Not long ago, Scooter stayed on the side porch and was afraid to approach us. After we put his food down, he would approach the bowl and eat.

He’s not the same cat. He now greets us at the back steps after the dog has gone in from his morning walk. He runs willy-nilly just in front of me and leaps onto the side porch and greets me when I come around to the side. He pushes at my hands with his head, and he eagerly gobbles the food as it comes out of the can. Since Socks is also fighting for the food from the same can, I have to divide a can between two bowls before I reach down and give Walter his can. Once Walter has his can and gets a few strokes from his head to his tail, I return to the boys on the porch, who have nearly finished their half can.  I open another can and divide it between them, and I pet them both while they eat.

While Scooter is waiting for the first half can, I can usually pet him with no problem. Socks is still reluctant to be petted, but he is starting to allow it more and more. I do have to be wary of the paw swipe. His claws are sharp. Scooter has caught me with his claws a couple of times too, but I’ve noticed the last two times he’s batted at me, his claws have been sheathed.

If I could figure out how to calm the morning frenzy, that would be nice. For now, I get a kick out of the three boys. Oh, Zelda? She’s waiting under the back steps, and she gets her can on the back steps before I lead the boys around the side of the house for theirs. She can eat in peace that way.

I’ve been surprised at how quickly Scooter has indicated an interest. So far, food has to be involved, but we have been able to pet him a couple of times in the morning after the food is all gone. I think he’s going to come around in good time.