Molly's Next Big Step
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2022 12:52 pm
I really share these little stories as reassurance and encouragement for anyone else with a Very Shy or Traumatised Cat.
Nine and a half years after I adopted her aged 6, Molly is now letting me give her a light comb with the big detangler comb. A few months ago she began to tolerate being touched with a toothbrush and we have worked up at a snail's pace from there. Lots of strokes, "treats" which are actually her regular renal biscuits, and letting her rub her cheeks on the offending item and she has learned to love it. And so she can tolerate a great deal more of it being in places she doesn't like things being doing things she doesn't like being done, because the comb has been nothing but kind to her and the occasional minor tug has been followed by relief.
It is still very much a work in progress and I don't know if I will ever be able to comb through her sides or back legs or chest as she gets older and more of her gets harder for her to groom herself, but this is still a million times better than I had thought possible just a year ago. It doesn't matter. What counts, and the point of this post like a handful of other similar stories I have shared before, is this:
- Unlimited: Patience, Gentleness, Kindness, Respect
- Absolute no-no: Force, Trickery, Stress, Confrontation
- Support and encouragement - this is how we help them be the best they are able to be
- Always accept; never expect. You are good enough and so is your cat!
- Keep a diary, as soon as you realise you have a Very Shy or Traumatised Cat. At least make a note of the Firsts.
Nine and a half years after I adopted her aged 6, Molly is now letting me give her a light comb with the big detangler comb. A few months ago she began to tolerate being touched with a toothbrush and we have worked up at a snail's pace from there. Lots of strokes, "treats" which are actually her regular renal biscuits, and letting her rub her cheeks on the offending item and she has learned to love it. And so she can tolerate a great deal more of it being in places she doesn't like things being doing things she doesn't like being done, because the comb has been nothing but kind to her and the occasional minor tug has been followed by relief.
It is still very much a work in progress and I don't know if I will ever be able to comb through her sides or back legs or chest as she gets older and more of her gets harder for her to groom herself, but this is still a million times better than I had thought possible just a year ago. It doesn't matter. What counts, and the point of this post like a handful of other similar stories I have shared before, is this:
- Unlimited: Patience, Gentleness, Kindness, Respect
- Absolute no-no: Force, Trickery, Stress, Confrontation
- Support and encouragement - this is how we help them be the best they are able to be
- Always accept; never expect. You are good enough and so is your cat!
- Keep a diary, as soon as you realise you have a Very Shy or Traumatised Cat. At least make a note of the Firsts.