This little cat came into our home, our lives just 10 days ago and during that short time she has taken over Phil's bed, my chair and our hearts. She eats what she is given and uses her tray without fail.
We will never forget little Precious as she was so special to us and a constant friend and she left a huge gaping hole we thought could never be filled. I cried bucketfuls when I had to say goodbye to her after nearly 13 years.
First my daughter, and then Phil, said I must get another cat. I felt I was betraying Precious if I did so soon after losing her but Candy is entirely different. She is very placid, which Precious was not, and just a loving as Precious ever was. They are two completely different cats so Candy has not taken over but fills a very special place of her own in our hearts.
Candy escaped again last week. Phil's error this time. She had a wonderful few minutes in the back and front gardens and Phil finally managed to catch her while she was busy having a sniff down near the shed. It unsettled her (and Phil too I think) for a while but she has settled down again and enjoys sitting on the window sill here in my work room looking out at the back garden and now it is warmer, (27º - 81ºF today and it's still winter) she can sit and look through the front and back screen doors.
We bought her a harness last week (had no instructions whatsoever which I thought rather bad as it wasn't cheap) and we are contemplating trying to put it on Candy. Although she has settled in so well we don't want to spook her so will have to take it gently at first. We thought, if she would tolerate the harness, we could take for little walks outside to familiarize her with the garden. More reports on whether we manage the harness business or not later.
Candy is truly beautiful - and looks very happy. I love that she has made her way into your hearts. Not a replacement at all. Nothing can or will replace Precious, but you have love enough to share.
ReplyDeleteWe took Jewel out in a harness when she first moved in. She loved outside soooo much that she got excited and wriggled as soon as she saw the harness. Putting her in it was challenging - and I was glad to be able to skip that step.
Honestly EC, you would think she had been with us from a pup. She is just so 'at home' here.
DeleteStill plucking up courage to try and put the harness on Candy. She is so playful she will make it difficult as will want to play with it.
she is lovely
ReplyDeleteWe keep saying that about her too. : )
DeleteShe really has made herself at home and won her place in your heart too.
ReplyDeleteI think it happened when we first met her. Just clicked.
DeleteOh Mimsie it sounds like Candy is just what you both need. HUG B
ReplyDeleteYes it is indeed Buttons.
DeletePhil said to me last night that he thought having Candy had helped me a lot which is great. x
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteOh bless.... definitely a character of her own! Good luck with the harness... YAM xx
Thanks Yam. Still too chicken to try the harness as when I was battling to remove it from its card all she wanted to do was play with it so could be problems there straight away. Time will tell and she still has over 2 weeks to be inside so plenty of time left. xx
DeleteMy parents recently lost a beloved cat who was family to them for 19 years. It was heartbreaking. My sisters live nearby, and surprised them a few months later with a new cat. Tigger will never be forgotten, but little Eebee has already brought them much joy, and has filled a void that would otherwise have been intolerable. I am so happy that Candy has done the same for you. Sounds like your cats have been very lucky in their ownership!
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan and I think we have been very fortunate in the cats that have shared our lives right up to the present moment. I am so glad your folks also filled that huge void that the lost of their precious cat caused.
DeleteMaybe we fell it more as we age when there's just the two of us and most of our friends have also left this mortal coil as well. It is then that pets provide the friendship we need, apart from each other.
I'm so glad you've all settled in well together. A harness seems like a good idea, if you can get Candy used to it.
ReplyDeleteI do love a cat that eats what it is given. Angel has gotten a little picky, I think maybe I am feeding him a bit much. If he was hungrier, surely he would eat what I put out? I've been trying different brands and flavours to find out which he prefers.
Not tried the harness yet as when Candy has seen it all she wants to do is play wit it so could be a challenge.
DeleteWe started her on ONE biscuits we had left from Precious and she loved them. They were 'urinary tract health' and she loved them. When the bag was nearly empty we bought "weight management". I don't think Phil actually read what they were. I think maybe Candy was insulted as she's not fat and for about 24 hours very few biscuits were eaten. Strangely enough today half the bowl was gone. We have bought another bag of the urinary tract bikkies and I will mix the two together as I don't intend to waste any. As far as wet food goes Candy eats DINE and Fancy Feast and she may be more keen on one type more than another but so far she has not left any of them.
My biggest problem now is being able to sit in my armchair WITHOUT her wanting to sit on my lap......for hours too. I've always wanted a smoochy cat and boy, have I got one now. Trouble is my crocheting days may be over as she wants to play with the yarn or crochet hook. The warmer weather is coming when I seldom crochet (except tiny squares) as it gets too hot. Perhaps by summer's end she will be less playful?
I am glad you have a new cat she looks very friendly, and I love the name Candy, suits her. We have a cat who has never left the backyard. A harness was used on the odd occasion to take her out the front but she is very contented in the backyard where she can't escape xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Rae. Candy is fantastic, so placid and agreeable too.
DeleteWe WILL try the harness if we can get it near her without her wanting to grab it. Worth perseverance as it would be great to be able to take her out on a lead. I think she could possibly escape from our back garden but hopefully she will be happy to stay close to the house once she is out of doors. xx