten.

Certainly could be ragdoll in there Gill – mum was a stray, so who knows who found her. You are the third person this week to mention Birman though. I don’t see the blue eyes, although there must be something as in certain lights they have that red tinge that you do only normally see in blue eyes.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on October 20, 2017, 19:30:45 PM
What colour are their eyes Desley? I assumed (and you know where that gets you :shify:) that they both had blue eyes given the rest of their colouration.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on October 21, 2017, 00:00:29 AM
IN REPLY NUMBER 5 THEY BOTH LOOK LIKE THEY HAVE BLUE EYES TO ME  :scared: :scared:

AND YOU ARE RIGHT BLUE EYES OFTEN COME UP RED IN PHOTOS. OR TINGED RED IN THE SUN

THEY DEFINATELY ARENT BIRMANS AS BIRMANS HAVE WHITE FEET, SEE LUPIN. THE KITTEN IN ONE OF PICS HAS THE CLASSIC LAZY CAT LUPIN POSE WITH THE FEATHER  :evillaugh:

TO MAKE LIFE COMPLICATED RAGDOLLS ARE NOW BEING BRED WITH WHITE FEET TOO GRRRRRRRRR

AT THAT POINT THE ONLY DIFFERENCE I CAN SEE BETWEEN THE 2 IS THEIR NOSES, BIRMANS HAVE A LITTLE ROMAN NOSE..............THINK ITS A ROMAN NOSE BUT RAGDOLLS HAVE A NORMAL CAT NOSE.......STRAIGHT?

THE MOTHER DOESNT HAVE A RAGDOLL TAIL  AND NOT THE FUR EITHER WHICH SHOULD BE LIKE THE KITTENS.

 IAHE NOT BEING ABLE TO NIDENTY A CAT  :-[ :-[
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 21, 2017, 05:26:48 AM
I think they could be Himalayan cats.  Due to the Persian breed characteristic, they can have amber, green, gold or blue eyes.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 21, 2017, 11:04:46 AM
Well, that went a lot better than I expected - I chased her round the room a few times, then she went in the top box - when I went to put my hand in, she swiped my arm, so I have two little claw marks. I then decided to wrap her in a blanket, but when I turned round to get one, she ran out and ended up in the igloo bed, so I picked it up at an angle, and put it in the carrier!! When we got to the vets, we just pulled out the igloo bed, and she was the meekest I've ever seen her, so we just peeled the bed back enough to get at her neck, and injected her, then used a pill popper for a wormer all the time letting me stroke her. Last night I hand fed her her full pouch of Whiskas, that was interesting, as she likes food in gravy. I decided to try and pin her for a stroke again this morning, she was less resistant, and ended up on the top den, so Coco was watching her have a stroke, then she stayed there while I got her a treat, and took those from my hand. She may have some ragdoll in her, she has lovely silky fur. In the flesh, their eyes look yellow but a lot paler than Lucy's, and occasionally see a blue tint in Chanel's - I did think all colourpoints had blue eyes though
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on October 21, 2017, 22:18:31 PM
Who cares? They are both stunning cats. :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 22, 2017, 09:43:17 AM
Now I have taken the carrier out, Coco is settling so not giving them the scratching post back. Got very close to Coco without growling last night, Chanel pinched the biscuits from my hand though. Made Chanel have a stroke again this morning, she was less amenable, but happily ate some of her breakfast from my hand and I got some strokes then
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on October 22, 2017, 14:56:25 PM
Making progress Desley, slow but sure. ;D :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 28, 2017, 10:40:10 AM
Well, we did have a discussion yesterday about splitting them up, I do think Coco is benefiting from Chanel, although not sure how much She's eating as Chanel has hollow legs! Then this happened last night
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 28, 2017, 19:49:54 PM
Well, I might have had a bit more blood drawn, but a good time. She's more responsive to being touched by the stick than Chanel, so may have had a home. When she Hits, it's definitely a fear reaction rather than aggression
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on October 29, 2017, 00:59:37 AM
OK I AM CONFUSED WHICH CAT IS WHICH  :-[ :-[

WWHICH IS THE MOTHER AND ARE THEY BOTHE FEMALE?

I THOUGHT I KNEW THE ANSWERS TO MOST AND THE OTHERS WOULD BECOME CLEAR BUT NOT :-[ :-[

I THINK IT WOULD BE LOVELY TO KEEP THEM TOGETHER AND IF I DIDNT HAVE 3 ALREADY I WOULD HAVE TAKEN THEM
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 29, 2017, 09:41:44 AM
Coco is mum, she's the sleek one, Chanel is the kitten and fluffy, and both are girls.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on October 30, 2017, 02:03:53 AM
THANK YOU DESLEY...............HAD THEM THE WRONG WAY ROUND NAMEWISE ALTHOUGH GOT MUM AND KITTEN RIGHT LOL. YOU CAN SEE WHY I WAS CONFUSED  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 30, 2017, 20:26:43 PM
Used the 'tickling stick' again this morning, Coco bit it a few times but went from lying with ears slightly back to sitting with her ears normal. Chanel however looked incredibly uncomfortable, and moved away, yet in the beginning I had her purring. I'm thinking to stop pushing her, she will happily sniff my fingers and eat from my hand.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on October 31, 2017, 03:19:45 AM
I THINK YOU SHOULD AND SHE WILL COME TO YOU WHEN SHE WANTS, THINGS LIKE TOYS SHE WILL LIKE OR NOT AND ALSO POSSIBLY COPY COCO
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on November 01, 2017, 22:46:42 PM
Softee softee catchee monkee, just carry on what you have been doing and let the cats progress at their own pace. You are doing fine Desley. :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 04, 2017, 09:16:22 AM
Had a great evening on Wed, a bit hit and miss since then, but that is to be expected, then a good morning today. On Wed, I decided I had to sweep the floor - first time I did this when she couldn't see me, she got really stressed, on wed, she sat on the bottom level of the den watching me - lot of growling going on, but even when I got to the bits near where she was sitting, she was close enough to hit me, but just stayed growling. Tried to give her some temptations for being so good, she did swipe at me, but it's the first time she hasn't drawn blood, and it didn't hurt, as she hadn't used her usual force. Last night however, went to give her a plate of chicken, she hit it so hard it went flying!! This morning, she was growling and moving away from me when I tried to give her her breakfast, but then ate in front of me, and let me top the plate up!!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 05, 2017, 00:32:05 AM
WHICH SHE IS THIS  :-[
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 12, 2017, 15:59:33 PM
Had a great week with Coco, also realised she isn't going behind the chair to hide, she loves curling up to the radiator!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Rosella moggy on November 12, 2017, 18:42:33 PM

Lovely pics of beautiful gals Desley ❤❤

Great that Coco mum is responding now altho early days yet.

How's Daughter Chanel doing bearing in mind her moms up and down responses?
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 12, 2017, 19:17:17 PM
Chanel is quite stubborn - will happily sniff my fingers or eat off my hand, but refuses to let me stroke her. Doesn't even let me stroke her with Da Bird. We are going to try and home them together, doubt it will be this side of Christmas
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 15, 2017, 13:21:44 PM
Well, they met their second visitors yesterday, initially lots of hissing, but we went in at tea time, so tummies overruled fear – I got a quick stroke from Chanel, but poor thing looked so uncomfortable. She did happily play with my friend with the stick toy though. Coco ended up sitting at the side of the chair my friend sat on, she only had a nibble of her tea, as my friend does a lot of hand gestures when talking, Coco kept watching her, but was sat with her legs tucked under her and ears in normal position. This morning was different, Lucy had been hissing at them through the door again, Coco actually popped at me when I went to move her supper bowl, but I got a sneaky stroke of her tail while sorting the litter tray – can’t say she was impressed, but didn’t run away. My friend thinks Coco might be Tonkinese.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 15, 2017, 16:06:14 PM
I think they may be Tonkinese too, as per my previous post
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 15, 2017, 20:14:04 PM
Sorry, missed that Sue. Coco was quite agitated tonight , so I had words with her, she looked as though she was taking it all on board and then settled down!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 17, 2017, 17:20:54 PM
They are the most gorgeous pair but don't think mine would be impressed with two kid lol
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on November 18, 2017, 23:42:09 PM
Gill, yours would definitely NOT be impressed. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Especially Lupin.  ;) He is quite enough on his own, certainly keeps me on my toes. (if you'll pardon the expression.)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 20, 2017, 13:11:43 PM
Another breakthrough with Coco last night – I kept putting my hand near her, and then moving it, I can get quite close now, so wanted to praise but she doesn’t seem to like treats, so I thought of offering her some of her biscuits to praise her. She was contemplating them, so I told her she could hit them off my hand if it was easier, and she did!! Admittedly she lost 2 of the 3, so I had to do a second lot, which she also hit off my hand – slight claws involved second time though. She is so clever, although that isn’t always a good thing with nervous cats!!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Rosella moggy on November 20, 2017, 15:01:19 PM

Have you tried wiggling fingers as your hand approaches her Desley?  Or is that what you mean by moving your hand?

Billy (RIP gorgeous lad) was also a clever and wary cat even after so many years with us. As long as I didn't look him in da eye and waggled my fingers as my hand approached, he would offer me an upright tail for a back scratch. I imagine you know all the tricks though.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 21, 2017, 13:39:17 PM
Well, I've tried 3 ways, palm up, palm down and wiggling fingers - wiggling fingers gets the best response, but not sure if that is just cos she wants to play with them. I was allowed to sit on the windowsill yesterday while she was on the top den, although when I offered her biscuits, she properly swiped my hand.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 04, 2017, 13:16:49 PM
Had an odd weekend with Coco and Chanel, Coco has started sitting in other parts of the room, Sat night she was in front the chair I sit on, so I sat in front of the door, she looked like she was contemplating me, then jumped on the den. I tried to stroke Chanel while giving her her treats, she flew across the room, and Coco flew down hissing and growling, I was scared. Not seen her that protective, especially as at tea time, she’d had a go at Chanel!! Last night I got Chanel to take one of her treats off my knee, then ate a bag of crisps, so she kept trying to get close to me. Then she sat on a cushion sort of opposite me, and chirruped at me. I said something to her, she looked like she was considering it, then chirruped back, did that for about 10 mins!!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on December 04, 2017, 16:54:55 PM
Definitely getting there Desley, how funny that you had a little 'conversation' with Chanel. :Luv2:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 15, 2017, 12:12:02 PM
Had an interesting evening with them last night, Coco was quite spooky and ended up behind the chair when I went to sit with them, I tried the biscuit game, but she was hitting my hand so hard she was sending them flying, and I’m not sure about her sense of smell, she seems to struggle to find one near her paw. Chanel is quite happy to sit on the scratch post at the side of the chair (mainly to see if she can get a treat!!), but runs if you move your hand or look at her too much. At bedtime, she was out in the open again, so I sat down in front of the door, Chanel came over to investigate, and Coco growled!! I started tapping my hand on the floor and Coco got halfway towards me, before Chanel came to sniff my hand and put her off. Then Chanel hit my hand, and looked at the cupboard where the treats live - twice!!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 19, 2017, 13:47:02 PM
Another good night with them, Coco was out last night, she looked curious when I was tapping my fingers, so I got a bit closer and she came to me and hit my hand, the only downside is that she is a lot hissier when we play the biscuit game on the floor, it’s a bit disconcerting. Both of them did it this morning, Chanel does put Coco off though unfortunately, this morning she was being a right floozy!! Chanel is getting more relaxed, and happier to roll around showing her belly, even though last night I did try and push attention on her – everytime I got the slightest touch of her fur, I gave her a treat, so she has started giving me a sniff, then looking to the treats!!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Dawn F on December 19, 2017, 13:51:45 PM
they do sound like they are coming on slowly
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 19, 2017, 13:53:34 PM
Yeah, they are. Not looking forward to homing them though, think people are just going to see their looks and not realise what they actually need
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on December 19, 2017, 14:43:27 PM
That's why you do home checks Desley, I am sure that you will find a genuine cat lover that can see past the way they look. :hug: :hug: :hug: Usually it's for the opposite reason!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 20, 2017, 13:17:11 PM
Coco was out again last night, Chanel does put her off the biscuit game a lot unfortunately. Convinced her to jump on the den, the first time she hit my hand and got biscuits, the second time she actually licked my fingers!! Couldn’t get her to eat them from my hand though, she much prefers to hit my hand to get them. Chanel was also licking my fingers, but got a bit enthusiastic and nibbled them too!!

Paula, my main concern is how many people are just going to see their pic and enquire without reading what kind of home they need, so we are going to have to do a lot of sifting before we get to home visit stage!! It is ironic that it is the opposite to our normal concerns.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on December 20, 2017, 13:31:23 PM
I do understand Des, "I want those pretty kitties." No thought of the cats needs, just window dressing for the home. Usually it's the ones that aren't so good looking for whatever reason that are hard to find good homes for. That is why Sheila contacted me about Pirate, although I think he is a very handsome boy regardless of wonky/missing bits.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 20, 2017, 13:36:09 PM
Yeah - I was surprised Charlie and Will struggle so much - longhaired ginger and longhaired grey?? Funny how some of the ones you think will be easy turn out to be with you a while. First time I took Lucy to the vets, everyone was surprised she had waited 18 months for a home - suspect now they know her better they aren't quite as surprised!!  :shify:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 01, 2018, 16:20:28 PM
Am trying to get to the next stage with Chanel, she has shown how clever she can be- yesterday was trying to get her to eat dreamies off my knee, as soon as I sat down today, she came and sniffed my knee! So of course I got the dreamies out
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 09, 2018, 13:48:43 PM
Tried something new last night, which failed – Chanel is so greedy if you throw her a treat then give one to Coco, she’ll gulp hers down and try and pinch Cocos’ which is causing tension, I had a spare treat ball in the cupboard, but she couldn’t figure it out last night!! I left some in it when I went to bed though, so she might have a better idea tonight. Coco has started playing though, mainly with her tail, because Chanel tends to dominate the toys.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on January 09, 2018, 14:51:30 PM
We find that with Barley and Malt - Barley has a tendency to dominate any games, and then malt ends up sitting watching.  What we try to do now is to give Malt some play opportunities when Barley is out, but that's a harder option for you at present given neither Coco or Chanel are outdoor cats.  The puzzle treat ball sounds like a great way to go.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 10, 2018, 13:42:54 PM
Tried again with the treat ball, with no luck, although heard it moving at 3am!! Chanel poo'd on the floor in front of me last night, I thought it was Coco. Oddly though, it was a clean litter tray yesterday morning, Chanel wee'd in it when I spent some time with them when I got home, but then wouldn't poo in it!! I do need some more litter, I might try a different brand.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 17, 2018, 13:32:51 PM
Coco is getting a lot braver, she is out in the open more, she was in the dog bed over the weekend and didn’t even hiss at me, she has sniffed my feet a couple of times and at breakfast and supper time she is getting good at coming and hitting me for food – unfortunately she is a bit aggressive, got lots of little scratches!! She has started making new noises, which are interesting with the Siamese in her, but I can’t interpret if they are good or not!! Chanel is twigging that everytime I touch a bit of fur, she gets a treat, although she much prefers the ‘I’ll tap you and get a treat’ approach!! Last night I got the most touching of fur, as she was that engrossed in trying to catch snow she didn't notice me!!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on January 17, 2018, 14:07:42 PM
Quote
  Chanel is twigging that everytime I touch a bit of fur, she gets a treat, although she much prefers the ‘I’ll tap you and get a treat’ approach!!

 :evillaugh: :evillaugh:  Clever girl.   :)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 17, 2018, 19:18:56 PM
Chanel trying to catch snow
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on January 18, 2018, 08:13:20 AM
 ;D ;D ;D So cute. :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 17, 2018, 18:39:34 PM
Thought I'd share a pic of Chanel, she was acting like she wanted a fuss on Thu but everytime she got close, Coco was growling really loud! This was Thu evening, she likes to sit like this when I read to them. Coco has been really jumpy today, I wonder if it's the wind.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on March 19, 2018, 12:48:51 PM
 :evillaugh: :evillaugh:  She looks so relaxed, yet "paying attention."   Moray used to love it when I read to him, and I can still get his attention quite quickly by pitching my voice low, and saying to him:  "Are you sitting comfortably?  Then I'll begin...."

(Anyone remember Listen with Mother?  :evillaugh:)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on March 25, 2018, 18:50:50 PM
YES
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on April 06, 2018, 12:38:47 PM
Chanel has been really naughty the last couple of nights – she eats on the floor, and Coco eats pretty much wherever she happens to be, normally on the top of the den, but the past few days as I’ve been leaving the room I’ve heard Chanel jump up, the other night I not only gave Coco a few more biscuits and made sure Chanel didn’t go near them, but wouldn’t let Chanel go near her bowl – didn’t work though, last night I hadn’t even shut the door when I heard her!! I don’t know what to do, as Coco can be reluctant to eat with me in the room. Coco drew blood on me again today, not sure she is going to improve anymore. Chanel wants too, but Coco tells her off when she gets too close, and last week I was stroking Chanel’s tail, Coco was sat behind her and swiped me!!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on April 19, 2018, 18:31:16 PM
SOUNDS LIKE COCO IS JEALOUS
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on April 22, 2018, 18:16:22 PM
Bit of a mixed afternoon with them, went in to clean the room and Chanel seemed quite receptive to being stroked, especially as it was followed with dreamies!! Then decided to hoover the floor to help my sore foot, had to stop when Coco poo'd herself in fright   :'( Chanel ended up on top of the bookcase and again, allowed herself to be stroked - whether I was stroking her head, cheek or back, she refused to purr but she could have moved and didn't, so again got a dreamie. She has started rubbing my legs when I am feeding them too
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on April 25, 2018, 07:54:51 AM
I've heard some cats like hoovers, but I've never met one yet.  Poor Coco. 

They're both making steady progress though, Desley.  In my view, it's seldom "too late."   :)

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on April 25, 2018, 13:44:31 PM
I’m sure my neighbours rugrats don’t mind the hoover, which surprises me as they are still jumpy over things, but never had one react like poor Coco, and she is very wary of me this week, she normally eats tea in her bed, but she has run away from me every day this week. She does sit out in the open in a relaxed position when I sit with them after tea though, and I’ve started bribing her with dreamies, this morning she tapped my hand to get it off. Chanel is still resisting strokes, but is rolling and flopping on the floor more when I talk to her and tap the floor.

I think the ‘too late’ really depends on people’s expectations of cats and what resources rescues have, I do sometimes feel guilty that I’m tied up with these when we are turning cats away, but that is the advantage of a small rescue, with CP, we were expected to move cats on after 6 months, which I kind of understand but hard to do when you’ve put so much effort in – my neighbour got her rugrats when they were still unhomeable, but it made sense to finish the socialising in their forever home – if she hadn’t been willing to take them on, I’d have had to start looking for a farm home for them – 20 months after them being picked up, Fizz will still only allow my neighbour to stroke her, and she demands being cuddled daily by her, but even when she is away, she won’t ask anyone else, I’m lucky if I get a touch of her
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 07, 2018, 13:51:12 PM
Well, I’ve had them 8 months now, so Chanel will be 1 year old. I’m really not sure they are going to come round much more, even though I had a good day last Thu with Chanel allowing herself to be stroked and picked up, she hasn’t allowed it since, and even been reluctant to eat from my hand. I had a long chat with Coco last night, she has such a funny expression when you talk to her, never seen a cats eyes move so much, like she is really taking on board what you are saying – even though I can talk her from ears flat to her head to a normal position, I’m just not sure she’s going to be able to break that barrier. Just not sure how easy it is going to be to home them – I think they would need indoor only with an enclosed outdoor space. Could do with a local version of Liz really!!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Liz on June 07, 2018, 13:54:12 PM
They sound like my type of girls Desley :)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 07, 2018, 13:55:11 PM
They are Liz, just a shame you are so far away.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 10, 2018, 18:36:08 PM
Hmm, my neighbour suggested something today for the girls, as she looked after them yesterday/this morning, I came in to find Coco had gone into hiding because of it, so my neighbour thinks I should keep them. Obvious downside of this is that Lucy is intolerant of other cats, so keeping them here would mean keeping them in the one room (its around 8 feet wide and 11 feet long), which I'm not sure is fair, but my neighbour thinks if we add a couple of things like shelves in the room and have a similar enclosure to hers built outside the window, so they could have some fresh air, it may work. The plan would be until Lucy is no longer here, then they would end up with the whole house. Main downside of this is that it is the only room I can use for cats (I used to use the bathroom for occasional stays, but can't with Lucy), so I wouldn't be able to foster, although technically I am, as these aren't mine. I need to think about this before I suggest it to the rescue, as it is quite a big step
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on June 11, 2018, 00:45:36 AM
It is a big step Desley, are you sure about this? They do seem to be coming on with you although Lucy is a massive factor. What sort of life expectancy does Lucy have? I am sorry it is a very bald question, but has to be considered. :hug: :hug: :hug: Is it fair on Coco and Chanel to be in a smallish room for an intermediate amount of time? An access to outside will help massively. Sorry, lots of questions.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 11, 2018, 13:27:55 PM
Yes, it is a big step Paula, which is why I’m contemplating this rather than ringing the woman I volunteer for to suggest it. I’ve never discussed Lucy’s lifespan with the vet, I think when she had the initial CKD diagnosis, it wasn’t bad because it was picked up on the early detection test, but not sure how much the IHC will affect that, I Think it all depends on how well we can manage it – I know when we had the diet/medication conversation last year, she said it would be her kidneys that would get her first. I just don’t know whether having the outdoor space would be enough for them, potentially for years. Equally, I’m not sure we could find anyone to take them as they are, and I would really hate to put them on a farm after the work I’ve put in or with how much they enjoy sleeping in front of the radiator. Neither have attempted to escape, I suspect Coco is just glad to have somewhere warm, safe and 3 meals a day, Chanel doesn’t know much different. The loft hatch is in there, I did wonder how easy it would be to enclose a bit of that for them to have a bit of extra space, but they couldn’t stay in the room while it was being done, and nowhere else really to put them. A few times recently I haven’t fully shut the door behind me and Lucy has peeked in at them, she hisses at them – neither of the girls react to that though.

The other downside of course is I wouldn't have space to foster anything else, I've always stopped myself from adopting too many so that I can continue to foster.
 
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on June 12, 2018, 18:00:53 PM


Desley, are these the only two alternatives?   

Forgive the questions, but am not sure if there are any other volunteers who may be able to take over and/or continue the work you've started with both Coco and Chanel?  Am guessing not, and that's why they've been with you for so long. 

Am also wondering if it might be possible to put the word out through some of the pedigree cat rescues that these two need a very special home with someone who has bags of patience, and preferably access to a safe and secure outside run, but appreciate you may have already tried that.  I know these two aren't pedigree as such, but they're attractive enough to interest people who are used to the breed characteristics and temperaments such cats can present, and many have safe access to outdoors arrangements.   Then again, you may feel that could attract the wrong sort of interest, with people only taking account of appearances and not much else.

