Thankful For Tolerant Cats

This year I am thankful that both Stitch and Gordita are tolerant and (I guess) understanding when it comes to living with a toddler. The latest and greatest is this gem of a photo.

That is Gordita. Those are Dora the Explorer stickers. Jackelyn has discovered the glory of stickers. One day she brought over the sheet and we put stickers all over her shirt. She walked away to go play. About 20 minutes later I went to go check on her and as I passed Gordita who was sitting on the couch I noticed she had some new accessories.

Gordita let Jackelyn share her Dora stickers with her. Which means not only was she kind enough to let Jackelyn sit next to her, but she also let her touch her and attach the stickers to her. Luckily the stickers weren't super sticky and they didn't have much resistance when I removed them. Gordita didn't seem fazed but she did give me a look that clearly said “I hope you see how nice I am.”

Yes, Gordita. Note taken. Thank you.

Meeting Oreo

Our house has been an interesting place to be the last week and a half. My cousin is moving so we’ve been watching her cat Oreo. A beautiful, black and white, long-haired girl cat who is sweet but naughty.

We did introductions via the cat carrier. Stitch was curious enough to go up to the cat carrier. He, of course, greeted her with a hiss.

Gordita wasn’t willing to get that close. She greeted her with a growl.

Jackelyn shared some cat treats with her to make her feel a little more welcomed.

As when Stitch and Gordita first met there has been a lot of growling, and hissing and boxing. Nothing too scary or violent though. We have dished a few timeouts of alone-time in the bathroom, but it hasn't been as bad as it had potential to be.

Gordita did take her anger out on Stitch though for the first week. Oreo wanted to play with Stitch, but he denied her any playtime. So she’s been creating her own playtime.

A hierarchy of dominance has been established. Gordita picks on Oreo. Oreo picks on Stitch. Stitch runs away from Gordita and Oreo.

I've tried to tell him that Oreo is only here for a few more days. I don’t think he believes me. He gave me the cold shoulder for the first couple of days. Lately, though, he has been cuddling next to me.

First I brought him to live with the boys and Gordita. Then Gordita left but I brought home the first baby. Then Gordita came back. Then I brought home another baby. Poor Stitch.