We came back from San Antonio, and Sneaky avoided us for nearly a week. I finally set up the game camera and caught her sneaking around in the middle of the night, assuring me she was alive and well. Whew. Why was she avoiding us? Mr. L surmised it was because took her “deck” away. Both of them. The black trailer in the foreground is her usual “deck,” but she also likes the fenders of the enclosed trailer in the background. The black trailer had to be left at the ranch over the weekend, and we took the yellow trailer to San Antonio. So, Sneaky had no deck for her Independence Day party, and she was clearly not happy about that.

Once we brought the black trailer back this week, she reappeared. Since the trailer has been in the driveway, she has been more willing to spend time with us. She frequently doesn’t reappear for a day or two after we’ve been out of town, and I always worry about her. Since she’s so domesticated, I’m planning to board her for future forays out of town, so I don’t have to worry about her.

Junior is allowing Mr. L to rub his neck while consuming his Fancy Feast. We’re hoping it’s a matter of weeks before we’ll be able to handle him. That may be too optimistic. I would like to be able to get him vaccinated and neutered before the end of the year.

Walter and Boomer have both been recorded on the game camera, so they are alive and seemingly well. In this photo, Walter seemed to be begging to be petted, yet he didn’t know how to let it happen.

Peace and quiet reigns among the indoor cats with the new arrangement of Rossie living in the cage and the other six cats having the run of the house. For several hours each day, I close off the parlor and open Rossie’s cage. During that time, she is free to do what she wishes.  I also service her room, cleaning the bathroom, changing her linens, sweeping the floor, and replenishing food and water. She chooses one of three activities — sitting in the window, sitting on the floor behind the cage, or remaining in or on her carrier. She’s been approachable, and seems to be welcoming human contact. When I pet her in the window, she sits up and leans into the pet. Today, she allowed me to pick her up and hold her for a longer time than usual. She has a long way to go before she’ll fit in with the household, but today when I opened her cage, both Lady and Daphne (the two instigators of chasing and bullying Rossie) were in the room, and everyone remained calm.

I’ve been weaning Lady off her Prozac, and she’s been drug-free this week. She’s been calm but also more playful and seeking of attention. The change in arrangements seems to work out well for everyone.

Tarzan, Ajax, Ruby, and Delta have all been relaxed and spending time near us. Ruby is readily approachable when she’s in the alcove at the top of the stairs. We’ve been working more with Daphne, and she’s more approachable now, too. Ajax and Lady have always been good with us. Tarzan has taken some work, but he’s been asking for attention lately. Delta is a morning cuddler, but we’re seeing more of her in the evening, and she stops by to be petted while we’re working on puzzles at the kitchen table. Ruby is also most approachable in the morning.  Everyone but Daphne will sleep with us. We’re not sure where Daphne sleeps at night, but she can be petted at odd times during the day. We didn’t work with her enough as a kitten, so we’re trying to play catch up now. She’s coming along.

Our long-term goals are:

• Rossie willingly spends time with us and can be picked up at any time.
• Same for Ruby, Delta, and Daphne.
• Sneaky becomes an inside cat.
• Walter becomes approachable and will willingly let us handle him (he’s due for vaccinations this month, but I don’t see that happening).
• Junior will let us handle him (and subsequently can be tested for FIV, vaccinated, and neutered).
• Boomer can be caught and tested for FIV then treated for any illnesses, vaccinated, and neutered.