I suspect that you wouldn't really want these to go somewhere that you couldn't personally vet and judge for yourself, having invested so much of yourself in their care and welfare.

I know Lucy isn't keen on other cats, but then neither are Coco and Chanel.  I'm wondering whether it would be apocalypse now if they all ended having the run of the house, or whether they may learn to keep to ultimately rub along together.  Is it worth giving it a cautious try-out?

I agree that I don't think it's fair to cats to have a permanent home which is a one room solution, but then I can see why it would be heartbreaking to see these two go to a farm setting too, and to be honest, I'm not sure they'd adapt that well, even with the freedoms.  Looking at them, it just doesn't feel quite right. 

It would be great to get Sheila's opinion.  With her farm contacts and her ability to place cats so well, her input would be invaluable on the likely scenarios you're considering.

Thinking about our two gurlies, we both knew that we couldn't part with them, even with their violent tendencies and unpredictability - and it was a very close thing, believe me.  I wont ever forget how close we came to it.  Yet thinking of them huddled up together, looking so fierce yet so vulnerable to those who might not "get" what they were about, I shudder even now at what might have been.  And yes, we still can't "handle" them in the proper and accepted sense, but I've just enjoyed a 15 minute snuggly session with Malt after tea - and she instigated it.  She wanted it.  She asked for it.  My God, how much that lifts my heart.  And I suspect you're the same with every hard won victory you witness with Coco and Chanel. 

I still recall when I would approach Malt and she would run from me.  Then when she had the courage to stand her ground, she would visibly flinch when I went to touch her, and I would back off, and then we'd both end up looking  like we'd lost a tenner and found a pound.   :-:  And then Barley - so craving affection,  so bold in many respects yet still terrified if we stand up and move about around her. 

It's a roller-coaster, but I think you've made such a difference to these three cats already, that any decision you make will be taken after a huge amount of thought, and with a quiet determination that is all your own.   I think you'll find a way.  As for the other cats you "might foster" but maybe can't in the scenarios you envisage, sometimes we have to commit to those cats who need us the most, whether or not it suits our preferences.  Only you can decide whether that's Lucy, Coco and Chanel.  We never know how long we have the cats who are with us and in our care.  However much we plot, plan and propose, life often throws the unexpected in our path, and it's how we deal with that which counts for the cats in question.

That probably doesn't help you at all!  :evillaugh: :hug: :hug:



Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on June 12, 2018, 18:05:19 PM
I know that Lucy has an aversion to other cats, but is there any possibility that as she will sniff in the doorway and hiss that she may come round at all, if the hostilities are limited to hisses............ Merlin still chases Emo from time to time and she still hisses at him if he walks past too closely, yet they often sleep within a couple of feet of each other. Either like this morning at the top of the landing or on our bed.

Sue posted while I was writing, but some of her thoughts closely mirror my own. We don't know them like you do obviously and as she says you have invested so much time and energy with all three cats, you equally obviously have fallen in love with them. These are the ones you have now not potential future cats that may need help.

I know that there are always going to be cats needing fosterers, maybe an outside structure for those would be possible with a bit of financial help from the rescue?
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Liz on June 12, 2018, 20:01:52 PM
Although it may be rough to start with sometimes letting the door open and see how it goes - they may surprise you

Re the farm thing I don't think to be honest they wouuld be suitable after being inside and fed for so long also their coats would become a mess then they would need to be trapped and that opens a whole new can of worms.

Some Zylkene and plug ins at the ready and a weeks holiday with no interuptions and give it a go would be my way

As they look pedigree folks will be thinking sweet Ragdoll rather than claws and language becoming a marine :)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on June 12, 2018, 21:24:34 PM
Desley, unfortunately there will always be more cats needing fostering than space for them. You could have a mansion with a cat family in each room and it still wouldn't be enough. Knowing that, I think you be should do what you think is right for the 3 cats currently in your care, rather than worrying about those you have never met.

I know that whatever you decide will have been thoroughly thought through with the welfare of the 3 cats uppermost in your mind  :hug:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on June 12, 2018, 23:44:36 PM
DESLEY THEY ARE STUNNING CATS AS IS LUCY AND IN YOUR SHOES AFTER ALL THE WORK I WOULD KEEP THEM.

I DIDNT REALIZE THAT LUCY HAD HEALTH ISSUES BUT THINK YOU HAVE GIVEN ALL 3 SUCH A GREAT HOME IT WOULD BE SAD TO MOVE COCO AND CHANEL ON.

YOU HAVE HAD ALL 3 FOR QUITE A WHILE NOW, PLEASE DONT CHANGE IT.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on June 13, 2018, 07:40:03 AM


Some excellent points and comments, as always, from your Purrs family, Desley.

Quote
     folks will be thinking sweet Ragdoll rather than claws and language becoming a marine           
Cudden have put it better.   :evillaugh:  And so true about their coats. 

And Gill's right - you've done a great job with all three.  It may be unconventional, and maybe not the sunshiniest scenario you'd have envisioned for these cats, but as Lyn has said about the Cat Mansion - we all know you could have a house the size of Buckingham Palace, and it still wouldn't solve the cat issues we have in this country let alone anywhere else. 

Whereas for those 3 cats in your care, you're making a real difference.  The best of all worlds, would be if they could learn to get along in the same house, even if it meant they moved around it without close contact with each other.  And you're savvy enough to be able to make the additions to those rooms to keep the cat super-highway moving along. 



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Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 13, 2018, 13:36:15 PM
Thanks for all the points and comments, some food for thought. I won’t bore you, but between the layout of the house, and the logistics dealing with Lucy’s quirks with doors, it would be hard to have them all loose in the house, especially as I can’t touch the girls.

Sue – I really can’t think of any other scenarios for these, nor can I think of any other volunteers who could have them - when we weren’t sure in September if Coco could come round, it was me or put her outside. Liz’s comment is my concern about going to a breed rescue!! I certainly wouldn’t want them to go somewhere I couldn’t vet myself, with the work I’ve done. The girlies (their nickname!) aren’t bothered by other cats, there is a half Siamese on the next street, she was screaming to go in one day last week, and Chanel raced to the window to investigate!! No, a farm life doesn’t feel right. Aww, so glad you are still making progress with your gurlies. As for the other cats you "might foster" but maybe can't in the scenarios you envisage, sometimes we have to commit to those cats who need us the most, whether or not it suits our preferences.  Only you can decide whether that's Lucy, Coco and Chanel.  We never know how long we have the cats who are with us and in our care.  However much we plot, plan and propose, life often throws the unexpected in our path, and it's how we deal with that which counts for the cats in question. that is so very apt, Lucy has to come first in this situation though, although in the past I have put foster cats above my own. I’m not bothered by it being unconventional, it just has to be right for everyone, especially as I can’t guarantee whether Lucy would ever tolerate them enough to have complete access.

Paula - While Lucy seems to just hiss at other cats these days (although I have seen her hit Sooty on the bum recently!!), when they are in the house, she gets that worked up, I get hit, and I can’t touch her, so not sure how she would like ones living with her. Funnily enough the vet did ask if I thought she would like friends last week!! I could get the inside door mesh system my neighbour used to help introduce the rugrats, that wasn’t too expensive. Like I said, I have been testing the waters recently, she hisses at them and then walks away huffing at herself. Unfortunately an outdoor pen isn't an option Paula, I live in a back to back house so don't even have a back door, much less a garden.

Liz – being able to cope after being inside for so long is part of what makes me reluctant to find a farm type home for them, especially Chanel as she would have been dependent on mum before coming into rescue, so not sure if she would have the hunting instinct. Your comment about the breed rescue is why I’m reluctant to go down that avenue. I certainly wouldn’t want to just give it a go with Lucy, between her temperament and the work I’ve put in dealing with her issues, some of which I suspect have been caused by being confined with other cats. Not sure how easy Zylkene would be, all 3 prefer dry, the girls get RC Calm biscuits and calming treats, although Lucy has to have renal biscuits.

Lyn – yes, sadly I’ve been doing it 14 years at the end of this month, and its worse now than it was then!! The only room I haven’t used to foster is my bedroom, and that’s only so my own cats had a room!! I just don’t know if I am ready to give it up, it’s only been 14 years and over 250 cats/kittens. I’ve always held back on keeping cats, so I could continue to help more, although I am more involved in fundraising at the moment, so would still be volunteering, just in a different way, and the rescue I currently volunteer for have a slightly different take on fostering, they prefer me to look after them till they are ready to be homed, then go up to our ‘centre’ (well, the new place is a barn!!), which I don’t like, although I do the cat home visits, so still know where they are going. I might even find that even when Lucy is no longer here, I can’t take the room off them.

Gill – yes, they are stunning, but I can’t keep them just based on their looks. For me its their temperament that makes them hard to home. Yes, Lucy was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and arthritis in October 16, which is why she had an operation last year, they suspected last year she also has luxating patellas, early stage CKD last March, then Idiopathic hypercalcaemia (IHC) last August, and the treatment for CKD and IHC contradict each other, so its all a balancing act. It would be sad to move them on, but that is the whole point of fostering, to give them whatever they need to be able to move on and have a forever home. The problem in this case is what kind of home would take two semi-ferals who have no issue using claws and teeth, and are technically unhomeable. 
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on June 13, 2018, 14:32:50 PM



The problem in this case is what kind of home would take two semi-ferals who have no issue using claws and teeth, and are technically unhomeable. 



Hmmmm.  :shify:  There are people out there, but not thick on the ground, it's true. 

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Liz on June 13, 2018, 14:35:50 PM
Desley your last comment is half of my cats including an unhandlable F2 Bengal my darling Melody she loves cats and kittens., tolerates the dogs and just about tolerates the humans but can be cornered to go to the vet where she is as sweet a pie as she is terrified of being out of her comfort zone

We can now get all ours to the vets with cornering in the catroom its more the chase involved to get them where we want them that would give folks food for thought

A farm is not a place they should go they need someone very understanding who will let them be but love from afar - I do that with my darling Blue feral who still hates us but loves all the other cats after 12 years but if you ignore the hissing he does love his treats and if required an ACP tablet :)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on June 13, 2018, 16:34:17 PM
Why don't you try it for a week or so and as my late Husband would say "Suck it and see"?
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 14, 2018, 13:53:01 PM
Yes, there are Sue, but not many, plus pairs have always been harder to home, never mind homes with no other cats. I certainly don’t know many people like you Liz!! You are right, they definitely need someone understanding who will let them be – Chanel was playing peek a boo with me Tue night, last night I was reading their bedtime story and Chanel started playing around, which distracted me, Coco started staring at the book in my hand, as if to say ‘why have you stopped?’ and she relaxes a lot when she is being read to, so they do interact, just not in the normal sense, and both know their names and nicknames (coco bean and cheeky lamb).

Between here and CC, I have come to a decision, which will be to keep them as long term fosters, so they would still be up for homing if the right home came along, but in the meantime I will do everything I can to try and integrate them and make things better for them. My neighbour isn’t convinced they should be up for homing, she doesn’t think it would be fair on them, and that I would find it hard to let them go. I will run it by our manager tomorrow, can’t see her saying no, as my neighbour pointed out, what else can we do with them? We are doing a Zooplus order tomorrow, so will buy some more toys, and maybe do a Purrs order too. Then I will speak to our local handyman about getting a mesh door like my neighbour did to gauge Lucy’s reaction, and look at having an enclosure built so they can have fresh air – not sure Coco would use it, but looking at the paw prints on my window, Chanel would. Now just to decide whether to advertise them or leave it for people to offer a home for the challenging cats.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on June 14, 2018, 21:01:20 PM
SO PLEASED YOU ARE KEEPING THEM AND AMZING HOW THEY ARE STILL IMPROVING.

DONT ADVERTISE THEM PLEASE
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on June 15, 2018, 01:08:13 AM
I think that you have made the right decision, but I am also with Gill in saying please don't advertise them, I know that they will have prospective homes vetted, but I still think that people are going to see them, fall in love with their looks and not be up for their behavioural problems. Some people know what to say even if they think that they will do things their own way once the cats are in their possession.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 15, 2018, 13:30:14 PM
That has always been my issued Paula, and why I’ve always said any advertising would be done without a picture. We do have an ‘animals needing specialist homes’ page on our website, so doing a story on there for them is an option. I rummaged in the wardrobe last night looking for my fabric tunnel, it appears I’ve thrown that away, but did find a cat tent, so put that up last night for her, and I’m contemplating taking the plastic dog bed they don’t use out of there to make more space and replacing the small scratch post with something a bit more interactive, shame as Lucy has an unused one, but it’s a bit boring, it’s just a wave.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 15, 2018, 19:23:14 PM
Not sure I got the timing right with the rescue, she didn't seem overly enthusiastic and wanted me to wait a couple of months till things have settled down (we are still finishing our move, just finishing building the cat pens), but hoping that was more because she didn't want me to spend money rather than being bothered by me keeping them. She did again suggest splitting, but I'd rather say I was keeping them than let that happen. I've just done a very expensive Zooplus order, new scratch post and toys for them, and will speak to the builder over the weekend - even if it doesn't work out with these, or something amazing comes up, I've always wanted to put an enclosure outside the window for the foster cats, just never thought it was possible.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on June 15, 2018, 22:22:56 PM
WELL DONE ON THE ORDER DESLEY AND HOPE THEY WILL HAVE SOME NEW FUN WITH THE TOYS.

SEEMS TO ME THAT THE RESCUE IS NOT STAYING IN FOCUS AND THEY SHOULD BE HAPPY ABOUT YOU KEEPING THESE TWO, MAYBE YOU ARE RIGHT THO
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 16, 2018, 09:44:29 AM
for some reason, since explaining the dilemma to Coco, she actually seems to be slightly better with me. This morning they'd kicked the blanket off the windowsill, Coco hissed when I went to replace it, so I told her there was no point, I'm only doing this to make things better for them, and she stopped with her mouth open, like she had to contemplate this, then shut her mouth. I'll have another chat with the rescue when we aren't quite as under pressure fundraising wise, but I don't want to wait that long to start putting things in place, it wouldn't be fair on the girls. I think there is just so much going on Gill, we are opening next week and haven't finished building the cat pens yet, so she doesn't know if she's coming or going.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 21, 2018, 13:43:24 PM
Spoke to builder, my enclosure will cost more than my neighbours as he will need to hire an access tower, and I want stronger mesh than she went for, but he said he’d clean out my gutters for free while he was doing it!! Just debating at the moment whether I can get a cat flap installed in the window. Most of the toys, the new scratch post and shelf have arrived, but I Want to clean the room before putting them in. Just waiting for the stuff from Purrs now, so Sunday’s job will be re-arranging things in the room for them.

Our trustee thinks we may be able to get the cost covered by a grant we are applying for, not sure if she needs any text to explain, but have written this, what do you think?

Last September, PAWS took in a mum cat, who the vets asked us if we wanted to ear tip as she was wild there, but we wanted to give her a chance in a home environment to see if she could be homed as a pet cat. 3 weeks later, the people who had asked us for help with the mum asked us to take in the kitten they had kept, as she was too wild for them, so we took her too, and both were placed with a fosterer to bring them round. They are quite content indoors and spent most of the winter snoozing in a bed under the radiator, so it would be unfair to put them back outside (and the ‘kitten’ may not have the skills to fend for herself, after spending the majority of her life inside), but they will still growl, hiss and draw blood if you get too close, so they need someone who is willing to give them the space and love they need, accepting they may never be able to touch them. As these homes aren’t easy to come by, the fosterer has proposed to keep them as long term foster cats, so if someone perfect comes along we have the option to home them, but will do everything she can to enrich their environment in the meantime, which is why we are applying for a grant to build an enclosure outside their room, so they have some outdoor space, and the extra stimulation that comes with that, as they are too nervous to be given unlimited outdoor access. 
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on June 22, 2018, 18:34:05 PM
I THINK THATS PURRFECT DESLEY
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on June 22, 2018, 19:08:24 PM
Sounds good to me Desley. :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 24, 2018, 19:36:18 PM
Thanks - obviously not where they are going to stay but this is the majority of the new toys for Chanel

 
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on June 24, 2018, 21:07:52 PM
CHANEL SHOULD HAVE FUN WITH ALL THOSE
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 25, 2018, 12:58:51 PM
Typically Gill, she’s barely touched them. I got her a bit interested in the Senses when I went in at bedtime, and did hear a few loud noises as I was going to sleep. Purrs order has arrived today, so more stuff for them, Lucy got something in this order too (The shark destroyed her Da Bird the other week!!)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 25, 2018, 19:27:40 PM
The den is too large to get it all in one photo! Still got a few cat tree toys that need screwing, and a shelf on the wall for them. Forgot there is also a window sucker toy, she hasn't bothered with that! She has barely bothered with the toys or new post. Might have to shuffle things round
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on June 25, 2018, 23:15:28 PM
HOPE ITS JUST A MATTR OF TIME.

KOCKA MY FIST CAT DINT KNOW HOW TO PLAY AND HAD TO TEACH HER, HOURS OF PLAYING FOOTBALL WITH A PING POG BALL AND A FISH ON A STRING WHICH SHE ADORED
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on June 26, 2018, 05:24:09 AM
I love the den! Where did you get it from? I have three soppy Tittentats that would love one of those. ;)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 26, 2018, 13:06:09 PM
The favourite toy appears to be the rainbow cord – it’s too long for the cat room though, so will cut it in half, Lucy was rather interested in it too! The den was actually hand made by a friends’ husband Paula, the boxes were built in his workshop, everything else came in pieces in my house and was built in the room, don’t think it would ever come out of there in one piece! I wasn't sure about the astroturf at first, but its easy to hoover and steam mop, and the cats don't mind sitting on it. He was a typical bloke and told me on Thur he was coming round to do it on Sat, but I hadn’t ordered the sisal, so that had to be put on after, would not recommend that, it was so hard, and we underestimated how much you use, so had to then order some more!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 29, 2018, 12:39:08 PM
Had a great time with the girls this morning, went in and Coco was on the windowsill, she stayed long enough for me to de-fluff the place she normally sits, then I spooked her but rather than run to her safe place, she went the opposite direction and ended up on the floor, Chanel run to her, and Coco actually laid in a relaxed position, then I got the rainbow cord out and actually got her playing for a bit! Will post pics later. That’s at least the 3rd time this week I’ve gone in and she hasn’t been in her safe place, but it is the only time she hasn’t ran to it, so think we are getting somewhere. Putting her shelf up this weekend and a few more toys! Chanel doesn’t look as fluffy, wonder if it is the heat? Coco is actually getting darker, I knew Chanel would as she got older, but surprised with Coco.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on June 29, 2018, 20:26:33 PM
SO PLEASED AN AS THEY GET OLDER THEIR COLOUR LIKELY TO CHANGE. WILL BE GREAT TO SEE SOME PICS
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 01, 2018, 11:05:57 AM
Finally pics! We put the shelf up and put 2 of the cat tree toys up, might do a third tonight. I knew Chanel would Gill, surprised by Coco as she was an adult when she came
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on July 01, 2018, 23:35:02 PM
GREAT PICS DESLEY AND THEY LOOK VERY RELAXED
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 02, 2018, 13:41:04 PM
Yes, they do look very relaxed Gill, just a shame that it doesn’t stop the hissing! Last night was sweet, Coco was in the bed on the windowsill, stayed there while I read to them, then when I shouted her to get her supper, she actually came out of the bed!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on July 02, 2018, 22:05:16 PM
HOPEFULLY WITH TIM DESLEY
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on July 03, 2018, 10:53:43 AM
Two lovely girls Desley :Luv:, it does sound as if you are making progress even if it is a slow process.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 03, 2018, 13:37:28 PM
Yes, Paula, there is progress and they are responsive cats, it’s just not in the normal way. I offered Coco a new toy last night, she started hissing, then stopped mid hiss, I wish I had taken a pic of it! Chanel has finally been in the cat cube though, just the Senses circuit she isn’t bothered with, will probably end up going to my neighbours. 
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on July 04, 2018, 18:46:53 PM
LOVE SHE STOPPED MID HISS LOL
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 05, 2018, 13:46:23 PM
She often does stop mid hiss – she generally hisses when doing the litter tray (she sits directly above it), but I tell her what I’m doing and she stops, moves her eyes like she’s considering what you’ve said, then stops and settles down.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Liz on July 05, 2018, 20:01:01 PM
If its any help our Blue feral has been with us 12 years and still hisses at us as we place his evening treat on the chair next to him :)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 06, 2018, 13:46:56 PM
Sorry Liz, not much help! Fortunately being hissed at doesn't faze me, unlike my neighbour - she was near Lucy last night so I asked her to stop Lucy doing something and Lucy hissed as she got near, so she walked away - when I asked her to try again, it was 'what, you want me to go near your hissing, snarling cat' - I'd watched Lucy, and it was a tame hiss, but I wasn't asking my neighbour to touch her, just interrupt her. She still hisses at me most days, but quickly goes to rubbing my legs/feet.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 17, 2018, 13:25:38 PM
Builder came on Sun, he thinks it will be next week before he can start building it, he’s struggling a bit with the mesh. Coco stayed on the floor this morning when I went in, even when I fed them, so she ate on the floor rather than her usual spot and started eating before I left the room, which is really good for her.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 17, 2018, 14:07:10 PM


Moray occasionally hisses at OH if OH approaches him with grooming implements.  Doesn't hiss much at me though, cos I whisper sweet nuffinks in his ear, and sing his little song to him.   :evillaugh:  It''s all about the approach and the mood of the cat.  You know what Lucy's warning hisses mean - with the greatest of respect to your neighbour, she doesn't.  Instead she responds to the hiss having the desired effect, and keeps away. 


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 18, 2018, 13:29:00 PM
Not sure I know what Lucy’s hisses always mean! I know what you mean, but my neighbour is no stranger to semi-feral type cats, and you’d think she’d have learnt a bit about Lucy’s ways by now.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 18, 2018, 14:27:54 PM


Well, it's a funny thing Desley, but I've known a few people who are "no stranger" to a certain situation or set of circumstances,  and persist in a singular type of approach which is often inappropriate or counter-productive to the said situation or circumstances.  You can encounter something again and again without beginning to understand or harmonise with it.

[Like me and long division  ;) :evillaugh:]



Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 19, 2018, 13:47:33 PM
That is a very good point Sue, for whatever reason, my neighbour just doesn't seem to 'get' Lucy, and always says 'I'd do x', regardless of the fact I said I tried that and it doesn't work, it makes the situation worse - I dread to think what kind of cat Lucy would be if she was with my neighbour. I am the only one brave enough to pick her up, and ignore the growling and nipping that sometimes comes with that, but I think deep down Lucy appreciates that.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 19, 2018, 14:17:36 PM


Jackson Galaxy often talks about pushing a cat's "challenge line" but in a way in which you understand more about how to interact with them.

