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BERKSHIRE HUMANE SOCIETY
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This Side of Purradise--Wanted: Some Space BY IRIS BASS
Red tabby Rocket, just under three years old, had had a home, but as Berkshire Humane Society staffer Jen explained to me on January 18, he may need time acclimating to a new one—indoors only, without other cats, dogs, or small children. At the shelter, this handsome boy has indicated that he is most comfortable around females. Also, that he likes to take things in his own time and in his own way. “He needs to be his own cat,” said Jen. She added, “He can be playful,” but that he can become overexcited. Consider this in human terms: Sudden changes or stressful situations can set many a person on edge. Some folks may dislike certain sounds, light, touch, or odors (I personally find bright lights and loud sounds physically painful…as do many cats!). Most cats hide during a thunderstorm, but some find even light reflected off a metal bowl terrifying. With sensitive cats like Rocket, it is important to go slow, not force them to do anything, and take their emotions seriously. They’ll appreciate some means of giving themselves a time-out—a large carton, deep kitty bed, someplace to hide under/behind, a quiet room—whenever and however long they desire (with access to food, water, and litter while they’re there). DO NOT confine them, which will only increase their anxiety; they need a safe space they can enter AND exit on their own, to learn how to calm themselves. Meanwhile, try to pinpoint and correct what upsets them (e.g., could switching to earphones be a kinder alternative than keeping entertainment electronics at high volume?). If play starts to turn rough, distract them immediately, such as with a tossed toy or treat, to help them learn to let off steam pleasurably BEFORE they become overwhelmed by their own intensity. Trying to hold or pick them up right away might feel threatening. (Wouldn’t YOU find being grabbed by a stranger scary?) If they avoid coming close or even looking at you, try sitting near them (perhaps on the floor, as I have done with many a timid shelter cat I’ve interviewed) and if they accept that, gradually decrease the distance, letting them initiate when and how to engage with you further. Extend your hand and make a scratching gesture, but let them decide whether to place their head against your fingers to complete the transaction. Other bodily areas may be off-limits, at least for a while. Around the house, provide soft surfaces they can call their own, letting them evaluate whether to join you in bed or other areas. If they do, speak quietly and make no sudden moves; they may want stay at some distance at first. Ideally, snuggling up to you will become a way for them to show how much they trust in your presence and protection! Any or all of these ideas might do the trick with Rocket. Your demonstrating that you recognize and respect his boundaries are key to his choosing to relax them for you. Once that happens, as you launch upon life’s journey together, the sky’s the limit as far as you’ll go as a twosome. Iris Bass, coauthor of the Cat Lover’s Daily Companion, shares her Lee home with four shelter cats. Her articles follow the special human-feline bond at Purradise, the Berkshire Humane Society Cat Adoption Center. Located at 301 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA, Purradise is open for adoptions or boarding, Sun 10–4 and Mon–Sat 9–4. Please contact Purradise at 413-717-4244, to confirm its hours before heading over, or check out https//:berkshirehumane.org to view more photos of Rocket or the other cats currently available for adoption from the main shelter at 214 Barker Road, Pittsfield, MA (413- 447-7878). Please note that all visitors, volunteers, and staff at both shelters must mask up, to ensure for everyone’s safety.
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