Today has confirmed that it was stress that had Boots biting me a while back.
When we got home from shopping for the chair, Vince went downstairs to move some boxes so the furniture guys could come through the sewing room door (French Doors that had boxes stacked in front of them). I had been wanting to move those boxes because it’s so much easier to go out that door to water the garden so I’m happy that happened. Vince moved Boots’ water container and his litter box so both doors would open. I’m sure that was all a bit confusing for Boots.
Then I went down there and vacuumed and started moving other things around and doing more cleaning and moving faster than usual so that probably was a bit unnerving for Boots.
The strangers came in and brought the chair. I was holding Boots and he got really nervous but I think he approves of the chair.
Then I was unpacking more boxes and Vince came downstairs and broke them down and took them out. I don’t know what cats remember but it may have reminded him of all the packing and moving when we moved him from the only home he had ever known in Texas.
When I finally did get to sit down and start stitching, he latched onto my arm like he was really fixing to take a bite. Instead of saying NO in my usual mean voice that I use when he bites, I gently petted him and kindly said “No, Boots!” Then he moved from my upper arm to my hand and bit again, never breaking the skin. I did the same thing again and he snuggleld up in the chair with me and hasn’t bit me again.
I could almost see the frustration in his eyes . . like he was saying “I NEED NORMAL and none of this is normal.” I’m with you Bootsie! We’ll find a new normal eventually.
Dottie Newkirk says
Poor Boots and poor you – glad he responded positively though…..They (like most of us humans) are creatures of habit and don’t adapt that well to “not normal” stuff.
thequiltingprofessor says
oh my, judy, you have learned to understand your kitty. Well done. One of the things I realized was that my cats thought the boxes were furniture… they did not realize they were temporary and that it was ok when they left. Cats are very possessive of furniture. He’s doing ok, just keep loving him.
Judy Laquidara says
He’s such a sweet kitty normally and for him to start biting after having gone through so much, I tried to be understanding but those bites hurt! I do think he’s learning to expect the unexpected around here. So many changes every day. Tonight he was happy for me to get out of the sewing room tonight. He feels comfortable and safe in there and even though I think he likes me .. enough was enough today.
Nelle Coursey says
Well I am with Boots! I don’t like dramatic changes like that either!