Sometimes, when what we know doesn't work, we have to think laterally, and try to figure out what will work with that particular cat (or human for that matter).    I don't think your neighbour quite grasps that.



Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 20, 2018, 13:36:27 PM
She really doesn’t Sue and thinks I’m too soft on her and that it’s made her worse, when the reality is I’ve found what calms her down the quickest, regardless of whether it is right or not. The sad part is because either the way my neighbour deals with her is harsher, or she picks up on the vibes, Lucy is very standoffish with her. Luckily I have a friend who isn’t put off by the hissing, and is happy to come round and just lie on my sofa when I go away, and Lucy will happily sit on her knee – she barely acknowledges her when I’m around, but my friend doesn’t get offended about that like my neighbour.
Had a good couple of days with them – when I changed the room the other week I moved some of the books from the bottom shelf of the bookcase and put a blanket on, they haven’t bothered with it, so I was going to wash it this weekend and put it away – one day this week Chanel was on it, last night not only was Coco on it, but didn’t move when I approached her to put her food in front of her!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on July 20, 2018, 18:22:20 PM
COCO AND CHANEL ARE FULL OF SURPISES  ;D
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 21, 2018, 18:26:13 PM
Builder is hopeful he can do it Wed/Thu this week. Rescue lady rang about a home visit last night and asked me about the girls, she said she was concerned about how long I'd had them (she thinks people get fed up if they have had them a certain length of time!), she seemed to forget the conversation we had the other week, asked if I thought they should go back in a pen (can you imagine??) so I said they weren't homeable in the true sense, when I described what they needed, she thought it was impossible, so I said again about the long term foster bit, she didn't seem too enthusiastic, but left it that she would trust my judgement, so I'll take that as a yes I can! I didn't mention the enclosure again as she didn't seem keen on me paying last time. At least my vet was more enthusiastic about the scenario.

Last night I ended up having some crisps in here (I try not to eat in the cat room), Chanel went bonkers and started gently touching my arm and leg, so I obviously gave her a bit!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on July 22, 2018, 18:49:38 PM
I DONT UNDERSTAND THE RESCUE WOMAN, IS SHE THICK

CHANEL GOING BONKERS FOR YOUR CRISPS LOL, SHE SOUNDS LIKE A REAL CAT

I WISH I HAD A BUILDER TO DO THINGS FOR ME THAT QUICK, OR DO ANYTHING
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 22, 2018, 20:05:35 PM
No Gill, just not a cat person, never mind complex cats. Apparently we've had someone wanting a pair of semi feral cats so hope she doesn't forget our conversation or I may have to adopt them.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 23, 2018, 13:35:58 PM
Went up early last night, so spent a bit of time reading quietly before their bedtime story, Coco didn’t seem too impressed, but when I started reading she laid out with one leg stretched in front of her, it really does relax her. Unfortunately Chanel was in mischief mode last night (not sure 23 is cool enough to start playing Da Bird with her!), so spoiled the moment! She was hilarious though, I’m sure she is going to love the enclosure, and luckily I can leave it open all night if they refuse to come in – although I’m hoping they are food orientated enough not to miss supper!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on July 23, 2018, 22:00:58 PM
LOVE IT THEY GET A BEDROOM STORY AND CHANEL BEING MISCIEVOUS AND SUR SHE WILL LOVE THE ENCLOSURE
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 24, 2018, 07:24:44 AM
 :evillaugh: :evillaugh:

I love that, Desley. 

I used to underestimate the power of reading to cats in particular.  It wasn't until we got Moray, and we had to keep him away from Tinks initially, that I would read, and sit with him, telling him stories and other nonsense.  It gives them an opportunity to enjoy your company without stress, and they seem to know it's just for them.   When we got the gurlies, it was something I really think helped them to grow accustomed to our presence - that, and just sitting there watching catch up tv on the tablet, so they could explore without me being too direct with my presence.

I love that Coco "assumes the position" and settles down ready for a good story.   ;D



Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 24, 2018, 13:36:48 PM
Rubbish pics, as I only had the tablet with me, but I’d dumped a blanket that needed washing on top of the box on Sun and Chanel dived on it, so swapped it for her favourite cushion and last night she was padding away while I read to them. Coco was in the bed on the floor when I first walked in, but I forgot something and when I went back in she’d moved to her usual spot. Chanel was quite brave this morning and sniffed my face, so she got a Dreamie for that – she has been braver since I moved the table next to the chair I sit on, so she can be close to me without me being aware! It is amazing how well they respond to being read to – wouldn’t do it with Lucy, she can get huffy when you try and talk to her, even if you are saying how much you love her!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on July 24, 2018, 22:39:03 PM
WHAT DO YOU READ DESLEY, I MAY TRY IT WITH LUPIN
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 25, 2018, 13:36:35 PM
I just read whatever I would normally read when in there Gill, they are currently being read a crime book, but they do enjoy the blog posts I read them at the weekend, especially the ones that involve sheep! In fact, I bought a book from that author just to read to the girls!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on July 25, 2018, 19:58:48 PM
LOL, I THINK I KNOW WHAT I CAN READ TO LUPIN
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 28, 2018, 08:09:58 AM
Coco has been more relaxed this past 24 hours, yesterday morning she looked like she would accept a treat, so I offered her one and she tapped my hand, last night she looked like she was going to play with a random bit of fluff, so I got the rainbow cord out and she had a play, but Chanel spoils it - am hoping that when they have the enclosure, Chanel will go out and Coco will stay in, and give me chance to do a bit of one on one with her. she was still a bit up for playing this morning  :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on July 28, 2018, 15:34:06 PM
OH THEY ARE DOING SO WELL AND HOPE THE ENCLOSURE WILL MAKE EVEN BETTER
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 28, 2018, 18:22:28 PM
They are Gill, put an extra bed on the windowsill last night, so they are both on there, one in each bed! I popped in for 10 mins after getting back from lunch and got a bit of a glare from Coco, so I wonder if my concern about not being able to spend enough time with them really is an issue, not sure how much Coco really needs it. Chanel only really wants me from a play point of view, which I haven't been able to do recently - it is still 25 in here at the moment.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 01, 2018, 07:20:49 AM
Another good night with them, I moved the new scratch post at weekend, both used it  :Luv2:  Chanel even went in the cube to retrieve a toy. Need to bring up one that Lucy doesn't use. They love the beds on the windowsill, keep finding them in them. I also made Lucy have her supper outside their door, might keep doing that, could help
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 01, 2018, 07:40:32 AM


I've gotta say Desley, the girls look so much more at ease and relaxed in their improved quarters.   :wow:  It must make you feel so good about what you've been able to do.  ;D  I know it's a shame the window arrangement hasn't been done yet, but it'll be top notch for Coco and Chanel when it's finished. 


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on August 01, 2018, 08:59:56 AM
I AGREE WITH SUE
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 01, 2018, 13:37:13 PM
Yes, they do seem a lot happier Sue. Odd that just moving the new scratch post a short distance (it was where the cube is on that pic!) is enough to get them both using it. They haven’t used the new shelf or the cat tree toy I put on the bookcase, not 100% they have used the new window toy either. Watching them interacting more made me feel a lot happier about my choice, they are still improving and Coco is getting braver and happily eating in front of me – however if something better came up I would still let them go.  Shame the enclosure has been put back till next week again, but at least it is cool enough to use Da Bird with Chanel
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 01, 2018, 15:41:12 PM


Thing is, Desley, you're giving them options and that's more than they've had.  You've always said if their big chance came up you'd give it to them, so there's no harm, and every benefit, in continuing as you have been. 


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 02, 2018, 12:40:34 PM
It is definitely more than Chanel has ever had Sue, not sure about Coco, as we don’t know her past, but something has happened to make her distrust humans, she isn’t a true feral, she’s had a home at some point. The most important thing is that they don’t seem stressed by the confinement. My heart would love to keep them, as with their nature, I don’t know how well they would transfer trust onto another person, especially after the reaction to me going away for one night – I’m away for 8 days next month, so that will be interesting, but my head doesn’t want to potentially ruin the chance of them getting something better by me keeping them. The last two nights I’ve fed Lucy on the landing outside the door to see if that helps her dislike of them. She has been good recently, although Sooty has been winding her up this week and she has lashed out at him
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on August 02, 2018, 14:54:44 PM
YOU NEED TO GO WITH YOUR HEART DESLEY, THEY TRUST YOU AND NEED YOU, ANOTHER PERSON WOULD BE HIGHLY UNLIKELY TO GIVE THEM THE TIME AND THE PATIENCE THAT YOU GIVE

IT COMES A POINT IN YOUR LIFE WHERE ALTHOUGH YOU ARE A RESCUER YOU NEED CATS OF YOUR OWN THAT CAUSE YOU TO LOVE THEM AND LOOK AFTER THEM FOR THEIR LIFE. THIS DOES NOT STOP YOU DOING RESCUE BUT MAYBE IN A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT WAY
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: dawnf on August 02, 2018, 15:25:42 PM
I'd struggle to part with them!  I do see where you are coming from Desley out of interest what would the something better be?
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 03, 2018, 12:36:01 PM
Going with your heart isn’t always a good thing! They definitely trust me Gill, there are other people who would be able to give time and patience, but the problem is they are few and far between – was talking to a friend on Sat and as soon as I said they don’t like being touched, she thought they would be better on a farm, but they do love their home comforts.

Dawn, someone willing to accept and love them as they currently are, who can give them the time, space and patience to potentially improve, but to accept that may never happen, so with no pressure to conform  – think someone on CC summed it up well when she said ‘they need a very special home with no pressure on them to be polite, sociable or impress friends and family (like yours in fact)’ . I can do the love and patience,  it’s the time and space that is the issue, and why I’m conflicted, I don’t want to keep them for selfish reasons, and not do the best by them, they may flourish more if given more space and time
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 20, 2018, 19:44:52 PM
Heard a noise, looked round to find Coco playing, not sure what with! Looking at the content look on her face, I think I have made the right decision
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on August 20, 2018, 20:46:02 PM
GREAT DESLEY
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on August 20, 2018, 21:18:02 PM
I really think, for what it's worth, that you have made the right decision keeping them until/if something better comes along, I really can't see them making happy farm cats.

Is the builder going to start tomorrow?
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 21, 2018, 05:12:01 AM


She looks so comfortable and relaxed.   :)


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 21, 2018, 13:33:54 PM
Yes, when I looked at her, happy and relaxed to play with something I couldn’t see, it did feel like it was right to give them that chance (although still long term fosters!). I may be bothered by them having restricted space, but they don’t seem to be. They love home comforts too much to be farm cats. Had a lovely selfie with Chanel while reading their bedtime story to them. Builder has turned up, so have explained that there is going to be a lot of noise, but it will be worth it for them, and the deal is they have to come in at night, I’m not leaving the window open all night! I have shut the window and the curtain to minimise the noise for them.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 21, 2018, 14:33:19 PM


Wooohooo!!  Builder has arrived!!   ;D ;D

Desley, just a thought, but could the window arrangement accommodate a cat flap so they could access it through the flap?

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 22, 2018, 13:48:28 PM
I did discuss that with the builder Sue – it is a quick and relatively inexpensive job, the downside is having people in their room to change the window pane, ideally they should be out of the room. That obviously isn’t an option at the moment, but if they like the catio, I’ll have to think of a way to get it changed, will be much easier, and the way it is has been built, it would be easy for them to use one.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 30, 2018, 13:43:05 PM
Last night I tried to explain how to get out to Chanel, she initially tried to run when I approached the window (they were both in the bed), but when I started tapping the window, she was very interested! Coco was a lot less growly/hissy, maybe having two meals of calming biscuits is helping! She even nearly got very close to my feet to try and steal Chanel’s leftover tea. Had lots of interaction from Chanel too, which is good – I had a bit of cheese in there, she kind of took it from my hand, then she was fussing a bit after that, I tapped my leg and she put her paws on me thinking there was something good, so I got a couple of dreamies out and she tapped both of them off my leg.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: dawnf on August 30, 2018, 13:45:52 PM
those calming biscuits are a god send!  the catio looks amazing - I had imagined it on the ground floor though so its a lot cleverer than I expected!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 30, 2018, 13:51:07 PM
Yes, I'm not normally a fan of 'prescription' biscuits, but these do work. I also give them the calming treats you recommended. Yes, being on an upstairs window is why I've thought for years I couldn't have one.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on August 30, 2018, 14:12:22 PM


Having a quick pop by and admiring the Catio - it looks fab, Desley.  What a great little des-res (pun intended!)   ;D ;D

Havent had much time to catch up since last week, but very impressed with this, and with Coco's reaction to your cheese bribe.   ;D


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on August 31, 2018, 00:06:16 AM
       IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT BRIBE AND CHEESE IS EASY, THEY WORK WONDERS. DONT KNOW WHAT THE CALMING BISCUITS ARE THO
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on August 31, 2018, 12:38:02 PM
Love the pun Sue! It was Chanel who appreciated cheese unfortunately, not Coco. However last night Coco did sniff my hand, although then when I got a treat out, she changed her mind, so I had to put it in front of her.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 02, 2018, 21:44:46 PM
Think you are right Paula, don't think these would appreciate a farm life
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on September 03, 2018, 07:03:37 AM
 :) :)   Super piccie 
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on September 03, 2018, 18:42:49 PM
SECONDED
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 08, 2018, 19:39:48 PM
Both have got on the window ledge, Chanel has been on the shelf but mustn't have got on the floor as there are still dreamies on it! This is what I walked into this morning, so glad I stood my ground and refused to let them be separated.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on September 09, 2018, 00:41:15 AM
THEY LOOK SO HAPPY AND RELAXED AND YES DEFINATELY THE RIGHT DECISION NOT TO SEPERATE THEM
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on September 09, 2018, 13:11:29 PM
Lovely girls. :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 09, 2018, 14:58:18 PM
Coco was funny last night, I came in at bedtime and checked something on my phone, so I got a pointed look from her, when I picked up the book, she settled herself down with her paws under her!! She isn't sure when I come in here with the laptop though.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on September 10, 2018, 02:04:21 AM
AHHHH SHE LIKES HER STORIES
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 12, 2018, 13:10:45 PM
Had a great night with the girls, one of the neighbours on the next street has a half Siamese – you wouldn’t know to look at her, as she’s a dark tortie, but you can tell as soon as she opens her mouth!! She must have been shut out yesterday, she was howling, so Chanel actually went on the floor in the catio for the first time, Coco did her usual sit on the window ledge! Unfortunately she sat at the spot where Chanel would have come in, so she started wandering to find another way in, and even ended up on the window (which my neighbours cats do regularly). At one point she even went on the top shelf and had a nosey. Then someone was moving in on that street, I thought she’d fly in with the noise, but was happy to sit there, then she went like a yo-yo, couldn’t keep her in!! Decided at 7.30 to shut it, had to get the dreamies out to get her back in!! This morning I was up early, went in there at 6.20 and she asked to go out, so I opened the window, she was straight out! Popped back in before I left at 7.30 and Coco was on the shelf, first time I’ve seen her sat in it. I didn’t expect her to bother at all, much less so quickly. Can’t say she looked very relaxed about it though, but that may have been seeing me! I just hope that it doesn’t make her want more. I often walk in to a thud, so I assume Chanel thinks seeing me means she needs to come in, or that there is going to be food involved! Typically after buying hundreds of Aldi pouches, Coco has decided all she wants to eat is normal felix, Chanel is preferring dry food, although will eat a bit of pate.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on September 12, 2018, 14:43:42 PM
THEY ARE BEING VERY BRAVE, WELL DONE GIRLS
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on September 12, 2018, 15:00:40 PM


That's such brilliant news Desley.  You must be quite proud of them both.  A good move on your part.  It's really enriching their experience.  ;D

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: dawnf on September 12, 2018, 15:55:06 PM
that is good news, they are coming on so well
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on September 12, 2018, 18:40:59 PM
It may have taken a bit of getting used to but I'd say the catio is a success. :)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 13, 2018, 12:41:45 PM
Yes, I was really proud of them even though it wasn’t great sitting there in the cold while Chanel was acting like a yo-yo! She really didn’t want to go back in, and was surprised when she asked to go out before breakfast this morning, that’s a first. It’s like something twigged in her head. The irony is I think being in a confined space is why they are doing as well, even if that isn’t ideal from a welfare point of view. Wondering if it is worth getting some hairball biscuits for Chanel, any thoughts on if they are worth it or not? I have realised she isn’t sitting on the cabinet to sniff me as much.

Had a nightmare with them last night, I had a committee meeting and Chanel was in the catio when I left, so I left it open and didn’t get back till after 9, it took until 9.50 to get them to come in, Coco was on the top shelf when I got in, so I went and got changed, went back in and she was on the bottom shelf, then went on the floor and just didn’t want to come in, Chanel happily came in when I got the Dreamies out, but I think it took 20 mins for Coco to come in. Then Chanel tried 3 times to get back out!! Must post a pic later of Coco looking so relaxed in her bed.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on September 13, 2018, 13:49:29 PM


I think we often try to second guess what we would want in an ideal life if we were cats, against what our cats want. 

Sometimes for cats, simplicity is key.  Coco and Chanel seem to be quite happy with their smaller, but less threatening environment, and I'd agree the confined space is why they're doing well.  And from a welfare point of view, a happy cat is a healthier cat as a result.

I spotted a Youtube video yesterday about a woman who took in a young cat that was born without its hind legs.   It was foraging for food in very poor weather and was in quite a miserable way of things.  She adopted it, and took it to the vet who said she was wasting her time and it should be put to sleep.  She saw something in the little lad that she wanted to give every chance.

A year on, and that cat was zooming about her house, playful and thoroughly enjoying life with two other cats in her home.  It didn't hold back, it didn't realise it was handicapped.  It was living life as a cat - confident tail held high, and joining in with life 110%.

You've given that opportunity to the girls, and they're responding to it.  I wouldn't get too hung up on what the textbook welfare situation is.  I think it has to match the cat's needs and wants, and seems to me like you're doing fine in that regard.   :hug:


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on September 13, 2018, 14:28:05 PM
AM AMAZED HOW GREAT THEY ARE DOING BUT CATS LEARN VERY QUICKLY HOW OUT OF REACH FROM A HUMAN CAN BE CHALLENGING FOR THE HUMAN SO PLEASED THEY REACT TO DREAMIEST.  OTHERWISE YOU WILL NEED TO GET INTO THE CATIO DESLEY........GREAT PICS TO SEE NEW CAT DESLEY LOL
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 13, 2018, 21:46:04 PM
will reply tomorrow, but think this is one of my favourite pics of coco
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on September 14, 2018, 02:45:19 AM
I AM NOT SURPRISED SHE LOOKS GORGEOUS WITH THOSE STUNNING BLUE EYES. SHE LOOKS SO COMFORTABLE AND RIGHT AT HOME
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on September 14, 2018, 07:28:34 AM
Good to see her looking so relaxed
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 14, 2018, 12:50:16 PM
That is very true Sue. It's ironic I get so bothered by them having been in that room nearly a year, but some of my own cats have chosen to live in one room (although with hindsight, some of those were due to letting foster cats have the run of the house), some never went downstairs, some never went upstairs! Unfortunately Gill it is only Chanel who responds to dreamies, and I can't get into the catio with them!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 15, 2018, 15:25:08 PM
Was naughty today, and tried to stroke Chanel as she'd got in a corner to get away from me cleaning, she immediately went to mum for some reassurance, so had a popping Coco when I tried to give Chanel a treat for scaring her! Left them for a bit, and have just come in, they were both in the enclosure, Chanel was on the floor, so I kneeled down so I was eye level with her, and they both seemed curious enough to come and sniff, was the closest I've got to Coco, they seemed surprised by the window, but obviously there was safety for Coco as I couldn't get to her. Am glad they didn't hold a grudge after the earlier incident.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 19, 2018, 13:07:32 PM
I showed the vet the pic of the catio last night, she said that they should have been TNR’d last year, so I showed her the pic of Coco looking relaxed, and said ‘maybe, however she doesn’t look like a stressed semi-feral and if you asked them now, they’d not want to give up 3 meals a day, numerous beds and a radiator’, which she had to agree with, then asked if I had accepted they weren’t going anywhere yet, so I said they are still long term fosters, just in case. Although if I’m honest, the longer they are here, the less fair it would be to them to be moved. Had a nightmare getting them in last night, I walked out a couple of times, went back in once and Coco had just come in, so took one look at me and went back out, but the weather was getting bad, so I tried to force the issue, she was a bit wary of me when I went in at bedtime, but did eventually accept taking treats off me.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on September 19, 2018, 13:11:00 PM


No, they don't look like scared semi-ferals.  Some of their behaviour may be challenging, but somehow I don't get the feeling they'd have done better living on a farm for example.  I think your patience and hard work is paying dividends. 

Maybe professionals get hung up on the textbook situation, and don't have the time to devote to alternatives, hence their view being rather slanted in one direction or another. 


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 19, 2018, 13:19:26 PM
Not in that picture, although they do still act like it at times! Their behaviour may be challenging, but I don't find them hard work, probably because I see hissing in my house as a term of endearment, it's a daily occurrence, and that's just from Lucy! Yes, when discussing it with my neighbour, I said that you can't always go off the textbook situation. I am lucky that volunteering for an independent charity, I have had the time to devote to them and that the charity haven't forced the issue due to the large number of cats needing help, CP have a 6 month rule with cats, partly to stop the cats being frustrated with an environment (which I get if you have cats in pens). Mine are lucky that I've been able to do so much to enrich that for them.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on September 19, 2018, 13:27:34 PM
I have had the time to devote to them and that the charity haven't forced the issue due to the large number of cats needing help, CP have a 6 month rule with cats, partly to stop the cats being frustrated with an environment (which I get if you have cats in pens). Mine are lucky that I've been able to do so much to enrich that for them.

Ain't that the truth!!   ;D  And that's why sometimes, with fostering as with all else to do with cats, you have to tear up the rulebook, and do what works best for the individual cat.  Sometimes, what works best, bucks the trend. [/ size]
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on September 19, 2018, 16:33:13 PM
SO AGREE WITH SUE AND THEY LOVE THEIR ENVIRONMENT AND SECRETLY YOU DESLEY LOL EVEN IF YOU DONT THINK SO AT TIMES
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 20, 2018, 13:10:24 PM
Yeah, still doesn’t stop my niggle of not being to help others though. But then Lucy is also part of that problem, when I had Buster I could put cats in the bathroom on a temporary basis, but Lucy can’t deal with change very well, plus her weeing habits! Not sure I’d go as far as love Gill, but they are interacting well. I do think I need to stop thinking that something better might come up, they trust me and might not transfer that well, and it’s certainly better than Chanel has ever had, possibly better than Coco has ever had.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on September 20, 2018, 13:50:00 PM



The key point there being the whole of your last sentence.   :hug:


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on September 20, 2018, 13:54:46 PM


There was a modern day fable about a god-fearing and respectful elderly couple, who always believed that God would provide.

