Let’s feature Socks and Zelda this week. Neither one is socialized, but I’ve noticed over the last two weeks some remarkable moments. In the morning, when I take Jase out, Walter and Zelda are usually on the back steps (they want their can!). After putting Jase back in the house, I get four cans of ProPlan Urinary Tract Formula and a spoon and head out the back door. This morning, Zelda had her nose to the screen door. Walter was on the far side of the steps.They followed me around the house to the side porch (it’s on the inside part of the lot and furthest from all the streets that surround us on three sides, thus the safest place for kitties to hang out).

As I come around the corner of the porch, Scooter is leaving the door mat he was curled up on and heading for the ductwork (but he stops and waits at the edge of the house). At this time if not before, Socks emerges from wherever he’s been hanging out and joins the chorus anxious for his can of food, too.

Walter and Socks are on the porch by the bowls. Zelda has taken up rubbing against my ankles (this from the cat that won’t let me touch her). I empty two cans into bowls for Walter and Socks. When Socks first begins eating, he’s so focused on food that I’ve been able to pet him this week.

Zelda, in addition to rubbing against my ankles (her long fur is real soft — she takes excellent care of herself), I’ve been able to stroke Zelda’s back once. She, of course, glared at me, and ever since she hesitates before eating the food when I put her bowl down, because she doesn’t want me to do it again. Since I want her to allow me to be near when she eats, I’ve not pressed the issue. Even so, this a big step forward for Zelda.

This morning, I put Scooter’s bowl on the ductwork and waited at the outside unit about three feet away. Eventually, he crept forward and began eating.