After more than 5 months, Mr. Pete (“Marion” @ HSHV) has finally gained some courage. He overcame profound fear, living under our bed for his first 2 months with us, and spent the next 2 months in cautious, limited forays beyond that safety zone. From the start Mr. Pete delivered melodious purr-chortles, head-butts, and love nibbles when flushed out from under the bed, but retreated back there after only 10 minutes of adoration from me and my husband. He particularly bonded to my husband in early fearful days, nearly glued to his body, unbudgeable.
Since those early days, Mr. Pete solved his digestive issues, fixed his litter box errors, and now tips the scale at well over 13 pounds. He is the longest, tallest cat we’ve ever loved – a “pony cat,” my husband says. Mr. Pete’s timid personality contrasts with his size, barrel chest, and powerful legs; he’s a Clydesdale among cats.
These days Mr. Pete seeks attention from his 2 female feline housemates with tiny meows, ready to stir up some running around. I laughed one day as he ran down a hallway, purposefully slow, daring much smaller Sally (an HSHV rescue) to catch him as she ran behind. Minnie (an HSHV rescue, too) was a much harder sell, first Mr. Pete afraid of her, then the reverse, but now they play at door-peeking/retreating, hide and seek style, engage in chases, with playful fake hissing thrown in, too. Minnie has stopped excessively meowing, accepting that her new housemate is staying for good, and can be fun as well. Mr. Pete is playing with toys now, too, though dislikes noisy ones. Recently he tossed his favorite soft toy across a room, arcing it 3+ feet up, landing it squarely on his favorite chair. Field goal!
Mr. Pete spends most days in the den, tucked into a comfy chair with a wide back and north-facing window behind it. One day, he will discover parts of the first floor he is not yet brave enough for, and the second floor with its glorious loft, including two windows overlooking acres of land, full of wildlife to spy on and track. I suspect Mr. Pete will be a window chatterer. One night, he expertly/secretly caught and presented a live but stunned mouse while we slept. Thanks?? (Mousers are a bonus in rural households!) I expect our upper level, very secure, sunny south-facing deck will be a huge hit when weather is warm again. I’m curious how Mr. Pete will deal with the cat door, or if he will fit through it!
Mr. Pete has been a challenge, but it has been so worth the wait. We look forward to watching him continue to acclimate to our household, his forever home. We expect to be rewarded with Mr. Pete’s love for many, many years to come. Thank you, HSHV!
Marion now Mr. Pete