When the storm warnings came, the skies grew dark and the rain fell, they knew that come what may, God Would Provide.

As the waters rose, and the lands flooded, the couple had to move to the upstairs of their house.  The Lifeboat came and tried to persuade the couple to leave, bu they refused, saying "God Would Provide."

When the waters rose higher, and the couple had to move to the rooftop, the rescue helicopter hovered overhead and beseeched them to leave, but the couple refused, saying resolutely "God Will Provide."

The waters rose higher still, and claimed the lives of the old couple.  As they got to the Pearly Gates, they looked at Saint Peter and asked, bewildered:  "What happened?  We always prayed, we always believed and knew God Would Provide, but in our hour of need, he failed us.  Why?"

St Peter scratched his beard thoughtfully, and said, "Well now, he sent a lifeboat crew and a helicopter - what more did you expect?"

In many ways Desley, you ARE the Lifeboat Crew and the Helicopter, so far as Coco and Chanel are concerned......


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: dawnf on September 20, 2018, 14:33:37 PM
I Like that!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on September 20, 2018, 18:10:51 PM
YUP ME TOO
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 21, 2018, 13:23:03 PM
Yes, I suppose you are right Sue, and I suppose the important thing is that they seem happy. There was an article in the PAH newsletter about various types of toys to give kittens for stimulation, Chanel has all bar one, and that one she has had and I gave away as she didn’t use it!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 22, 2018, 16:50:14 PM
Well, I must be coming round to the idea of them staying, I was thinking the other day that Lucy could do with a new heated bed, so thought I'd get her one for Christmas, then it dawned on me I should buy something for the girls for Christmas too! Going to get them a new bed, the igloo bed they don't use is new, the 3 they do use have been bought for previous cats, so it would be nice for them to have something of their own, and going to get Chanel a kickeroo. Mind you, they are going to get a new toy from my holiday too, the local hedgehog society do hand knitted catnip hedgehogs that they sell in a local pet shop, although they aren't that fussed with catnip. I just can't shake off that niggle, don't know if it is the thought of keeping them confined, or needing to adjust to the fact that I can't foster anymore
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on September 24, 2018, 16:57:21 PM
OMG THE C WORD

YES I AM SURE THEY WOULD LOVE SOME NICE PRESENT AND THEY ARE WORMING THEIR WAY INTO YOUR HEART AS CATS DO
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 25, 2018, 13:33:10 PM
The irony really Gill is that between the catio and all the new toys they’ve had, they’ve cost a lot already this year, so I’m not going to get them a very expensive bed! Chanel has gone back to sitting on the cabinet when I am on the chair, I just wish she would let me touch her, but unless she thinks you are going to do that, she does look very relaxed.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on October 02, 2018, 20:25:10 PM
IT TOOK MANY YEARS BEFORE SASA WOULD LET ME TOUCH HER BUT I COULD ALWAYS SEE SHE REALLY WANTED TO BE STROKED BUT JUST COULD NOT LET IT HAPPEN

SOME SEVEN YEARS ON SHE EVENTUALLY LET ME STROKE HER HEAD AND THEN THE PURRS AND AFFECTION WERE WONDERFUL

YES THE CATIO ETC MUST HAVE COST A LOT BUT A GREAT INVESTMENT FOR THESE TWO SHY LADIES
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 04, 2018, 13:18:35 PM
I hadn’t realised it took so long to touch Sasa Gill. The catio is a good investment. I’ve been thinking about the girls while I’ve been away, as I’ve had them a year now, I was 95% sure about keeping them because I wasn’t sure they would adjust to new surroundings/people, just torn that I had promised Lucy that she would always be an only cat, but got home and my neighbour said she hadn’t been hissed at every day while I was away, yet I do, which has made me wonder if mine really is the best home for them – surely if she gets hissed at less than me, then Coco does have an issue with me, and she might settle better with someone else? She thinks I’m wrong, and said they are much more relaxed than when she looked after them overnight in June, but I’ve been hissed and growled at since getting back, although Chanel has just been her normal curious self.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on October 04, 2018, 19:44:14 PM
I wouldn't doubt yourself Desley, those three cats have a lovely life, Lucy is very obviously very fond of you. Maybe you move more quickly than your neighbour? Then you may startle her, making her hiss? Compared to what you were telling us about Coco and Chanel when they first came to you, you have made great strides. Lucy invites fusses etc. on her own terms, I'd say you were doing well with all three. If Lucy were to be an 'only' cat you wouldn't be able to foster anyway and I am sure that it is better to have long term/permanent cats than a succession of fosters for her to get her head around is better for her. :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 05, 2018, 12:48:45 PM
Thanks Paula, I do move faster than my neighbour, but if I am constantly startling her, is that fair for the rest of her life? Yesterday everytime she saw me she flew out into the catio, even at bedtime. Yes, they have improved and my neighbour said they are much more confident than when she looked after them in June. I’ve fostered all the time I’ve had Lucy, she’s just been lucky that apart from about 6 months, they have all been long term (3 months +). The girls are the ones she’s reacted to worst though, so not sure they would be her choice for permanent cats.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 05, 2018, 18:54:52 PM


Lesley, before you go doubting yourself and second-guessing the situation, can your neighbour replicate the "no hissing" for you by videoing their behaviour if you're not in the room and she is?  If it's as good as she says, the recording could also be used to help get them a new home ultimately.  If it's not that good you can stop berating yourself.   :hug:

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 08, 2018, 12:26:24 PM
Thanks Sue, I get the impression you don’t think they were that much better with my neighbour?

Had a chat with my neighbour on Sat, and her view is that yes, there is a chance she might relax more around someone else, but how are we going to find that better home? She thinks that mine is the only option for them, even if it isn’t the best, and that they are happy with restricted space due to their temperament. I had a good day with them yesterday, on Sat evening I told Coco it would be amazing if we could have one day without being hissed at – we nearly managed it, I only got hissed at one of the 6 times I went in, although she was a bit aggressive when taking treats off my hand. Had an interesting moment though, a friend came round who has seen them before, and is used to temperamental cats, she went toward them (they were both together) and Chanel hissed at her three times – I was so shocked, it takes a lot to make Chanel hiss, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard her hiss 3 times in as many minutes – and not little half hearted ones. Coco was a bit playful last night, but then Chanel kept rubbing her, so she walked away.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 08, 2018, 14:46:01 PM


Well, it would be good if the situation could be replicated with the same effect, and where it could be confirmed to you and potential new cat slaves (or not, as the case may be)

Sometimes, reading between the lines (and I may be well off key - if so, apologies in advance) that your neighbour can be just a teensy bit jealous of your achievements?



Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 09, 2018, 13:29:45 PM
Thinking about it, I’m not sure it could – yesterday I didn’t get hissed at much, today I was hissed at a few times the first time I went in. It’s funny you should say that, it was part of our argument on Thu, she thinks that I have an issue with her having the rugrats, she couldn’t be further from the truth, if it wasn’t for her, I’d have had to find a farm home for 3 semi-feral kittens, all of which had had cat flu, and one of which has been left with a dodgy eye, luckily she lets my neighbour bathe it as soon as it starts weeping so she’s only needed one lot of eye drops in nearly 2 years, in the wild that would have been a very different matter and not sure I’d have liked that on my conscience. My main issue is her constant negativity about Lucy – Coco did hiss and pop at her while I was away, just not daily, Lucy did hiss at her daily, Coco was described as an angel, Lucy as a witch! It’s like because the rugrats and the girls had a semi-feral start it’s acceptable, but because Lucy has a domestic background she should be better behaved, but we all know that doesn’t always mean a nice, well behaved cat.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 09, 2018, 16:23:10 PM


I suspected as much.  :hug:  You can never assume just because a cat is "domesticated" that it doesn't have issues

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 10, 2018, 13:38:43 PM
Chanel has been very purry this week, find it odd that she just lies on her own purring. She has been more playful since I got back too. I’ve attached a cute pic of her from the other day. Coco has been much better this week, still hissing, but engaging more, and she has been interested in toys, but Chanel pushes in and stops her. She does keep eyeing the door up though, which is a worry.

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on October 11, 2018, 04:07:24 AM
WHAT A WONDERFUL PICTURE, BUTTER WOULDNT MELT LOL
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 11, 2018, 07:11:00 AM


That's a beautiful picture indeed.   :Luv2:

See, I can't help thinking that if your neighbour responds to Lucy's stance of protecting herself by hissing with the conclusion that Lucy is, therefore, a witch, your neighbour's attitude and response sends out a very negative energy.  It won't help the way Lucy feels towards her, and therefore becomes self-perpetuating. 

I so nearly missed the opportunity to bond with Malt when we were going through the first year of their life with us.  Every time I'd go to approach her, no matter how gently or carefully, she would run away.  This eventually muted into her standing her ground, but flinching when I went to touch her.  I almost gave up trying.  It hurt.  Hurt like hell.  I thought I was doing everything right.  Couldn't understand the constant rebuffs.  It was Malt herself who made me think twice.  I went to touch her again one morning, thinking "she'll just flinch and run away - dunno why I bother" - and of course, she did flinch and pull back.  But almost immediately, she looked at me, and took a little step towards me again.  It was like she was saying to me:  "I wasn't ready.  Not entirely.  But I want to try again.  Can we?"   And that time, when I went to touch her again, she allowed it to happen.  I kept it brief.  The next time we tried it for longer.  Eventually she would lean into the caress.

You have always worked very hard with Lucy, in attempts to make her feel more comfortable, and to earn her trust.

Your neighbour has almost written her off.  You haven't. 

I know you've said your neighbour has a lot of experience, and has cared for a lot of cats, and does a brilliant job, yet she seems unwilling to accept there are still areas where she can learn and grow.   There are always things to be learned and experienced.  Patience and perseverance can work wonders in the end.

If Lucy feels that your neighbour is negative towards her, and given her issues around people anyway, it's no surprise she's going to hiss.  SSSSSS!   :-:



Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 11, 2018, 13:49:31 PM
Thanks Sue, I also think Lucy picks up on my neighbours negativity and it makes her worse. Although to be fair, I have seen my neighbour try and make the effort by giving Lucy chicken, and when it runs out, Lucy has been known to hit her and draw blood! Her comment last week was that the hissing doesn’t bother her (which isn’t what she said last year!) but as she doesn’t suffer fools, it means Lucy doesn’t get any treats. I actually would go as far to say my neighbour has written Lucy off, and it is a shame she never sees her loving, affectionate side.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 12, 2018, 13:39:32 PM
Had an interesting conversation with a neighbour who likes animals but not really a cat person, and she said something last night about the girls that I’m not sure I’ve considered before, I was saying about how I have always refused for them to be split up because of the bond they have, and she said that as Coco doesn’t like being touched, having Chanel around is her only way of having affection and being touched.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on October 12, 2018, 20:38:57 PM
A bit left side, but quite possibly true. Surrogate affection..................
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 21, 2018, 17:47:01 PM
Well, I've had a very good week with the girls - Coco may be less hissy with my neighbour, but she has now started playing twice a day and if I sit down doing something, I do get stared at until I pick up her favourite toy, it's nice she's asking for playtime. One evening I nearly got a stroke of her tail, shame I was a bit too cautious, but she didn't seem too bothered. Another night I tried getting her to eat off my hand, she was more interested in the bowl, so I gently brushed against her cheek - 3 times! She hissed everytime, but didn't attack me and didn't stop what she was doing and run, so the trust is building. I think I still agree with my friend that this is their only option but not to stop looking in case something does come up for them.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on October 21, 2018, 18:41:27 PM
Taking time, but you are definitely making progress Desley. ;D
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 22, 2018, 13:28:54 PM
Yes, there is progress Paula, and as Kay said on CC, as long as they have what they want, progress or lack of isn’t vital – obviously progress was in the beginning, but now the aim isn’t to make them homeable it doesn’t matter as long as they seem happy. I don’t know what would happen if they needed vet treatment though – partly getting them there, and partly medicating, I haven’t figured out worm and flea treatment yet, I tried the tablet wormer and they barely ate the food. And their vaccs are overdue, but as they only see each other that isn’t too important.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 22, 2018, 15:11:27 PM


Couldn't agree more.   :)

I empathise with you over the prospects of getting them for medical treatment or re-vaccinating, as we have similar issues with our gurlies.    :innocent:


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on October 29, 2018, 23:48:29 PM
No updates for a week Desley? You're slipping. :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 30, 2018, 13:36:14 PM
Well, I thought you had all got bored Paula! Not really been much improvement, Coco is eating part of her supper off my hand practically every night – although last night got lots of slobber in the process, and still asking to play – in fact last night, she was playing on the floor with her favourite toy, and then looked like she was trying to engage in play with Chanel, who went in the tunnel, she doesn’t seem to trust her mum when she is trying to play. Downside I have at the moment is by giving them access to the catio all day, the room isn’t warming up – my neighbour has offered to go in at lunch to shut it, but I don’t know if they would prefer to be out in the afternoon. Chanel did prove on Sun that she would be no good as a farm cat, they always go in the catio when I start sweeping and mopping, Chanel was trying to lie flat on the shelf and was glaring at me, it was quite chilly and she clearly didn’t want to be out there, she isn’t in it as much as Coco. It was odd being glared at by her though, it doesn’t happen very often. I've also had a lot of sneaky strokes of her this week, mainly stopping her pinching Coco's toy! I’ve got Capstar flea tablets (I know they aren’t great, but the tablets my vet sells must be bitter, Buster hated them, so not sure they would eat those crushed) and Panacur granules to get into them, going to use Lick-e-lix
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on October 30, 2018, 18:55:50 PM
Even if I don't post, I look forward to and read all the updates. ;D
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on November 01, 2018, 16:12:45 PM
I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SEE VERY WELL BUT SHOULD BE IMPROVING AND I LOVE THE UPDATES
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 01, 2018, 17:38:52 PM


Not bored.  I love hearing about what these two (and Lucy) are up to each day.  And I love it when you manage to get in a sneaky touch  :)

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 02, 2018, 20:02:21 PM
Ok, will keep posting. Had a good day today, Chanel rubbing my legs at breakfast, coco asking for play again and letting me stroke her with the toy. The other day, Lucy cracked me up about something, then Chanel did and I felt incredibly lucky. Here are some pics of the daft three sitting on random things!

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 03, 2018, 06:10:45 AM
Love the piccies Desley.  They're all looking very relaxed.    :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on November 03, 2018, 11:26:16 AM
Did they all get a treat on  your Birthday too? :evillaugh: I bet they did. :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on November 03, 2018, 14:47:10 PM
GREAT PICS DESLEY AND DONT THINK I HAVE SEEN LUCY BEFORE AND SHE IS LOVELY TOO
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 04, 2018, 17:32:35 PM
No, they didn't get a treat for my birthday, although my neighbour did suggest giving Lucy a prosecco cupcake!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 04, 2018, 19:36:41 PM
Hmm, have had a text from one of our trustees asking to discuss the girls at the committee meeting on Tue - I need to let them know if I want to continue fostering them, in which case they will be advertised, or agree to adopt, in which case they want me to complete paperwork. I don't know if the manager forgot the conversation about them not being homeable and keeping them as long term foster cats, or if the trustees don't want that. I suppose I'll have to go for adopting, even with my reservations about that.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 05, 2018, 05:31:47 AM


Desley, I think you have to explore long term fostering with them.  But otherwise I think a home with you is the best chance the girls have right now.  Am sorry it seems they're trying to force the issue  :hug:

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on November 05, 2018, 09:43:53 AM
Reservations or not, I think you are the best option the girls have. :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 05, 2018, 13:54:42 PM
I’m just hoping the manager forgot the agreement we had for them being long term fosters due to their lack of suitability for homing and that I can persuade the trustee to maintain status quo. It’s the right now bit that bothers me, although I know that not advertising them means a slim chance of an alternative for them. If I was forced, I would have to go with adopting to ensure they didn’t end up anywhere unsuitable, even though I do the majority of the home visits Looking at this picture taken last night, I’m so glad I stuck to my guns about separating them, and they really do enjoy their home comforts.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 05, 2018, 17:40:51 PM


Desley, is there any driver you're aware of for them deciding this has to be reviewed now?  Does it have an impact on funding or resources?  Or your fostering abilities?

The girls look very content.  I cant help thinking re-homing them now would be a backward step, and possibly the only way it would work would be to separate them.  The risk then, is that if it doesnt work, one or both of them have lost their only other feline comfort they've known.  :(

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 06, 2018, 13:37:04 PM
I’m not sure Sue, but I suspect it is our newest trustee as she is trying to bring in more paperwork and rules, not all of which I agree with – she did mention a fostering contract if I wanted to keep fostering them. It certainly can’t be about finances, I’ve not put any litter receipts in since April, and apart from some of the donated food (mainly when we had no other cats in), I’ve never had food for the girls (and didn’t ask for much for the boys either). Resource wise I was told by the manager that as we had more pens, fosterers wouldn’t be needed. I think I am going to go for adoption, as even if they agree with long term fostering, they still have the ultimate say in what happens to them, and could overrule me. They are content, and when you look at that pic, how could you separate them? Sun night Coco wasn’t that in the mood for eating out of my hand (could have been my nail varnish actually), she lifted her paw and I said ‘no paws, just mouth please’ and she actually stopped, considered this, then put her paw down. She did end up hitting my arm, but then ate out of my hand.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on November 06, 2018, 15:18:25 PM
THEY LOOK SO HAPPY TOGETHER AND I THINK ADOPTION TO YOU HAS TO BE THE ONLY SAFE WAY TO GO.

IT WOULD BE TERRIBLE IF SOMEONE WHO DOESNT KNOW THEM AND HOW FAR THEY HAVE COME OVER RULES YOU IN ANYTHING
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 06, 2018, 18:33:11 PM


Giant steps in baby guises   :wow:


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 07, 2018, 13:38:39 PM
It would Gill, that’s why I feel I need to go down the adoption route, while I would hope the manager would listen to me, she has forgotten the conversation about keeping them as long term once, and I don’t want to keep being in this position. Plus I have no idea what our fostering contract says and what I’d be agreeing to. We didn’t get chance to talk after the committee meeting last night, so will wait for them to remember again.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on November 07, 2018, 17:59:45 PM
Desley, I think you are right to adopt them, they are happy, safe and together with you. :Luv: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 19, 2018, 13:38:58 PM
Just a little update, will post pics later from my phone. Another good week with the girls, Coco is still happily eating part of her supper from my hand every night – she is even happy stretching over to get food from the palm of my hand, one day I used the opportunity to sneak a touch of her cheek, the first time I did it she sat back and gave me a ‘not sure about that’ look, the second time she moved away – I was just pleased there was no hissing or scratching! She has also got close enough one night for her paw to be touching my hand. She often drops them at the side of my hand and she has no issue with having to touch my hand to get those. Sat night she even came down to the middle level of the den for her supper. Wed night they took the rainbow cord into the catio with them, seemed sweet until I struggled to retrieve it! She has started asking to play in the morning now too, yesterday was hilarious, they both had one end so it was a bit like tug of war! I have a dilemma with the catio now, it is getting too cold to leave it open all day, my neighbour would come and shut it at lunch, but not sure whether they would rather be out in the afternoon or the morning, so reluctant to agree to that, but then the room does get cold. Chanel has been so funny, here is a pic of her asking to be played with! Thu morning she must have been really hungry, she’s never rubbed my legs as much while I’ve been sorting the food out! Yesterday she sniffed my head and then purred!!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on November 20, 2018, 22:20:04 PM
I would say, keep doing with what you are doing, it is obviously starting to win their love and trust. Well done DesleyThese may seem like small victories for you, but we can see how far you have brought Coco and Chanel on. :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on November 20, 2018, 23:23:08 PM
I SECOND THAT DESLEY
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on November 24, 2018, 20:37:13 PM
You promised! :need pics:  :naughty:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 25, 2018, 08:47:26 AM


Can't believe I missed this update first time around Desley  :wow: :wow:  That is amazing progress!!   Your must've been bursting with pleasure.   ;D

I still remember the first big breakthrough with Malt, when she flinched away from my touch again, as per normal, but then something in her made her step forward - almost with an apology, as if to say "I wasn't quite ready - could we try that again?"   :-:  I was made up.  My grin was bigger than a banana.   ;D ;D 

Clever Coco.    :Luv:

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 25, 2018, 12:13:38 PM
Yes, I'm so proud of them. This morning when I first opened the window a flock of birds flew past, they dived out! Then they went in the catio as I was cleaning the room, it was wet and windy, Chanel hated it! One shelf was wet and one was dry, you can imagine which one they chose! Was a bit concerned about Chanel, she ended up cowering behind Coco and retreating into herself,  luckily deli catz brought her round. She wouldn't let me help dry her, her tail looks fluffy again, trying to get her to show her belly to check that, I really hope she doesn't Matt- my friend commented last week how good her fur was, her ruff gets a bit scraggly but that's it.

Pics as promised! Am sure there was another but can't find it.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on November 25, 2018, 19:08:44 PM
GREAT PICS
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on December 01, 2018, 23:41:46 PM
That one with the clock behind is fantastic. :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 03, 2018, 13:11:54 PM
Yeah, odd that she doesn't mind getting that close to me when she wants playtime!! Mind you last night I was trying to get her to stop pinching the rainbow cord, and did get a few touches of her ear! Realised this weekend they have lots of treats, so decided to hand feed Coco some of those rather than her supper biscuits - she refused to move! Went to her with them, she looked at my hand, then the bowl as if to say 'not what I normally get', so put the treats down and got her some biscuits, she happily came over to eat some, then tried the treats again and got a 'for heavens sake mother, they aren't what I have' kind of look! Night after I tried mixing them together, she picked out the treats and then spat them out!! So all 3 are very clever cats, poor me!!  :rofl: Chanel shot out in the catio again while I Was cleaning, so got wet through, Coco didn't bother this week.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on December 03, 2018, 17:53:56 PM
THINK IT GOOD SHE DOESNT LIKE TREETS AND PREFERS REAL FOOD LOL

WISH LUPIN DID

COCO IS CLEVER
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on December 03, 2018, 18:03:39 PM


I agree, the piccie with the clock is gorgeous


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on December 03, 2018, 18:37:37 PM
I think they are both clever cas. ;D Definitely got the measure of you Desley. ;) :rofl:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 04, 2018, 13:50:09 PM
Not sure I would call Chanel clever Paula, but she is very cheeky! Coco has made the decision about the window, after I’d shut the window before leaving for work once or twice, she twigged what was happening, and 3 times now I’ve popped in before work and she has shot into the catio to prevent me from shutting it, so I won’t try that again, she’s made her feelings clear! So despite being 1 outside, the window was left open. She was very well behaved when my neighbour took the builder in to check the damp, she did growl when he got near the window, however she took it out on me, I got hissed, popped and growled at! Gill, she likes treats, but clearly doesn’t think she should eat them off my hand, even though she has no issue eating biscuits off my hand!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on December 04, 2018, 15:56:33 PM
LUPIN SAYS TREATS SHOULD BE ON THE FLOOR, NOT IN THE HAND LOL
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 05, 2018, 13:37:45 PM
Gill, Chanel would definitely agree with Lupin about how to eat treats – it baffles me that out of the two, Coco is more receptive to eating from your hand, Chanel prefers to hit it from your hand to eat on the floor! Does show that she has had a home at some point
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on December 10, 2018, 18:48:25 PM
Da Mob agree too, floors are for treets, not hands! >:( Peepul can bee sow sillee at tymez.  ;)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 24, 2018, 16:57:29 PM
Took their beds out to wash ready to go with the new ones for Christmas, luckily one didn't fit in the machine, so they had to share it, poor things.  :rofl: Never mind, tomorrow they will have 5 between them - they aren't spoiled though. It looks like Chanel is thinking 'ooh, is she going to feed us' while Coco is thinking 'god, she's back again!'  :shify:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on December 24, 2018, 22:55:05 PM
ROFL AND A HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO BOTH

THEY LOOK VERY COMFORTABLE CURLED UP TOGETHER, GREAT PICTURE
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on December 25, 2018, 11:38:06 AM

Merry Christmas all - hope it's going just as you all like It, however that may be. 
Xxxx



Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 14, 2019, 13:46:16 PM
Slightly late, but paperwork has been signed, so the girls are officially mine, so let’s hope it was the right decision for them! Just waiting for the microchip details to be done. Chanel has been different since, not sure if it is co-incidence or not, but she keeps being a floozy, rolling over to show her belly, and stretching her paws out, although I’m not allowed to try and touch her back. She often gazes at me and purrs, which is lovely, and she has started to get really affectionate when I’m doing their food, rubbing against my leg, this morning she forgot herself and actually laid on my foot before realising and jumping up! Yesterday Coco was in the catio after I’d finished cleaning and I always give them treats, I put my hand through the window to put them on the shelf and she didn’t freak out, just watched me, then I heard her eating them when my back was turned.  Not sure I ever shared this very first picture of Coco, while she was still at the rescue, but she is barely recognisable! They do seem happy and content with what they have, although Chanel doesn’t really know any different, and this may be the best home Coco has ever had. Chanel is looking quite scruffy though, her ruff seems massive and she doesn’t seem to groom it that well. She has started developing matts since going outside, luckily she has very silky fur so they drop out quite easily
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: tab on January 14, 2019, 16:01:28 PM
I'm glad they're yours now. Best home they could have and you get to watch them grow in confidence.

Has someone else on your street got a catio too?
I'm sure I saw one when walking past the other week
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on January 14, 2019, 16:58:04 PM


I'm glad they're yours now too.  That scared little shadow peeping out of the box - awful they were so traumatised.  So much happier with you. 

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 15, 2019, 13:25:21 PM
Thanks Tab, I hope you are right! It is strange having young cats, but they do fit under the ‘hard to home’ criteria. I do hope I get to see them grow in confidence, someone on CC said that maybe now the decision is made and the paperwork done that I have relaxed and that is why there has been an improvement – plus I now have more time after quitting my voluntary work. The girls amused me last night, then Lucy was being daft, it made me think that all 3 have ended up with me because they have issues that make them hard to home, but I’m lucky to have them. Yes, my neighbour has one too. You are more than welcome to come and meet them. It is odd not having to get insurance quotes, they are the first in years that haven’t had insurance. Finally got a pair of them together, you can’t tell on this but Chanel is purring – only being a slight floozy though.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 16, 2019, 13:42:38 PM
Managed to do this, a comparison between when they first came and a year on, the Sept 17 pic is the first time I saw Coco not in hiding, massive difference in her. Now she even asks for things (play, reading, treats!).
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: dawnf on January 16, 2019, 13:46:50 PM
I'm so glad they are officially yours now, they are adorable  :Luv2:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on January 16, 2019, 15:16:47 PM


Desley, in terms of your comment:  "I do hope I get to see them grow in confidence......" the proof is right there in front of all our eyes.  I suspect it's harder for you to see, as you're living it, day by day, but there's no doubting that these two have come on leaps and bounds since you took them in. 


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on January 17, 2019, 08:37:23 AM
SO AGREE WITH SUE AND JUST READ BACK THRO YOUR POSTS ON HERE AND THAT DETAILS THEIR MASSIVE PROGRESS
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 17, 2019, 13:40:54 PM
Yes, I thought that when I did it Sue, you don’t always see it day to day, but that really is proof of how much Coco has come on, it may not have been enough for them to be tame enough for a ‘normal’ home but then things happen for a reason, and keeping these two means I’m not feeling the loss of my voluntary work the same, as they are keeping my routine, and they are my new ‘project’. I’m still hoping it is the right decision for them though. I told Coco what Gill said and that it would be fantastic if in years they were more like normal cats, but if they never improve from this, that is equally fine by me. She considered it and then ate from my hand.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on January 17, 2019, 17:34:37 PM
Quote

She considered it and then ate from my hand.



See?   :evillaugh:[/size]
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 23, 2019, 13:08:18 PM
Realised yesterday that something Coco did on Sat night was actually quite a big thing – she went and sat on the floor near the door, then laid on her side and started cleaning herself, showing her belly in the process. I commented on what a nice belly it was, she briefly stopped and looked at me, but then decided cleaning herself was more important. You can buy silicone grooming things that wrap round scratching posts, am going to buy one of those when I get paid. If that doesn’t work, then I’ll get an arch, but I am running out of floor space! Was at the vets with Lucy last night, so registered them – the vet overhead and asked if I’d finally caved in, so told her I didn’t really have much choice, can’t foster cats when you don’t volunteer for the charity! She agreed that it isn’t ideal to keep them confined, but then when I showed her the pic of Coco twelve months apart, she did agree it doesn’t look like they are bothered by it, and maybe in 5 years I’ll be able to stroke them, although it may be grudgingly. I just don’t know what I will do if they show signs of being bothered by being confined. I was saying that Chanel will happily rub my legs, purr when she sees me, shows her belly, but then pulls away from contact, she said she’s just odd, I said ‘well, she is my cat, would you expect anything different?’
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on January 24, 2019, 09:16:38 AM
See, still getting better. :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on January 24, 2019, 12:20:39 PM
See, still getting better. :Luv:



Exactly so.   :hug:  And sometimes, they may take a step backwards again, but we have to trust the process.



Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on January 24, 2019, 13:18:49 PM
I THINK THEY ARE DOING REALLY WELL AND SLOWLY COMING OUT OF THEIR SHELLS,  UMM FUR LOL
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 24, 2019, 13:28:16 PM
Yes, they certainly are improving a lot this year, not sure if it is being less stressed and having more time to spend with them, or whether it is just a natural progression after 16 months. Last night I was properly multi tasking, was watching TV on the tablet, playing with the rainbow cord with one hand for Coco, the Da Bird in the other for Chanel and in between that, playing my game! Coco did show a bit of interest in Da Bird, although it scares her when it flies through the air, I have to gently move it along a flat surface for her. I also opened the first of the clumping litter last night, they have happily used it, but I’m not convinced I like it – it’s like Cats Best, but smaller grains, and not convinced it clumps as well.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 30, 2019, 12:39:32 PM
Chanel is rubbing my legs more and more - all 3 times I fed them yesterday! She has only started doing that in the past few weeks, so maybe in another month there will be another breakthrough. She got close to snow this morning for the first time, she was the only one of the three who was curious!!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on January 31, 2019, 15:35:37 PM
WELL SHE HAS THE RIGHT SUIT FOR SNOW LOL

EVERY LITTLE BREAKTHROUGH IS WONDERFUL AND THIS ONE VERY GOOD
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 01, 2019, 12:35:23 PM
Not quite so sure about that Gill – she may have been warm enough, but no doubt the wet element will mean she gets a few matts! Picking up the grooming thing tomorrow though. Yes, this breakthrough is good.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 10, 2019, 08:42:03 AM
Yes, they are doing well - I had to take the grooming mat back as it was too small for the den and too large for the shop bought scratch post, so bought one of the arches, they were half price. She has gone through it both with and without toys, but not convinced her fur is getting close to the brushes. We are trying the second litter, I wasn't sure at first as it is a very dark grey, but it is a fine sand like litter and it doesn't seem to be tracking that much - or if it is, I can't see it or feel it. These seem to be like Lucy, will just use the tray regardless of what litter I put in it. I did notice when Coco was eating off my hand the other day that she has blondish hairs running through her tail.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on February 10, 2019, 09:38:16 AM
Quote
I did notice when Coco was eating off my hand the other day



 :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 10, 2019, 10:00:05 AM
I make her eat part of her supper off my hand every day, I used to make her it until she'd had enough, but now I just do the first handful. Chanel is still wary of eating from my hand
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 12, 2019, 13:08:35 PM
One of my neighbours friends came round on Sun to pick up some food that my spoilt brats wont eat, hopefully hers will! She is like me, ended up with more cats than she wanted as she was feeding cats at her work, then when they shut the factory, she got CP to help her trap them, and had them in her spare room to introduce them gradually, although her existing cats are a lot friendlier than mine so didn’t have to confine them quite as long. When I said that it wasn’t my choice to keep these two, as it broke my promise to Lucy, she said ‘but sometimes needs must, and they seem content in here’, which I was pleased about. Bizarrely neither of them ran away, even though Chanel was in the open on the floor, and neither hissed, although Coco’s body language wasn’t great, she was laid in a really odd position with her ears flat. She gave them two treats each, which they ignored but had gone by the time we got back from shopping. Then I was telling her about Lucy, and she was in awe at how in tune with my cats I am, and the things I’ve done for them. She didn’t say much about the catio, although she already knew about that, but she was really impressed with the den. I think the combination of that and the catio is the reason it is working as well. Was looking for a new litter scoop in the wardrobe last night, and realised that now I’m not fostering, I don’t need the amount of stuff that is in there (beds, blankets, trays, scoops), so I think I might sort through it all and take it to the charity Lucy is from, or even split it between them and the charity the girls are from. It did dawn on me while I was sweeping their room on Sun that the charity never came back to me about the adoption fee, although that makes it a tad awkward as I also haven’t had the microchip details. I also like the fact that while Chanel was born outside and has human trust issues due to that, she came in early enough that even though she is 2 this year, she is still very kittenish and playful, whereas Coco is still unsure what play is, although she is getting better, she even attempted to play with Da Bird last week, that normally scares her – wish I had an idea how old she is.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on February 12, 2019, 20:05:32 PM
I LOVE YOU TELLING US ABOUT THESE TWO.

ONE IS TWO, WOW I THOUGHT THEY WERE BOTH YOUNGER

DO I REMEMBER THAT THEY ARE MOTHER AND DAUGHTER
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 13, 2019, 17:54:12 PM
Well, she'll be 2 in June. So Coco could be as young as 2.5 but think older. Chanel being her daft self
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on February 14, 2019, 06:42:11 AM


What I love about your neighbour's friend's observations, is that she is a step removed from your particular situation, yet fully understands what it means to take on cats with issues.  You invest so much in your girls, on a daily basis, and sometimes it's easy to be blind to progress.    And because your neighbour's friend knows how things tick, she's able to see just how far you've come.  And I think that progress will continue steadily over the months and years ahead.   :) :)

For what it's worth, I'd still approach the charity about the microchip changes.  if they then ask for the adoption fee, you can point out why you believe that would be inappropriate, having regard to all of the circumstances..   :hug:



Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 14, 2019, 13:02:06 PM
I think I made her feel better too Sue!! I’m not sure how long she had to keep hers confined, although she had the advantage of having already established a relationship with them by feeding them – although she still can’t pick them up 7 years later! It’s nice for someone to meet them in the flesh and comment that they look content – it is a lot more work and effort than just adopting two ‘normal’ cats and being able to have them all loose in the house, but don’t think it would have worked, or indeed been fair, if I’d continued volunteering, I’ve even noticed a difference in Lucy. Still wish I wouldn’t get hissed at everytime I scoop the litter tray mind, and slightly frustrating they don’t hiss at visitors, but then Lucy hisses most days (not always aimed at me, she still hisses when I open the front door, just in case there is a cat there!). Had a lovely moment with Chanel this morning, she was rolling round gazing at me purring, but then jumped up as if she realised she was relaxing too much! I think if we can ever break that fear, she’ll be a cuddlebug.  Yes, I should probably contact the charity.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: tab on February 14, 2019, 15:50:18 PM
I went passed yours on Monday and the girls were both in the catio looking relaxed and happy.
They do seem a lot more settled
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 15, 2019, 12:36:50 PM
That’s nice to know Tab, I was off on Wed, had a few bits to do so went out twice and neither time saw them out! 
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on February 15, 2019, 17:23:22 PM
I think they have come on amazingly well, still time for a cuddlebug to appear! :)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 15, 2019, 19:20:05 PM
Yes, they have come on well, and there is always time for a cuddlebug to come out, although I wouldn't be surprised if Coco comes round better than Chanel
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 24, 2019, 14:47:33 PM
Have had a really good week this week with them, feel a lot more positive that keeping them was the right thing to do, and I think a big part of that is having more time with them due to quitting my voluntary work, not sure it would have worked as well otherwise. Tue night I popped back in after feeding everyone and didn't fully shut the door, Chanel went to it, and Lucy was on the landing, so growled and hissed at her - Chanel didn't react in the slightest, but makes me feel like integrating them isn't going to happen any time soon. Wed my neighbours granddaughter came round, Chanel took one look at her and ran in the catio, Coco hissed at her, but she is used to being hissed at, so she carried on walking towards her, so got growled and popped at! Thu night Coco went near the door, laid on her side and then when I called her name, she glanced at me, which I got a pic of, and that made me feel so positive. I did leave the door slightly open that night too, and she went to investigate, but she does respond to her name. After lying on her side, she got playful in a mad way and jumped on the small scratch post, and then wasn't sure what to do, Chanel thought that was a good game and kept batting her legs/tail! Last night she felt relaxed enough again to lie on her side, then decided to clean her bits, which while a good sign, I could have done without!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on February 24, 2019, 15:56:56 PM
She does look a tad awkward on top of the cat scratcher. :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on February 24, 2019, 17:52:32 PM
GREAT THINGS HAPPENING, IT WILL TAKE TIME BUT THEY WILL GET THERE

YOU COULDNT HAVE DREAMED OF THIS A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO

WELL DONE
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on February 25, 2019, 06:45:01 AM


Desley, I'm so glad you decided to take these two on.  Just look at them.   ;D  Doesn't seem so very long ago that all you would see was a pair of eyes from some hiding place. 



Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 25, 2019, 13:37:31 PM
Yes, last week has made me feel really positive about them, the only downside is they do keep showing an interest in the door, but both know their name and move when you call them. Couldn’t get Coco in till 6 last night, I tried twice from 4, and both times she looked at me and jumped in the catio. Chanel is funny, if she is out and I sit on the chair, she comes in and asks to play – in the morning I try and ignore her to get her to go back out in the fresh air. I am wondering if they just have colourpoint in their background rather than Siamese, I stood on Chanel’s tail last night, and she didn’t make a noise! They certainly don’t have the Siamese vocalisation, although at meal times Chanel can get a bit whiny. You’d think it isn’t all that long ago Sue, but I’ve had them for 17 months now! My friend who has two dogs on foster for the charity had to speak to the manager today, so has asked for me, apparently someone will get in touch!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on February 25, 2019, 22:53:48 PM
I DONT THINK THEY HAVE SIAMESE IN THEMBUT POSSIBLYRAGDOLL BIRMAN OR DAM CANT THINK OF THE OTHER ONE
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 26, 2019, 13:14:57 PM
Well, Chanel could certainly pass for a ragdoll, but Coco is short haired, so couldn’t (although was reported as a ragdoll). Their eyes aren’t traditional for any of the colourpoint breeds, they are only blue in certain lights, the rest of the time they are yellow. Another relaxed moment with Coco last night, she was cleaning her back leg till she saw me pick up the phone, then decided to ‘pose’. Sent this to a friend who said she is getting chubby, I think it is just the angle of the pic personally. Unfortunately then my neighbours lodger banged on the door, all 3 cats freaked out, but I went back and read to the girls and they calmed down a lot. She ended up in an awkward position when eating her supper biscuits off my hand and touched me twice with her paw. I did try getting Chanel to come closer by putting the Da Bird toy near my feet, but it just stops her playing.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on February 26, 2019, 14:11:14 PM


I wouldn't have said chubby.   I think cats of their breed type (whatever that may be) often have very plush, dense coats, which can make them look chunkier than they are.


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 04, 2019, 13:40:35 PM
Had an interesting moment on Sat, I hadn’t fully shut the door when I gave the girls their supper, and Lucy popped her head round cos she heard food. She did hiss at Chanel, but then walked away and I didn’t get any redirected aggression, so I gave her an oral biscuit. Neighbour said that maybe I’m in a position to start introducing them, which I’m not convinced about, but she suggested giving them the run of the house at night. Two main issues with that are getting them back in the morning – Chanel is food orientated enough to follow me for food, not convinced by Coco. Other issue is Lucy – she doesn’t like shut doors, and the bedroom door only gets shut for vet visits, so not sure how well shutting her in my room overnight will go. I have been feeding her supper on the landing for months, so am going to try putting her supper in my room this week, then try shutting the door at weekend.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 06, 2019, 13:44:10 PM
Had a message from one of the trustees telling me all I needed to do to sort out the microchips was go online and change them, using my adoption form as proof of ownership (odd, when I was with CP, we had to fill in a special form and provide our charity code to change ownership), but pointed out I don’t have the microchip numbers to do that (and I’m not 100% sure which company they use!). Was told that the manager was having some health issues, so it would be quicker to pop them to the vet and get them scanned than wait for them to find the paperwork. Pointed out these are semi-feral cats (didn’t say I had my own scanner so could have already done that myself!). Reply was ‘can’t you handle them, how do they get vet treatment’ – at which point I stopped answering!  I might actually be able to scan Chanel, she does walk past me a lot when I am sat on the chair, but no chance with Coco.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on March 06, 2019, 15:04:14 PM



Dear God!!   Maybe you'd better give them back now!  (If only you cold handle them...... :doh: :doh:)

I admit to my own anxieties about being unable to get the gurlies to the vet, but even yesterday, Barley freaked out.  She was having a cuddle with me, when OH walked quietly past with a coat in his hand.  She was off me like a shot, neatly raking my shoulder as she fled the coat monsta.   :doh: :doh:


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on March 06, 2019, 19:07:55 PM
You would think that people from a cat charity would have more idea, and how come the Manager has to do it, surely that info should either be available on a computer system or in a filing cabinet able to be accessed by all. It just sounds like a dose of 'lazy' to me Desley. :hug: :hug: :hug:

I hope your shoulder isn't too sore Sue and that Barley has recovered from her scare.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 07, 2019, 13:53:55 PM
I’m just glad I was in a position to be able to adopt them, although we are having catio issues and they might lose it at the end of the month, which is going to affect the life I wanted to give them, but I’m working on shutting Lucy in with me at night so that they can have more space, I’ve made that commitment to them now. Poor Barley, it really doesn’t take much to spook them. The vet was asking how Lucy is at home and I said that as long as you treat her like a semi feral, and accept her quirks, she’s a lovely cat. Paula, unfortunately the majority of the ‘management’ are dog people so certainly don’t understand semi-feral cats. The irony is they were last seen in a filing cabinet, when I was looking for the boys, which was never found, so I had to scan them! The manager has damaged her cruciate ligament and the assistant is also ill, so think everyone is running round trying to keep on top of the essential stuff at the moment. But that doesn’t excuse the fact it should have been sorted at the time of adoption.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Rosella moggy on March 10, 2019, 11:01:47 AM
.....we are having catio issues and they might lose it at the end of the month, which is going to affect the life I wanted to give them.....



That's really sad Desley.  Can I ask why?  :shy:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 16, 2019, 09:42:30 AM
Well, that didn't go at all like I expected! I ended up popping back in 2 hours later, poor Chanel was cowering in a corner, I went to speak gently to her to calm her down, and she was that petrified she let me stroke her, although Coco was growling at me! When I got up this morning, Coco was in her usual place, but Chanel was cowering at the side of the litter tray! After I shut the door she came and sat at the side of the tray, but was very wary. Then I noticed they hadn't even eaten all their supper, don't think that has ever happened before! Just sat with them now, Chanel is quite unsettled. Not sure I'll try that again for a while, Chanel seems curious about the door, but clearly they are happier in here than I thought.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on March 16, 2019, 10:17:27 AM
Desley, I'm sorry that the girls have been upset   :( However, it does sound as if they settle again relatively quickly, so I don't think any lasting harm has been done  :hug:

What is the problem with the catio? It would be a real shame if it has to go  :(
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Rosella moggy on March 16, 2019, 15:36:04 PM
Not sure I'll try that again for a while, Chanel seems curious about the door, but clearly they are happier in here than I thought.

I think I must have missed something.  What did you try Desley that caused such upset?
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 16, 2019, 15:40:32 PM
Well, the girls do seem to have forgiven me, Coco at least doesn't seem fazed by it. I did spray some Pet Remedy though, and now Chanel is at least sat in one of the beds and not with her mum! In the stress of this morning, I forgot to say I had a really good evening with them, Coco was very relaxed and was even running after a toy I threw her! Someone on CC said that it proves adopting them was the right thing, imagine the stress moving and potentially separating them would cause!

The catio unfortunately has to go on Fri - the builder was wrong about it not needing planning permission (I did check, but couldn't find a category that covered something like this), so they have said it is unacceptable. As gutted as I am to do it to them, at least it has happened early on, so they haven't had that long to get used to it, and without it I wouldn't have considered adopting them, so I am trying to think everything happens for a reason. And it made me look at a way to give them more space, even though it turned out they don't actually want that. At least I have tried
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 16, 2019, 15:41:09 PM
Not sure I'll try that again for a while, Chanel seems curious about the door, but clearly they are happier in here than I thought.

I think I must have missed something.  What did you try Desley that caused such upset?

Opening the door for them to have access to the rest of the house!!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Liz on March 16, 2019, 16:20:09 PM
Desley it does take time for them to take the plunge and leave their safe room, took our Harper nearly 2 years and he now comes down stairs to the familyroom on the inside only side of the house and occasionally the diningroom but lives with his mates in our upstairs study but he can now be stroked and comes to see me at feeding time - this has only taken 9 years so time is on your side :)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on March 16, 2019, 22:21:57 PM
SO SORRY ABOUT THE CATIO, THEY LOVED IT SO MUCH
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on March 16, 2019, 22:56:04 PM
So sorry about the catio Desley. :(
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on March 17, 2019, 12:50:47 PM
I'm really sorry about the catio (time and expense too!) - could you not apply for retrospective PP - or have you been told it would be refused?
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on March 17, 2019, 14:54:40 PM
Why wouldn't they give retrospective PP? Is it the elevation? I know from the conservatory that anything less than 3m X 3m doesn't require it, but that was single storey as far as I am aware.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 17, 2019, 15:14:13 PM
no, they have said it wouldn't be given, apparently it isn't in keeping with the character and appearance of the street - although suspect it is the height that is an issue.

I do hope in time they do want to come out Liz, but I'll leave it till they start asking after this attempt - they didn't eat a full meal till supper time and it was heartbreaking to see Chanel so petrified. They were playing by teatime though, and got some lovely pics of Coco, who was the one unfazed by anything. I suspect if they'd been homed in a 'normal' house, they would be the kind of cats who would choose to live in one room, clearly they can't cope with more than that.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on March 17, 2019, 16:16:37 PM
That's a shame, especially as Coco and Chanel enjoyed it so much. Lovely that they are still coming on though. :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on March 17, 2019, 20:26:53 PM
I agree, it is a real shame that the catio has to go  :(

It does look as if Coco and Chanel are happy in their room, at least for now. Sky is the shame, she did go out a few times when we first had her but, since she was ill, she shows no sign of wanting to leave the bedroom! :-[
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on March 18, 2019, 00:28:20 AM
POOR CHANEL GETTING SO SCARED, COCO LOOKING GREAT
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on March 18, 2019, 07:21:11 AM


Am so sorry about the Catio Desley.  It's a real shame, given how much they enjoyed it. 

I think as Liz has said, cats can continue to surprise us as the years pass, and things we thought would be unimaginable suddenly happen.  I hope that will be the case for Coco and Chanel, too.  I love the photos.   :Luv:

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 18, 2019, 13:43:44 PM
Luckily I’m used to cats choosing which part of the house they want to live in, at least I’ve finally got away from having cat food on the bed! And I’m used to going at their pace – a friend said that I should carry on leaving the door open, but Chanel was too petrified, wouldn’t come out from the side of the litter tray till I’d shut the door. She did finally investigate the door again at supper time, so I may consider propping it just a little bit open, but going to do that when she seems more ready, there is no need to rush. Coco has been great, one of them had been sick during the afternoon, which I thought was her as she was quiet and didn’t eat much tea, but then she did this! She was a lot more relaxed this morning, I was able to walk past her without being hissed at or her running, I did have a sneaky stroke of her tail, she looked at me and whacked me, but without any claws!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on March 18, 2019, 14:31:35 PM




 I did have a sneaky stroke of her tail, she looked at me and whacked me, but without any claws!

Demmed cheek!!   :evillaugh: :evillaugh:


SERIOUSLY THOUGH, DESLEY, I THINK I'D GO WITH THE DOOR OPEN JUST A CRACK FOR THE TIME BEING.  THEY CAN THEN CHOOSE HOW MUCH THEY WANT TO PEEP OUT (OR NOT) AND THEY WON'T FEEL SO EXPOSED TO THE POSSIBILITY OF INTROODERS LEAPING ON THEM.   :shify:  Sorry about the capitals, there.  trouble wiv me keybpard!



Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on March 18, 2019, 20:50:03 PM
ROFL A WHACK WITHOUT CLAWS IS GOOD INTERACTION, SHE LOOKS SERIOUSLY RELAXED
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on March 19, 2019, 10:25:56 AM
Sky wields the 'paw of correction' liberally - but always without claws. She is very clear on what she will, and will not, allow!  ;D
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on March 19, 2019, 10:32:52 AM


The Paw of Correction.  Love it.   :evillaugh:

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 19, 2019, 13:25:33 PM
That is a good way of describing it! My vet was surprised that Lucy can use teeth and claws to let me know she isn’t happy, but without breaking the skin, can’t remember what term she used, something about a threshold though. I’m definitely considering it, part of me thinks trying again but slower may work, but part of me wonders if they really want it at the moment. Was very naughty last night, Lucy was sleeping just outside their door while I was in with them, so I pushed her in as I was leaving – Chanel was on the floor near the cupboard, Coco was on the windowsill. Lucy hissed at Chanel, but neither of the girls reacted, I ushered Lucy back out, and she wasn’t worked up enough to draw blood on me, she did allow me to pick her up and praise her. Was looking at the new Cat Gallery brochure, and they have a cool looking shelf and ladder system for £49, I am going to ask the builder if two of the shelves can be salvaged and put in the room instead. Neighbour thinks we should keep some of the mesh to put inside, so they can have more fresh air, but I’m not sure if that will make it worse for them. It would allow me to open the window more in case we get hot weather again, but last year was the only time in 14 years it’s been an issue, and I can prop the door open a tiny bit overnight now.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 21, 2019, 13:06:37 PM
A friend has found this for me, think this could be a good solution – as it installs from the window, not sure if I would need permission or not? Obviously not as big as they have, but better than nothing.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264220355880?ul_noapp=true
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on March 21, 2019, 19:04:04 PM
I think that looks like a workable solution Desley, if it doesn't need planning, obviously check with the Planning Dept first, it may not be as big but would still give them an outside space. ;D Good find! :wow:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on March 21, 2019, 20:17:46 PM
That looks great Desley! I wouldn't think you should need planning permission - but I wouldn't have thought you would need it for the catio and I was clearly wrong on that score!  :-[
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on March 22, 2019, 02:07:43 AM
HOPE IT WOULD WORK BUT BEST TO CHECK WITH COUNCIL FIRST
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 22, 2019, 09:11:47 AM
Looking at the dimensions, I'm not sure they would be able to sit up in it, but it would give them something. I am going to speak to the council, definitely don't want to end up in this position again. Am going to try plan B again tonight, the rainbow cord stopped the door shutting when I came in to give them their breakfast, and Chanel went to investigate so she clearly has got over last week
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on March 23, 2019, 13:47:52 PM
Good luck, both with Plan B and the council. :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 23, 2019, 15:35:56 PM
Well, second attempt at Plan B didn't go too well, when I went to give them their supper I didn't shut the door fully, Chanel ran to it, and Lucy was on the landing and growled at them, both girls jumped! I woke up 5.30 and thought I'd check on them, they were both huddled on the brown scratching post, Coco was very hissy and growly at me, so I shut the door and at breakfast time she was slightly better with me, so not sure they are ready yet.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: tab on March 23, 2019, 16:19:42 PM
It's a shame about the catio but thinking about it you may well be in the heritage area. I know barehill is as the houses are of historical interest as they were built by the co-op and are interlocked so going down the row you get front room of one then kitchen of next etc. There are rules on what can be done externally so that could be the problem.

I hope they all continue to relax and get along more
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 24, 2019, 08:59:13 AM
Thanks Tab - I will double check the plan I found on the council website this week, I thought the factory was included but these 5 streets weren't, but maybe I misinterpreted it.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on March 24, 2019, 15:45:53 PM
Plans are very easy to misinterpret. :hug: :hug: :hug: I hope it isn't a conservation area for the girls sake.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on March 24, 2019, 20:15:13 PM
Plans are very easy to misinterpret. :hug: :hug: :hug: I hope it isn't a conservation area for the girls sake.

Same here.  So disappointing after all your efforts.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 25, 2019, 13:04:12 PM
I checked it again yesterday with my neighbour and we are sure we aren’t in the conservation area, but checking the planning portal for windows, a new bay window requires permission, so guessing this would too. So dilemma is to go for pre-planning at £101 in case they refuse, but if they agree, will then have to go for planning at £202. Each stage should take up to 8 weeks, so there is an extra time element involved too. Coco upset me yesterday, she actually asked to go outside, it’s the first time I’ve heard her miaow.  :(
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on March 25, 2019, 17:40:46 PM
POOR COCO
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on March 26, 2019, 10:05:38 AM
Such a hard decision Delsey  :hug:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 27, 2019, 13:09:07 PM
Council came back and said that it would require planning permission so neighbour rang them, and due to the fact I live on a back to back street, nothing would be acceptable. She spoke to someone different who knew the case as it was the talk of the office!! Builder now speaking to his window supplier to see if there is some way of adjusting the opening so we could have mesh on the inside so they can get extra fresh air. Builder is also going to try and salvage the shelves in the catio and put them inside the house – the two small ones at the side of the window for sunbathing, and the larger ones near the den to give Chanel extra levels to jump on when playing.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on March 27, 2019, 17:26:56 PM


Oh Desley, I suspected they might veto it too, but am so sorry they did.  It was a cracking idea. 


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on March 27, 2019, 19:15:33 PM
What an utter PITA. Sorry Desley. :(
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 31, 2019, 18:36:39 PM
Window person is coming on Wed to measure up and see what options there are for them to get fresh air, and came across this, could be a good alternative

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/323447082070
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on April 03, 2019, 13:05:05 PM
Well, the window man came today (typically, the girls were good and didn’t even hiss!! Seems they reserve that for me!), he can change the bottom part of the window to a tilt and glide, but opening right to left, so it would be more like a door, which would enable mesh to be put on the outside so they could get fresh air, but I’m not 100% convinced about it – my neighbour is all for it, but I’m concerned it will be confusing for them, they will get fresh air, but not extra space which was the idea of the catio. I’m waiting for a price, but if I decide to do it, it could be done in the next two weeks, he’d want it doing when the catio comes down
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on April 03, 2019, 13:57:28 PM


Given your original aims with the catio Desley, I'm not convinced it's worth the additional hassle and expense. 



Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on April 03, 2019, 17:56:32 PM
I agree with Sue. It is such a shame that the catio had to go but this doesn't sound like a worthwhile alternative  :(
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on April 04, 2019, 13:32:27 PM
I’ve decided against the window being changed – neighbour isn’t happy as she thinks they need the extra fresh air, but the catio was never about that for me. When I looked into the reviews of the safety netting, they are very mixed, with some people saying their cats had broken it in a couple of days. The one that gets the best reviews is one called Flat Cats, which is similar to mosquito netting secured from the inside with double sided Velcro, and they do that for top opening windows, it wouldn’t work for a tilt and glide window. The girls may have been quiet with the workmen, but Coco was quite bothered last night and wouldn’t even come for her supper like she normally does. I am just going to keep trying with the door occasionally, as they do still show interest if I don’t fully shut it.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Liz on April 04, 2019, 14:16:34 PM
Desley we have 1 inch aviary netting on our upstairs windows on a wooden frame held in to the wall with bolts so it gives them plenty fresh air but no escapees, its down in the winter when the windows are on the security lock gives fresh air but not the freezing we would get up here
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on April 04, 2019, 15:08:14 PM


For what it's worth, I think you've made the right decision. 

A fractionally open door arouses curiosity without creating the fear of a properly open door. 

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on April 05, 2019, 01:16:37 AM
I AGREE WITH SUE
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on May 01, 2019, 13:35:51 PM
Well, had a bit of a breakthrough last night, Coco was interested in the door when I gave them their supper, so I left it partly open when I went to bed. Got up an hour later to go to the loo, popped my head round and found Chanel looking a bit worried, but couldn’t see Coco – this is where I found her! I have slightly cropped this pic, she was a lot further away from me, but am impressed she stayed there long enough for me to go back for my phone and take a pic! Woke up again at 3, they were both in the room, but Chanel was still cowering a bit near the tray, so I shut the door and then I heard her move. So a bit of a dilemma, Coco is clearly ready, but Chanel is still unsettled by it and doesn’t relax till it’s shut. Will see what happens tonight.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on May 03, 2019, 15:28:17 PM
That is good Desley. :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on May 03, 2019, 16:08:39 PM


Desley, that's amazing progress.  I wouldnt be too downhearted about Chanel.  When Coco goes out on her forays, she'll report back to her, and it'll help to build Chanel's confidence.  This is just great!   ;D


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on May 03, 2019, 20:14:39 PM
WONDERFUL DESLEY
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on May 04, 2019, 17:46:29 PM
I left the door open again last night, got up 3 hours later to go to the loo, no sign of Coco in the room, couldn't see her on the stairs, but when I was leaving the bathroom she flew across the landing and back in the room. I got up another 2 times and no sign of them being out again, but I didn't shut the door till 6. Lucy was very grumpy with them at 7.30 though, growling and hissing at the door!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on May 07, 2019, 16:28:40 PM
Coco was very brave last night - she wasn't really this close, I've cropped it to help with the size. Today went in to find Chanel under the rocking chair, never seen her there before but she then started playing! And for good measure, a cute pic of Lucy I took on Sun
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on May 07, 2019, 18:17:43 PM
 :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on May 08, 2019, 00:38:37 AM
WONDERFUL PICS DESLEY THANKS FOR POSTING
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on May 08, 2019, 06:38:06 AM


They're really making strides, aren't they Desley.  Love the photo of Lucy, too. :Luv:



Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on May 08, 2019, 13:13:00 PM
Yes, they really are coming on, Chanel was in such a bonkers playing mood yesterday morning, was lovely as she had barely played with me on Mon. Coco was a bit jumpy though.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on May 11, 2019, 15:28:07 PM
Had another interesting moment with them last night, left the door open again, but brushed my teeth after I opened the door, Coco was sat in the open doorway debating whether it was safe to leave, which was a lovely sight. Then I nearly messed things up, I realised when I got in bed my fitness tracker had come off, so thought I better look for it, Coco was on the stairs, so got very hissy, but rather than up past me she went down instead, then got scared when realised I was following her, and flew round, and on the sofa. When I went back up, I did throw a dreamie down the stairs for her as a well done. When I got up for a painkiller at 5.45, they were both in the room, I shut the door then heard Chanel playing.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on May 12, 2019, 22:19:41 PM
WOWWWWWW THIS IS REAL PROGRESS
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on May 13, 2019, 06:55:47 AM


Apart from the hissing, Coco sounds like Barley.   :evillaugh:


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on May 13, 2019, 13:40:43 PM
Lucy still hates them unfortunately, I popped back in after giving them their supper last night, so didn’t fully shut the door, Chanel went to investigate and Lucy first growled, then got a bit more intense as Chanel was ignoring it, at which point Chanel flew back. No wonder she is wary of leaving the room.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on May 14, 2019, 23:13:27 PM
Oh dear. :(
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Liz on May 15, 2019, 06:41:44 AM
Hate is a strong word, ours come to a mutual understanding eventually and then we find them curled up together :shocked:  We have some odd mixes Harmony Bengal and her bit of rough our darling Harper feral, Maddison feral of the 3 legs and her boys Blue, Jet and Turbo, Sammy and Lynx ferals have a bromance going on and Lynx was most put out when Baku feral after 9 months living on the outside decided to come back in to be a housecat and had her eyes in Sammy now they have worked it out we mainly leave them to get on with it and just voice concern at hissing usually Blue feral at the humans :)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on May 15, 2019, 13:30:06 PM
Hate may be a strong word Liz, but is appropriate. I decided Lucy was going to be an only cat after she gave me a black eye and nearly blinded me just by seeing a cat outside! At least her re-directed aggression has improved, she doesn’t draw blood on me when she gets annoyed at the girls (she was hissing at them again this morning!), although that could be I don’t get that close to her when she’s annoyed by them. She did get a home before me, but had to be returned because she was making one of the resident cats ill, and a lot of the neighbourhood cats are scared of her, one stopped coming shortly after getting her.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on May 19, 2019, 15:28:29 PM
Another great weekend with them, left the door open last night, got woken up by a noise at 5, got up at 6.30 and found the room empty! Then found this!  :Luv: Then later, when I was sweeping the room, Chanel stayed laid in her bed, paws stretched looking very chilled the entire time, even when I knelt in front of her and told her I would like to kiss her paws! Normally when I sweep the room she flies onto the den as soon as I start! Then after 3 goes, I got her to eat her dreamies off my hand (they have a treat for having the room cleaned)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on May 19, 2019, 16:11:49 PM
THATS WONDERFUL DESLEY AND THEY LOOK VERY CHILLED, GREAT PICTURE
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on May 30, 2019, 13:37:40 PM
Let the girls out again last night, managed to get Lucy in my room before brushing my teeth, so opened their door before doing that, Chanel was the first to leave the room, but was a bit startled to see me! I told her if she was brave she would get a dreamie, but I had to get past her first, she went back in the room, so I got the bag that lives on the landing, and threw one for her. Then when I woke up at 3, I needed a drink and I forgot to take a glass upstairs last night, so had to go down and both were in the front room, not happy to see me! Coco went on the sofa, but Chanel went in the kitchen. When I got up this morning they were both in their room, but Chanel was clearly hungry cos she went under my legs with her tail up touching me when I was sat in the chair and then kept rubbing my legs when I was dishing the food out.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on May 30, 2019, 17:11:00 PM
THEY ARE BRAVE ENOUGH TO EXPLORE NOW WHICH IS GREAT, WELL DONE DESLEY
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on May 31, 2019, 21:33:16 PM
They are definitely coming on Desley, it may be a long process, BUT, they are getting there. Well done you. ;D :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 01, 2019, 16:32:29 PM
Yes, I expected it to be a long process, an old poster has just come back on CC, she said that she hopes they come round eventually, my reply was 'it's only been 20 months, still early days!'. I just wish that Coco would stop hissing at me everytime I do scoop or do anything with the litter tray! It is also nice that they are still close, Chanel will be 2 this year.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on June 01, 2019, 19:10:56 PM
GORGEOUS PIC
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Rosella moggy on June 02, 2019, 08:06:28 AM

Beautiful pic Desley  :Luv: :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on June 02, 2019, 08:55:47 AM


Two very relaxed gurlies there, Desley.   :Luv: :Luv:


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 02, 2019, 10:22:59 AM
Well, they are certainly getting braver, let them out before brushing my teeth again, Chanel was the first to the door again, briefly got her out with a dreamie! Got up this morning to find Lucy's rainbow ribbon stick toy was in their room, not sure how they got it upstairs, its really long! Then went in the bathroom to find someone had had a poo on the puppy pad where Lucy's tray normally lives! Coco is getting a lot darker, I even googled it to check it was normal!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on June 02, 2019, 15:13:30 PM
WOW THEY ARE COMING ON WHICH IS GREAT
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 30, 2019, 13:14:09 PM
Well, Chanel is now 2 years old! She has been less playful this past couple of weeks, which I think is due to getting older, but my neighbour thinks because of having access to the house more. Unfortunately she still hasn't got any better with being touched. On Friday, I made the mistake of letting Lucy out of my room before checking the girls were back in their room, as they always are by that time. Unfortunately not on Fri, Chanel wasn't in the room, she flew up the stairs and then stopped when she saw Lucy! I was very impressed though, Lucy just hissed and looked at her, but didn't attack, and didn't have a go at me for nudging her back towards my room so Chanel could go back in. Before we realised Chanel was out, Lucy had seen Coco in the room and hissed at her.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on July 02, 2019, 19:00:05 PM
I was going to ask about that, saw that pic and thought I am sure Chanel is getting darker, but I do have the brains of an ant, so wasn't quite sure if it was just my memory or the camera angle. They certainly are a stunning pair and I am so glad that in  the end you decided to adopt them. I am sure that someone would take them on for their looks, without having the time and patience that you have given, and will continuing to give them, it may feel like baby steps with them and Lucy to you, but looking from outside in, it would seem to be to be gathering momentum. :wow: :hug: :hug: :hug:

Even if you do get hissed at!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 03, 2019, 05:50:27 AM


You see in that photograph two relaxed cats.  That's an achievement in itself.  As Paula said, someone could have adopted these two on looks alone, not understanding their need for special handling.  That could have resulted in them being passed from pillar to post, being abandoned or worse. 

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 03, 2019, 13:08:42 PM
I always knew Chanel was going to get darker, with being a kitten when they first arrived, but surprised at how dark Coco has got. Funnily enough, despite it being nearly 2 years, you can still tell where both were spayed. Had a little breakthrough with Chanel last night, she was sat in one of the beds when I was scooping the tray and I told her I’d love to touch her leg, started waggling my finger while getting it closer to her, despite Coco hissing from the next bed, she looked surprised when I got to her fur but didn’t move, so I got to touch her skin before she decided that was enough and jumped down, so I got her a treat. She was funny again this morning, rolling over, showing her belly, purring at me, edging closer to me – sniffing fingers is acceptable, but I tried to stretch out to touch her paw – she moved back, but then carried on showing her belly and purring! Coco was just watching this, a bit hissy at first and then more curious, so they both got a treat, but Coco hit hers off my hand. Yes, their looks were a big issue in me putting them up for adoption. I am pleased at how relaxed Coco can be with me in the room, although even asleep she can sense me moving to peek at her, so don’t get many pics of her in relaxed mode.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 03, 2019, 13:37:15 PM


Look at that!!!!    ;D ;D ;D  Blimey, Desley!


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on July 03, 2019, 18:23:39 PM
 :wow: :wow: :wow: Slowly, but surely getting there. I am so happy for you all. :)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 04, 2019, 13:11:02 PM
She lies like that and in the position on her birthday pic most days, not normally purring, but think I’ve heard her purr every day this week. Was having a chat with my neighbour, we are going to keep them at every other day till after I come back from Jersey as we don’t know how well Lucy will tolerate being shut in my room without me, if we do M/W/F that week, she will only have to coax Lucy into my room twice. I’m also going to give her her supper in my room every night in the hope she’ll just accept that when my neighbour goes in to feed them! To be fair, she has started automatically going to my bedroom at supper time, but neighbour isn’t convinced she’ll do that for her. Lucy would happily eat her breakfast upstairs too, might start doing that.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 04, 2019, 17:31:34 PM


Sounds like a sensible plan, Desley

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on July 04, 2019, 20:12:33 PM
I am sure you have probably said Desley, but how long are you in Jersey for? It definitely sounds like a plan. ;D
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 06, 2019, 18:13:46 PM
I think I go Tue to Sun Paula, but not 100% sure about that.
Messed up again yesterday morning, Lucy ran out of the room and got partway down the stairs before realising the girls were at the bottom. She ignored my plea to come back up, and ran towards them hissing, so Chanel flew, but Coco stood her ground hissing back and fluffing her tail, at which point Lucy decided to run back up to the safety of my room! Then tried coaxing the girls upstairs, Coco carried on hissing, then went round me, Chanel ended up in the kitchen. Once safely back, I gave them all dreamies, which didn't really pacify Coco, I just managed to stop Lucy from hiding under the bed, got back in bed, as this was all before the alarm went off, Lucy forgot she wanted to go downstairs and came for a cuddle till the alarm went off. Coco was still wary at breakfast time, unlike Chanel, but by teatime, I managed to get this pic, which is a rarity, she normally moves when I get the phone out!

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on July 06, 2019, 20:32:16 PM
I still think you are doing amazingly well integrating all all the girls, you always knew it would be a long, slow process, it is, but I think here is light at the end of the tunnel. :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 07, 2019, 09:01:07 AM
Well, integration isn't actually my aim, I think they all have too many different needs for that, with the layout of my house, the aim is just to give the girls as much space as possible. One of them had knocked one of the beds on the floor yesterday, so this is what they were doing while I was sitting with them!  :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on July 07, 2019, 18:53:44 PM
MISSED MY FIX OF COCO AND CHANEL GREAT PICS
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 17, 2019, 13:19:39 PM
Coco and Lucy met each other again yesterday morning, Lucy flew out at 5 when I got up for a drink, saw Coco on the stairs, tried turning back to go to the bedroom, but the door had shut behind us, so she raced down the stairs hissing, Coco flew into the kitchen, then had to peel a hissing Lucy off her heated bed to drag her back upstairs. Chanel was already back in the room. Hope it doesn’t put Coco off, she looked quite sweet curled up sleeping on the stairs. She was very chilled last night when I sat with them, I had a conversation with her while she was gazing at me, with her eyes flicking like she was processing it! Lucy wasn’t very quick to forgive me though, and I don’t like the idea of her being scared in her own home. The consolation is that while lots of hissing and running, no aggression again. Neighbour wasn’t helpful, saying if I hadn’t done x/y/z it wouldn’t have happened, and that it was Lucy’s fault for rushing out, she’s too used to getting her own way! I woke up early on Sat and they were both still out, but seeing me made them fly back in their room, so even though they are relaxed around me in the safety of their room, they aren’t in the house, I hope that reduces with time, but it’s tricky figuring out a way to let them see me more, I get Lucy in my room before brushing my teeth now so they can see me pottering, but only Chanel contemplates leaving the room then, so I keep dreamies in the bathroom to throw on the landing for her.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on July 17, 2019, 20:23:35 PM
YOUR NEIGHBOUR IS WRONG YOU ARE DOING EVERYTHING RIGHT, GO COCO CHAEL AND LUCY
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 18, 2019, 06:35:31 AM



I agree with Gill.  I don't think yuor neighbour really understands the complex nature of the relationship you have with those cats.  She's entitled to her opinion, of course, in the same way as ancient mariners believed the world was flat.  You don't have to listen to her (though I imagine it must be a tad irritating and more than a little upsetting at times, when you're already feeling annoyed at upsetting the equilibrium by accident).

Personally, I feel you're doing a great job in rehabilitation all 3 cats.  No-one ever said it would happen overnight.  You don't expect it to happen even over a prolonged period of months/years, but nontheless, it is gradually becoming easier for the cats to tolerate each other's presence, and yours, and that can't be rushed.   :hug: :hug:


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 18, 2019, 12:53:50 PM
Yes, I’m impressed with how things are going, not only is Lucy just hissing and running away from them, but while she may have kicked up a fuss when I took her back upstairs, she didn’t draw any blood, which is a major improvement, redirected aggression towards other cats outside the house and drawing blood on me was the main reason for making her an only cat. I’m also amazed how well Lucy copes with being shut in my room with me, she has issues with shut doors, which I assume stems from so long in rescue. My neighbour got this pic last night, both were on the windowsill before she got the camera out – she’s convinced this is Chanel, but it looks like Coco to me.

Yes, it does upset me Sue, especially things like ‘it’s Lucy’s fault, she’s too used to getting her own way’ – I did point out that it’s not her fault, she is also having to adjust to things and it’s not been all that long. At the end of the day, she was here first, so I Can’t do things that benefit the girls but are detrimental to her. I know I've said this before, but I'm still baffled by her attitude towards Lucy when she has got 10 years of rescue experience and lives with 3 semi-ferals, who you might not realise are, but doesn't take much to spook them, like when she cheered at the tennis on Sun, both girls flew upstairs. Whatever happened to Lucy when she was younger means she has a lot of semi-feral tendencies and 'letting her get her own way' is the best way of treating her, it gives her the security she needs to be more 'normal'.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 18, 2019, 17:37:58 PM


Yes, that resonates with me, Desley.

When our great grandkids come to visit, they shout and grab and run and the girls loathe it.  They take off and stay out, and I hate it.    They're used to relative quiet living with us.  And like you, the cats come first in our house.   

"Experience" doesnt always make for knowledge - sometimes it means repeating the same mistakes again and again, and learning nothing. 

Bear that in mind, next time your neighbour makes a thoughtless comment about the way in which you do things, and turn a deaf ear.  You know the girls like no-ne else does.   :hug:

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Liz on July 18, 2019, 20:17:29 PM
Desley there is no right or wrong its what works for you and the girls

My lot the freaky bunch usually retire upstairs to our bedroom and won't come down stairs till the nasty invaders have gone and when the inlaws were here in June my poor Molly Bengal took one look and spent 3 days behind our bedroom curtains, fortunately she does follow with her stomach and she came out about 3am when she announced she would eat the biscuits in our bedroom

We have ferals who are indoor/outdoor, the ones trapped as older cats are house cats by their choice and some who won't live on the inside but stay in our cat garage or the utilityroom which is open 24/7 all year
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 19, 2019, 16:34:06 PM
I'll try Sue, it's just hard when it only seems aimed at Lucy, she got hissed at by both her and Coco when I was away, Coco was an angel, Lucy was a witch! She does understand a lot about behaviour though, which is the odd thing. And then I have to keep agreeing with her about how well hers have turned out, but she doesn't seem to be able to do the same for Lucy
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 19, 2019, 17:29:51 PM


Well, as a pure outsider looking in, I suspect your neighbour is a little ambivalent towards Lucy (being tactful here  :evillaugh:) and is also possibly a tad jealous of the progress you do make, so feels the need to comment to cast doubt on your Judgment, and make you feel inadequate compared to her.  Dont play along.   :hug:. 


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 20, 2019, 17:44:17 PM
I can't understand why she would be jealous, but it makes sense. Lucy doesn't help by giving out mixed signals, and neighbour can't seem to grasp that Lucy rubbing legs is her idea of a stroke and rarely wants you to touch her in return. Maybe she is that used to reading cats that she gets frustrated not being able to read Lucy
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on July 21, 2019, 09:00:14 AM
Quote
      I can't understand why she would be jealous               

Think about it, Desley.  You've said it yourself.  Lucy's the cat she can't crack.   :-:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on July 23, 2019, 13:09:25 PM
I tried a suggestion from CC when I let them out Sun evening, and didn’t fully shut Lucy in my room before opening their door, not sure whether she came out to steal the dreamie I’d thrown for Chanel or she got bored of waiting for me, but I heard a growl while brushing my teeth! They were just both looking at each other from their respective doorways, herded Lucy back in (impressively again with no blood drawn) and told Chanel she was a good girl. Not sure I’ll do it very often, don’t want to put Chanel off, hope the opportunity arises one weekend to let Lucy out of my room while Coco is still out and sit with them for a few mins.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 01, 2019, 13:22:17 PM
Bit late with this, as I was on holiday for the actual anniversary, but the girls have been with me for 2 years now! Not sure there has been all that much improvement if I’m truthfully honest. The popping seems to have stopped (I’ve probably jinxed myself now!), but still get hissed at by Coco daily, mainly for scooping the litter tray, I wish she would learn that I don’t get that close and I have no interest in going near her when doing it. She has stopped coming to eat her supper biscuits off my hand which is a bit sad, and neither have played with me for months, it’s like now they have access to the house every other night, they don’t need me anymore. I’m glad they are still close though, but that bond is obviously why neither bother with me, they have enough with each other. I was contemplating letting them out every night now I’ve been on holiday but something spooked Coco while I was away and she hid somewhere in the house the last night my neighbour let them out, my neighbour spent an hour and a half searching, went home for an hour and when she came back Coco was back, so as we don’t know her hiding place (I have a suspicion, but if she hid there, she was delicate enough not to disturb any ornaments!), I’m a bit wary of changing the routine too soon. They still seem indifferent to me being back, the only obvious sign they haven’t been happy is they haven’t eaten well, but that hasn’t improved yet either.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on October 01, 2019, 21:06:26 PM
THEY ARE STILL GORGEOUS AND SUSPECT THEY MISSED YOU BIG TIME
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 02, 2019, 07:50:44 AM


Desley, don't be downcast.    :hug:

We were looking back on some old photos the other day, and saw piccies we'd forgotten about where the kittens - yes, they were little - had draped themselves across our knees and fallen asleep.   :Luv:

They never do that these days, but they're both confident and comfortable, and so are Coco and Chanel.

I've said it before, but you've given them that.  You.  No-one else, cos no-one else was interested.  Can you imagine how their lives may have been if they hadn't found a safe haven with you?   :-:


Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 02, 2019, 13:12:37 PM
Well, I should have held off posting, they were much more relaxed last night, so managed to get a pic of them both together without them either hissing or moving! In fact, got this really sweet pic of Chanel and she did then sniff my hand. This morning Coco actually came and sat on the den while I was checking my phone, showed a bit of interest in my fingers, so I got her rainbow cord and she actually played for a few mins, while Chanel was on the windowsill purring!

Not sure it is safe to say no one else would have given them that chance, no one else got that option. As my neighbour pointed out when I had a similar conversation last night, we can’t always see things as we are close to the situation. Someone from CC has said this, which I probably know, but needed reminding, daft as part of it I do with Lucy! I’m not good at leaving them alone mind, which is probably part of the problem, they start relaxing and then I start trying to touch them!

“The important thing is to let go of our ambitions for them and see them as they are. Are they happy? Are they better off than they were? Can they relax in their environment? We expect a happy relaxed cat to want and love affection from us, but sometimes a happy relaxed cat is one that isn’t touched. For some cats, the greatest tool to building trust is to prove to them (time and time again) that we will walk away and leave them alone. When they really know that, then they can risk venturing closer, but we give them that choice by respecting the choice they make.

This is something I’ve probably not realised “Whatever the root of Chanel and Coco’s fears, they believe their response is the only thing that has kept them safe and alive so far, so for them to be where they’re at now is already a huge achievement and likely for them a happy place”.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 02, 2019, 14:54:42 PM


Couldn't have put it better myself, Desley.   ;D


Quote
For some cats, the greatest tool to building trust is to prove to them (time and time again) that we will walk away and leave them alone

[/size]
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 04, 2019, 13:14:10 PM
While they are still not eating 100%, last night Chanel played with me, which she hasn’t done for months, and I’ve had lots of purring. When I walked in to sit with them last night, she was eating, so I sat on the floor, she stopped eating, but then came to see if I had anything interesting, then realised I’d left something on the floor near her tea for her, so had to stay on the floor for a bit! Clearly going away has done something, they have been a bit more interactive the past two days, both have played with me and Coco ate off my hand last night for the first time in weeks!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on October 04, 2019, 18:01:41 PM
 ;D ;D
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on October 05, 2019, 07:42:58 AM
THEY ARE DOING SO WELL THANKS TO YOU DESLEY
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 05, 2019, 17:06:54 PM
I had another first from Chanel today, she was sitting in the bed looking kind of relaxed when I went in this morning, first time since I have been opening the door. Am going to get a new activity centre for the front room, see if it gives them something to stay downstairs for. Just need to take some stuff to the charity shop to create space first.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 23, 2019, 13:17:40 PM
And typically, as you decide they don’t use something so you can throw it away, you walk in to find this! They are getting a new bed for Christmas, it’s a two tier wicker one that will be stood on the floor in front of the radiator, hopefully they will eventually use it, think I’ll have to put some old bedding in it initially.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on October 23, 2019, 15:00:59 PM
Lovely photo again Desley! And the 'double decker' bed sounds great ;D
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 28, 2019, 13:20:39 PM
Had another positive moment with Coco last night, she was on the floor when I went to give them their supper, so I sat on the floor in front of the door and tapped my fingers on the floor, which intrigued her enough not to run. After about 5 mins, she got this close, you could see she was tempted to come further, but then she changed her mind and went. She did eat part of her supper off my hand for this first time this week though.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: dawnf on October 28, 2019, 13:25:06 PM
such a pretty girl!  nice nail colour too!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on October 29, 2019, 10:01:07 AM
Well done Desley!

Yes, a really nice nail colour and I am well jeal of those long nails!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 29, 2019, 13:17:06 PM
Thanks for the nail compliments – there is actually a different colour on my ring finger, and some of the nails on my other hand are longer!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: dawnf on October 29, 2019, 13:44:26 PM
they look great, dry cuticles are what lets mine down  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: tab on October 29, 2019, 16:19:30 PM
It's good to read an update for them. It sounds like they are doing well
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 30, 2019, 13:08:57 PM
Thanks Tab, we'll have to sort out a time for you to come and meet them in the flesh - ironically they rarely hiss at new people.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 16, 2019, 13:37:32 PM
Chanel was being funny yesterday, they had knocked one of the beds over, and I normally put it back when I clean their room on a Sun, but didn’t yesterday, as Coco was sat where it lived, so this is what Chanel was doing when I was supposed to be reading to them, ended up not as I was sharing pics instead! One to look at when I have doubts that keeping them was the right thing to do, a friend said last night I give them everything they want, although not always sure they’d agree with that. I didn’t get up that early this morning, but Coco wasn’t back, I popped downstairs to find she was on the sofa, I tried to kneel to have a chat through the stairs, but that freaked her out. Decided to do what I do with Chanel, nip to the bathroom then potter on my phone while waiting, but the only thing that achieved was Chanel deciding to go and find her mum! So I had to go downstairs and convince them to go back up, Chanel was easy, but Coco was in the kitchen, although Chanel was cheeky and was waiting on the landing for me to go back up! Nice that they are getting more confident though. Last week I was a bit upset as Chanel doesn’t seem to relax in the morning till I shut the door, but then realised that was actually quite a good thing, while they are still happy in there, I don’t have the dilemma of them wanting more than I can give them. Next year I do need to try every night, not sure how much Lucy will like that though, she doesn’t always come to bed with me when she doesn’t have to! I’m off over Christmas so will be able to give them more time out. Will be interesting to see what they think of their new bed, I think I’ll have to put some blankets in it to help it smell like my house.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on December 16, 2019, 14:28:42 PM

Oh Desley.....    :evillaugh: :evillaugh: :Luv2:

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: dawnf on December 16, 2019, 14:30:23 PM
not only very cute but soooo beautiful  :Luv2:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 17, 2019, 13:23:20 PM
I know, so wish I could touch her! I was trying to get her attention last week and ended up prodding her as she was distracted, her fur is so soft! And I did it again last night, but she didn’t react too badly, and then did accept some treats and happily sniffed my hand, hopefully she realised it was nice, as I did have a conversation with her after. 
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on December 17, 2019, 13:34:46 PM


I genuinely believe it will come with time, Desley

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on December 17, 2019, 18:21:14 PM
THEY ARE DOING SO WELL, WISHING THEM AND YOU A GREAT CHRISTMAS
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on December 17, 2019, 21:59:20 PM
They have come such a long way Desley, I'm sure you will win them over eventually ;D
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 19, 2019, 12:45:59 PM
I'm not convinced Lyn, but they are what they are, and if they never feel happy in the house 24/7, then we'll work round that.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on December 19, 2019, 14:53:54 PM


So many possible exist, Desley.  Keep an open mind. 

I firmly believe that one day we might be able to pick up our gurlies.  If it's when they're mature old biddies I won't complain - it'll still be amazing.   ;D
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Liz on December 19, 2019, 18:02:21 PM
Now ladies I have a very friendly Sammy feral only took 10 years and his brother Harper now lets me stroke him at feeding time and that took 11 years and the late Miss Annie feral so you may have to wait a little longer :)

Also treats like roast beef, chicken, turkey etc also make them more friendly even Master Blue who is 13 has stopped hissing at me at treat time the rest of the time I am nasty evil Mummy :)

The late Lima feral took 10 years to sit in the same room as me and at the end of his life deaf and blind in 1 eye Mummy was the best thing since sliced bread :)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 22, 2019, 11:05:13 AM
This years new bed, how long do you think it'll take for them to use it? I have put blankets over the beds it came with
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on December 22, 2019, 11:23:15 AM
 :wow:



Lukkin gud, Desley 


And Liz, Lima is exactly the sort of scenario that sprang to mind.   :) :hug:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on December 23, 2019, 06:17:48 AM
I think that if you read the first pages of this thread again, you'd see just how well you have done with Coco and Chanel. :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 23, 2019, 09:22:20 AM
My neighbour said something similar on Sun when I said I didn't feel like they had really come on much, I do enjoy the little things, like Coco eating off my hand last night and getting a bit close and touching me with her paw, and Chanel rubbing my legs this morning as I was late feeding them.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on December 23, 2019, 09:29:02 AM


 :hug:  Desley - They're not the "little" things - to Coco and Chanel, they're massive things.  Enormous!   We have to get inside a cat's psyche to understand how fearful even ordinary things can be.

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Liz on December 23, 2019, 13:49:31 PM
Desley its is the little things that help make the bigger steps and they have come a long way - we end up with cardboard boxes in new beds and their old grotty blankets and maybe in 6 months time they may go near one of those new things they did not require as in their minds the oldies were fine

Every little thing does help in the process it just sometimes takes years rather than weeks  :shocked:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 23, 2019, 17:53:02 PM
I had another sweet moment with them earlier, popped in for something and Coco was huddled looking very fed up, so I sat down and had a chat with her, you could see her starting to relax and then she shuffled herself to put her paws under her and put her ears back in a normal position, nice that on some level I can make her relax.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on December 23, 2019, 21:45:38 PM
THEY TRUST YOU DESLEY
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 24, 2019, 08:23:08 AM
Was really pleased with Lucy last night, she was lying on the landing in front of the girls door, so I opened it, she walked straight in, hissed at them, then walked out and came to me for a fuss - at one point even hearing another cat was likely to result in her drawing blood on me, so while she still doesn't like them, she clearly is accepting them more. Chanel wasn't back in this morning, so I didn't shut my door properly to find her, so she went and checked out my door, obviously got hissed at, but Lucy wasn't too bothered by it.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on December 24, 2019, 08:31:34 AM


Your Christmas miracle.....  ;D

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 24, 2019, 08:34:04 AM
I wouldn't go that far. When I was wrapping presents I found some twine that I had bought the other year, I've cut some into lengths for them, they like those toys, hopefully they'll like the bought ones just as much!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on December 24, 2019, 08:59:06 AM


Tsk Desley.  That's not the spirit!   ;)

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on December 24, 2019, 17:37:53 PM
Desley, you are doing wonderfully well with all three cats. Lucy isn't the easiest either. :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 25, 2019, 08:52:12 AM
Thanks - was talking to my neighbour yesterday, she said she cant understand why I can't see how well they have come on, but I don't think it is that easy to see when you are with them all the time. You are right, Lucy isn't the easiest cat but she seems to be mellowing with age!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 01, 2020, 16:22:11 PM
Tried something new last night, I let the girls out, then sat in the front room in the dark with just the TV on. Chanel came investigating, so realised this would go better with a toy, so dug Lucy's Da Bird out, which made her come into the front room, although she didn't seem to like the TV! Coco didn't appear, but I didn't really expect that. They also got all morning out, when I got up the second time, Chanel was back downstairs, let me get quite close before running away, then when I was going back upstairs after making coffee, she was lying at the top of them looking like flat cat, but again let me get quite close before running. Will definitely try that again.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on January 01, 2020, 21:48:45 PM
YOUR NEIGHBOUR IS RIGHT, THEY ARE COMING ON BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 10, 2020, 12:42:09 PM
Good start to the year with them, when it was their night out on Sat, I didn’t feed them first, left the landing light on and then sat in the dark with just the TV on, Chanel came down really quickly. She was intrigued with the TV this time, and did sit on the rug near me for a while. When I went to go up, she flew up before me, but then I sat and read/chatted to Coco for a bit, when Chanel realised I was sitting down, she turned round and left the room again! This week I’m going to try just leaving the door open and sitting with the light on. It was their night out on Mon, when I got up on Tue, neither were back, I found Coco on Lucy’s heated bed! Told them it was time to go back, and went upstairs to potter, but neither followed me, I had to move the curtain to get Coco to come back up – unfortunately I didn’t have my camera on me. My neighbour thinks I need to get them one of their own, but it’s not that easy in their room, plus they still aren’t using their new bed – I put it on a different angle when I cleaned on Fri, didn’t do anything. Will post pics over the weekend, although tonight I'm trying sitting with the light on.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 13, 2020, 13:08:22 PM
Feels like we are just going from strength to strength this year, not sure if something has just suddenly clicked with them. I think I disturbed Coco playing yesterday, popped in for my kindle and she was near the door, then when I was in the bath I could hear playing. This morning neither were back in their room, I got to the step above Chanel before she moved (I deliberately only switch the landing light on, to avoid spooking them, had the sense to take my phone this time to use as torch), couldn’t find Coco so decided to go in the kitchen to get their food bowls, came back in and saw a cat on the stairs but assumed it was Chanel until the cat ran and realised there was no fluffy tail! I spoke and she actually stopped running and looked at me. She moved to the top of the stairs as I went up, but I walked really slowly and she stayed until I was only about 4 or 5 steps away. Downside was I hadn’t seen Chanel sneak back out, so I shut their door, and opened mine, must have been in 5 mins before I realised there was only one cat! Lucy was just sat on the stairs and Chanel was on the front room floor, but Lucy fortunately ran back into my room, which meant I could get Chanel back in. She mustn’t have been that stressed, I heard playing noises 5 mins later. Actually, the toy you can just about see next to Coco is one of their Christmas presents that Chanel took out and put on the landing!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on January 13, 2020, 14:00:03 PM
WONDERFUL PICTURES AND WOW HAVE THEY COME ON
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on January 13, 2020, 19:18:32 PM


That's so good to read, Desley.   Amazing how sometimes it's like a switch tripping an amazing response.   ;D

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 14, 2020, 13:17:31 PM
Yes, I think they've had the lightbulb moment, but a friend and neighbour think it's the 'playing out' that has changed them. I wonder if it was me being around more at Christmas
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on January 14, 2020, 18:32:06 PM


My money is on you being around more. 

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on January 14, 2020, 21:00:35 PM


My money is on you being around more. 



Yes, I agree.

Many is the time that I have walked backwards towards Sky. It seems that she doesn't worry if he can see my back, presumably because it doesn't really compute that I am still approaching her!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on January 15, 2020, 06:46:33 AM


Lyn - we do that with Barley!  We call it "the not lookin" game.   :evillaugh:  And it does work. 
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Liz on January 15, 2020, 11:41:44 AM
Being around makes a difference also them being allowed to be out of their safe place, we have done a lot of the not looking game and on the whole it has worked, ours will be all over the house then when its 05.30am the house cats go back to their side of the house and the others are for making the great escape, thanks to our familyroom we can split the house in 2 then open the door to let everyone mix in the evenings and of course overnight
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 15, 2020, 13:34:35 PM
Maybe it’s a combination of me being around more, more time out and I’ve got back in the routine of reading bedtime stories to them, Coco loves being spoken to, but she prefers me reading to having a chat with her, as if I’m chatting to her, I turn round to look at her, if I read I don’t! She was brave again this morning, they were still downstairs, she turned to run, but then I sat down so she stayed on the other sofa just watching me potter on the phone. I think it helps that I don't switch the light on! I’ve been lucky again this week that my mistake hasn’t ended up in fur flying. As much as Lucy was supposed to be an only cat, it is working, even though I do sometimes think that someone with more time/space would have been good for them. I think Lucy is accepting of them as she knows they are staying but she isn’t forced to interact with them, and luckily they are nowhere near ready to have more time out, and they haven’t got the vocalisation of the Siamese.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 19, 2020, 14:35:00 PM
Tried sitting downstairs with the light on last night, Chanel was down within seconds! Not fazed by the light or seeing me, although she did show a lot of interest when a ferret was on the TV! She did have to be told off a few times for scratching the sofa, but did ask me to play with her. Coco was in the front room this morning, let me walk past to go to the kitchen, but when I'd made my tea, I found Chanel on the stairs and Coco nowhere to be seen!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on January 20, 2020, 04:38:01 AM
GREAT PICTURES AND THEY ARE SO GORGEOUS, THOUGHT IT WAS LUPIN WITH THE FAT TAIL
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on January 20, 2020, 05:14:53 AM



They're really making steady progress, Desley.   :wow:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 20, 2020, 13:32:30 PM
One of the comments on CC is interesting: “Could it be you that’s let go a bit and freed them up to get brave’?
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Misa on January 20, 2020, 15:04:20 PM
I THINK YOU DOING FINE AND THEY WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN TO MOVE ON
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: dawnf on January 20, 2020, 16:13:42 PM
that top picture is beautiful  :Luv2:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on January 20, 2020, 17:58:29 PM
One of the comments on CC is interesting: “Could it be you that’s let go a bit and freed them up to get brave’?



Very good point.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 26, 2020, 19:26:02 PM
More improvements this week, sat down with the light on, Chanel happily came down, was very curious about the TV, had a good explore, and then at one point I was laid on the sofa and I felt something behind me, which made me jump - Chanel had decided to jump on the back of the sofa to get on the windowsill! Was impressed at her bravery, even if it did make me jump! When I went to go up to bed, I could see a cat at the top of the stairs, but was convinced Chanel was on the sofa, switched a light on to realise she was, it was Coco at the top of the stairs. First time I've seen her out since I've been sitting downstairs, she looked a bit panicky like she hadn't realised where I was. She let me get part way up before running back in the room, but then did eat some of her supper biscuits off my hand, twice in one week, a rarity these days!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 26, 2020, 19:26:43 PM
that top picture is beautiful  :Luv2:

My friend said it's like she's asking to play!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 10, 2020, 13:38:41 PM
I was a bit naughty with Chanel yesterday, but she doesn’t seem to be wary of me after like she normally is, so hopefully we are making a bit of progress with touching – I needed to mop yesterday and she turned into ‘flat cat’ and when she is like that you can do anything, so I stroked her from head to tail, she has such lovely fur. I hope that if I do it occasionally, at some point she might feel a bit of comfort from it and they always get treats after I clean their room, so a bit of positive association.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on February 12, 2020, 07:10:21 AM
Could you imagine head to tail strokes when you first got them? You really are performing miracles with them Desley. It may be fairly slow progress, but it's progress just the same. :wow:

Lovely pics too, :)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 12, 2020, 13:28:57 PM
Well, I could stroke her for the first few days, it’s just a shame the only time you can stroke her is when she is scared! She doesn’t relax when you stroke her though, but at least this time she hasn’t been wary since.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on February 12, 2020, 17:51:06 PM


Malt used to run away from us when we tried to stroke her, but we kept on with it.  She got more and more brave.  Whether or not you appreciate It, you're making steady progress.   ;D

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 26, 2020, 13:43:50 PM
Hmm, appears I forgot to reply! There were two reasons I stopped in the early days, firstly was because she went so rigid it was clear she wasn’t enjoying it, and more importantly, she had started to cuddle more to her mum by then, and Coco was still popping and drawing blood then, as well as being very protective! I think that is partly why she was put off, as the first few days, after Chanel had drawn blood, she would relax and purr.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 08, 2020, 17:38:38 PM
Had a little breakthrough today, look what Chanel has just let me do!  :Luv:I gave her some treats as a reward and she ate them off my hand, which is a rarity. I'm fully aware she may be wary of me and not allow this again for a while, but so proud, especially as she has been hissing more recently, including this morning!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on March 08, 2020, 19:50:17 PM
 :evillaugh: :evillaugh:



It's all steps forward. why rush it?   She's making huge progress so just revel in it  ;D

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 08, 2020, 20:04:04 PM
I just have to watch myself for pushing her too much now, or it might be another 2 years! I think she wants it, but wary because of Coco's reaction, last week I was letting her sniff my finger and Coco drew blood on me
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 09, 2020, 13:06:11 PM
Really pleased last night, Chanel actually ate part of her supper biscuits from my hand, and this morning she came and rubbed my legs while I was dishing out breakfast, can’t remember the last time she did that, and ate a couple of her breakfast biscuits off my hand. It was funny last night, Coco was watching her with a puzzled look, as it’s normally only Coco who will eat off my hand.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on March 10, 2020, 09:13:29 AM
You really are doing well with them Desley  ;D
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on March 10, 2020, 12:01:43 PM



I agree.   To see the incremental steps by which their courage grows is so rewarding.  You should feel immensely proud, Desley.  I feel proud of you    :) :evillaugh:

 

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on March 10, 2020, 13:27:22 PM
I am really pleased, but aware I need to reign myself in a little bit! Both ate some of their supper biscuits off my hand last night, it was funny though, I always put Chanel’s down first, so Coco was sat gazing wondering where hers was and why things were being done differently! It was their night out last night, I got up and went in the bathroom, looked towards their door and found them sat looking like a pair of bookends! Coco was just inside the door, Chanel just outside it.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Judecat (Paula) on March 10, 2020, 16:05:42 PM
What lovely bookends. :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 12, 2020, 16:43:52 PM
An interesting 24 hours, one good moment, one not so good, but made me think a lot! Last night I could hear a dog howling, so asked Coco to move off the windowsill to let me look outside, she just moved to one side, so I took the chance of touching her back! She allowed it, and then sat gazing at me in a nice, relaxed way so we had a conversation about being touched. It was their night out last night, but I had to let my neighbours decorators in, I decided to nip out without getting the girls back in their room, wont be trying that again for a while! Got back, Coco was back in their room looking decidedly uneasy, Chanel was nowhere to be seen! Now while my rational mind knew there was a 0.01% chance of her getting out of the gap I squeezed in without me feeling her, I started feeling sick with panic. Took over an hour to find her, she was that scared, she had got in a dark spot under the radiator - I used the torch on the 4th check and found her. I had been calling her, shaking Lucy's treats, I even let Lucy out of my room for a couple of minutes in the hope her hissing would encourage Chanel to go to her mum. She did eventually go back in her room, but still uneasy, until I shut the door. She was that stressed she allowed strokes, so got some treats for being good. Who would have thought that something as small as the front door opening and closing while they were downstairs would cause both of them to get stressed? It does show that they really aren't ready for that much more yet, despite it being nearly 3 years.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 29, 2020, 13:09:27 PM
Well, they have been here 3 years today! When Chanel was watching me brush my teeth (her latest obsession, watching me in the bathroom!!) on Sun night, I was telling her that I never expected them to still be here, I remember when she was nice kitten, and I was hopeful that in a month or so she would be tame enough to rehome, but that only lasted a week! They have really come on this year, think part of that is me being around more, and they certainly enjoy ‘girls night out’ – to the point they often walk out as I walk in, they don’t even wait for their supper (which is mad, as they don’t always eat their tea before they get supper!).

As you can see, they are still very close, and for once, it’s not because they have knocked one of the beds over, so have to share (and I think the heating was on at the time!). I’m really glad I was able to persuade the manager to let me take them both – there is a chance Chanel would have been homeable if they had stayed separate, but it still would have needed a particular kind of home, and I doubt Coco would have been as good. I think there is a chance Coco will accept more than Chanel, when I blow her kisses, she is quite curious and  her nose twitches a lot, I asked her at the weekend if she knew what kisses were. She is also more confident, she watched me brush my teeth last week and didn’t move when I did, whereas Chanel flies when I move in the bathroom. Also if my neighbour is out when they are sat on the windowsill, its always Chanel who moves before Coco. I did say this morning to them that maybe in another 3 years I might be able to stroke them!

The three of them did accidentally meet the other week, Coco just wandered back into their room, Chanel however just followed Lucy and sat a distance from her gazing at her! Surprisingly enough, Lucy hasn’t been keen to do that again.  I do often wish I won the lottery (even though I don’t play it!!) so I could buy my next door neighbours house for the girls to have more space.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: dawnf on September 29, 2020, 15:24:52 PM
wow that's gone fast!  I'm sure they couldn't be in better hands Desley  :hug:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on September 29, 2020, 18:14:19 PM


I'm glad they weren't separated.  I think you've done an incredible job with them, Desley. 

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 30, 2020, 13:16:06 PM
They were so funny last night, Coco has taken to scratching the carpet when she comes out of their room, I went to see if she was using the new scratch mat last night and she looked backwards at me while moving away! Then when I was brushing my teeth, I just saw the tip of her tail, so asked her if she was hiding, she actually turned round and peeked at me round the banister, but then Chanel ruined it by trying to rub against her - I do wonder if Chanel is a bit jealous, when her mum is doing interactive things that she normally does. Either that, or she's just been very boisterous this week.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 20, 2020, 13:11:20 PM
With everything that happened, didn’t get chance to tell you about how brave Chanel was last Thu, was brushing my teeth and was aware of being stared at, looked round and she was actually in the bathroom, sat on the floor, she normally sits on the landing. So I got the bag of dreamies that live in the bathroom and threw one, it actually landed closer to me than her, but she came forward to check it out, closest she has got. However, it seems she doesn’t like tuna dreamies as she wouldn’t eat it, so I went to throw it for Coco who was sat in their doorway, but it landed on Chanel and they both flew off! I also found her in the bottom level on their new bed last week, glad they are finally using it. Neighbour wants them to have a heated bed for Christmas, but I’ve said that they have enough beds and need to use the one they got last year more first.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on October 21, 2020, 12:51:07 PM
Desley, your patience is really paying dividends in the way the girls are getting braver!  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 29, 2020, 12:52:00 PM
Had a very brave Coco again last night, I let them out and then realised I was out of tablets so had to go downstairs, they had both left their room when I was on my way back up, Chanel flew into the room, Coco stopped but then came back, so I crawled up the stairs and stopped to have a conversation – even when I got to the landing, she just sat in front of the door contemplating me while I was talking to her, then scratched the carpet before going in to get her supper. She even ate a few biscuits off my hand after I dished supper out, she is definitely the one more relaxed with me doing stuff when they are out in the house.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 01, 2020, 18:12:07 PM
Well, a couple of times this week I've gone to sit with the girls and thought I'd disturbed Coco from their new bed, today I went to give them their tea and couldn't see Coco, discovered she is using the bottom level of their bed, its only taken nearly a year! Downside is now I have to sit on the floor so I don't disturb her! I've popped out a couple of times and shes still there
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 15, 2020, 16:43:55 PM
Have had such a good week with the girlies, they are getting so brave - Coco has been using the downstairs level of the bed more and staying in while I sit on the chair, think the fireworks might have played a part in that! Last Sun Coco actually came to eat some tea while I was sat down, she ate out of Chanel's bowl, but didn't flinch when I moved hers onto the floor, as Chanel was a bit put out, so they both ate on the floor while I was sat there, which is a first - in fact, don't think I've seen Coco eat on the floor apart from the odd treat from my hand. Coco is getting better at staying put when I'm moving, she will sit on the arm of the sofa and let me walk past her into the kitchen, although she has moved by the time I leave the kitchen, and now we have a little routine where she sits at the top of the stairs and I kneel down and have a conversation with her - last night we were playing peek a boo through the banister! Then she let me actually stand on the landing while she sat in the doorway, which is a first. They have both started sitting on the landing watching me in the bathroom, good job I don't mind being watched!! Coco is definitely the braver of the two, think she knows that I'm just doing what I need to do and won't interfere with her.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on November 17, 2020, 19:01:38 PM
Always making progress, Desley.  Slowly but surely....
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on November 18, 2020, 14:12:40 PM
Always making progress, Desley.  Slowly but surely....

I agree, it has been slow but you have made sooooo much progress with these girlies  ;D
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 27, 2020, 12:49:48 PM
Coco is happily using the bottom bed even when I sit on the rocking chair, which is nice. Let them out last night, they both raced out before I'd dished out supper, so after putting their supper out, I put the light on and peered down the stairs to find Coco was playing on the stairs - I only had my old phone on me, so might be tricky getting the pics off that to post, but I was so proud
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 29, 2020, 09:27:45 AM
Had brave Coco and Chanel again last night, Coco happily walked past me and wandered into the kitchen, then when I was leaving the kitchen to go upstairs, this is what I saw!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on November 29, 2020, 10:03:03 AM
 :Luv2: :Luv2:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on January 04, 2021, 18:23:58 PM
Had such brave girls this morning, Chanel was curled up on the stairs, she let me put my foot on the same step as her before flying up the stairs. I didn't know where Coco was, flung my work bag on the sofa and started putting things in it, before noticing she was on the back of the sofa!! she watched me, then I went in the kitchen to get food bowls, she was still on the back of the sofa when I came back, which is a first, so I sat on the sofa and messed on my phone till she went upstairs. We did sit and have a conversation last night, she does like that.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on January 04, 2021, 21:38:12 PM
Progress, progress, still on going.   :evillaugh: :Luv:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on January 05, 2021, 10:06:23 AM
Your girls are doing so well, thanks to your patience with them  ;D
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 05, 2021, 19:04:17 PM
I'm finally starting to think that adopting the girls was the right thing to do, this is in part due to a recent post by someone on CatChat in response to someone asking if their cats were happy

A happy cat will walk around the house confidently, tail held high. They will come to you demanding fuss and attention (and treats). They will sleep out in the open or with you if allowed, some will sleep in a sprawled position rather than neatly curled up. they will be interested in what you are doing, and just wanting to be with you. They will spend time looking out of windows watching the world.

An unhappy cat will want to hide, they will find a dark corner and withdraw to it. They will refuse social interaction, possibly not even taking a treat when offered. They will sit in a tense hunched position, barely moving. They will eat and drink less, lose weight, and their coat will lose condition, they may start to over groom and end up with bald patches. When they do move out of their hidey hole they will slink around belly down, tail down, keeping to the walls.

While the girls don't do all the things on the happy list, they do enough for me to realise that they are content with what they get. Ironically Coco can be demanding without making a noise - last night I came in to give them their supper and got distracted on the internet (it was their night out, so the door was open), they both left the room, she came back after a few mins and looked a bit put out to see no food, then after 5 mins came back in and just sat staring at me!!  Then ate some of her supper off my hand. Not used to cats who can demand things without making a noise, as they have Siamese in them, I did say I was grateful they don't make a noise! I had both of them watching me brush my teeth, Coco actually laid down with her paws under her watching me! This morning I got up at 5am to make a cup of tea, Chanel was curled up on the stairs, and actually let me walk past her, which is a first, Coco was on the sofa and she also let me walk past her (not a first, she's done it a few times this year). I do think a lot of it is down to lockdown and having more time to spend with them. Me and my neighbour were talking the other day, she thinks they were sent here to help me with giving up volunteering, which I agree with, as I've been able to keep the routine I had when I was fostering, just with added time at a weekend and being forced to go to bed earlier and stay in my room longer on the weekend day they are out, which has been especially helpful during lockdown.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on February 06, 2021, 09:38:44 AM
Desley, I agree that the girls certainly sound content, at the very least  ;D that is due to the time and patience you have afforded them and I doubt they would have got that from many other homes  :hug:

Sky sometimes sleeps stretched out, with her tummy on display, but it is still not the norm for her. She rarely vocalises either (sometimes she will give a single meow but it doesn't see to have any particular meaning) so I have to work out what her 'hard look' is asking for!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Liz on February 06, 2021, 10:48:21 AM
They are happy, loved and wanted on their terms and sometimes that is for the best, we have a couple of ferals and our F2 Bengal who love the other cats, the dogs but barely tolerate the humans - Blue has been with us 13 years and still hisses but is a happy cat all curled up on our bed on the fur throw with Casper Ragdoll, Harmony Bengal, Harper and Ollie ferals, Melody our F2 is happy on her special radiator bed sometimes folks spout what they think they know and not what the situation is

Ours are safe, loved and happy and that is better that what if at the end of the day, some take years to tolerate any inter action others come round quickly, after 13 years we ca now sneak up on Blue feral as he is deaf and has dodgy eyes :)
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 09, 2021, 19:53:04 PM
Think they might be happy they are together and in a warm house rather than outside

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sue P (Paddysmum) on February 10, 2021, 07:54:20 AM
Lovely to read your post of the 5th, Desley.  It's so rewarding to see cats transform from nervous, shut down individuals, to happy, relaxed and confident.  Cat characters will express that confidence in different ways - they may tick boxes of their own that others haven't perceived.  The fact is, you're able to recognise it for what it is.   :)   

Malt's tail is funny - she flicks it a lot, but not as a sign of aggression - it's sheer excitement and enquiry and commentary on her day.  Even when she sleeps the very tip is questing, checking and responding on events taking place around her.  Let's celebrate transformations.   ;D
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on February 14, 2021, 19:09:59 PM
I ordered a new throw this week, neighbour suggested using it as a cover to see if it entices the girls to sleep on the chair. I'm not sure, not seen any evidence yet of them sitting on it, but it does look really nice on the chair, luckily I found 4 in a cupboard so can have one of those for over my legs if I get chilly! I also got very close to Chanel when cleaning this morning.

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: jimcat on August 23, 2021, 10:52:10 AM
I love your cats, they are so cute  :hug:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 03, 2021, 15:20:26 PM
Well, I've had the girls 4 years now. Still can't touch them, but they do interact in their own way - Chanel has started asking me to play when I go down in the morning when it's their night out, and thanks to working from home, I normally have 5 mins to spare and oblige, although my working from home changes next month. I think a mixture of extra time due to working from home and sticking with a quieter lifestyle and more time with them (I'm sat in with them now, for the second time today), has definitely helped. Lucy was still flying at the closed door when it was their night out the other day though, so no change there! One new thing, Chanel has suddenly taken a liking to the rocking chair I sit on, so I now have a deckchair in here too, as sitting on the floor wasn't comfortable. Neighbour thinks it's either the new blanket (but I got that in Feb) or it going cooler, but that's never bothered them before, although it did take me all week to get a pic of them together, so they aren't quite as close now Chanel is 4.

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on October 04, 2021, 11:11:14 AM
4 years? Where does the time go?!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 04, 2021, 19:14:39 PM
I know, quite scary really!
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on April 02, 2022, 19:52:54 PM
Coco did something today that I think might be quite a big thing - it's not the first time actually, but I didn't twig what she'd done the first time! I was just waking up at 6.10 when I heard a weird yowling, so I got out of bed, and found a toy on the landing (which ironically I saw in their room a few days ago and wondered where it had come from, haven't seen that one for a while, mind you, they are tea leafs though, so they might have pinched it from downstairs) and Coco sat in the doorway of their room looking at me. I told her she was a good girl and threw the toy back in their room, fed them and then went back to bed. When I got up the second time, she'd put it outside my bedroom door. The first time, she did the yowling, I got up, but didn't twig the connection with the toy on the landing. Hopefully bringing me a present is a positive sign.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on April 02, 2022, 20:40:10 PM
Desley, it's great to know that the girls are still making progress  ;D
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 29, 2022, 19:57:17 PM
Well, I've had the girls for 5 years now, still no closer to touching them, Coco still hisses at me daily. I do think Chanel would come round if it weren't for her mum, even though she's 5 now, she's still got some curiosity, but it only extends to sniffing my finger. Although the other week when it was girl's night out, she did let me step over her to get in the kitchen, so she is realising I'm not a threat. And they aren't as bothered when they are out and I come down as I've forgotten something - I now sit downstairs messing on my phone for 5 mins when they've been out overnight, Chanel often comes and sits in the front room, Coco sits on the second step, and they don't always fly back in. But hopefully they are happy, they are still together, which wouldn't have happened otherwise, and they have full bellies and I've just put the heating on for an hour, so a nice radiator to sleep near. They don't sleep near each other as often, I have one of them fairly close, I'll see if I can get a better one of them over the weekend.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on September 29, 2022, 20:58:24 PM
5 years already, where does the time go?! The girls have a life together with you, in a loving home, and that was something that looked unlikely before you took them in. You allow them to be as they are, without trying to force them to accept contact, and that is something very special  :hug:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on September 30, 2022, 19:45:01 PM
I know, it's quite scary really Lyn! Funnily enough both have been better with me today, Coco was the least hissy she's been all week (she's even been popping at me this week), so I was brave enough to approach her and she didn't touch my finger, but kind of sniffed it, so she got a dreamie, then I got them a toy from Pets at Home, didn't see it made a noise, so they aren't keen, but Chanel did brush her tail against my leg twice, so she got a dreamie too.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 24, 2022, 20:20:52 PM
Another little breakthrough yesterday, I went to sit with them earlier than normal while I was running a bath, and Coco was on the rocking chair, so I sat on the floor, she half lifted her head, looked at me, yawned, gave her paw a wash then settled back down. Had to leave after 10 mins to turn the bath off, I expected to go back in to find her gone, but she was still on the chair!  :Luv: After 25 mins, she started to move, but she just turned to the other side, gave her other paw a wash and settled back down. I left after 40 mins of sitting on the floor! I was supposed to feed them, but didn't have the heart to move her, and Chanel was snoring! When I opened the door after my bath, I heard a thud of a cat jumping on the floor and neither were in sight.
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on October 25, 2022, 11:40:39 AM
Hi Desley, it's lovely to hear that the girls are still making progress  ;D
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on October 30, 2022, 12:57:00 PM
I walked in this morning to this lovely sight - sadly Coco only stayed there for 5 mins, and was then a proper grumps when I swept and mopped the room!

Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Sam (Fussy_Furball) on December 14, 2022, 09:53:49 AM
I walked in this morning to this lovely sight - sadly Coco only stayed there for 5 mins, and was then a proper grumps when I swept and mopped the room!

Stunning  :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Lyn (Slugsta) on December 14, 2022, 19:39:43 PM
What a lovely photo Desley!  :Luv2:
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 14, 2022, 19:42:02 PM
I've sat on the floor quite a few times since then - if it's just Chanel on the chair, I make her move, but if it's both, I sit on the floor, even though that is very painful - need a new alternative for sitting in there
Title: Re: Meet Coco and Chanel
Post by: Susan D on December 14, 2022, 20:15:41 PM
Lovely photo :)