I'm going to join the world of cat owners!!!!

scaredy_cat

awww... lovely!!

now, you know you can't move until Derek moves first!

tealady

It looks as if he has completely settled in, now he will start training you so everything works how HE wants it!

tea_lover

He looks very settled and very happy

martin2345uk

Thanks guys :-) I hope he's happy. I sometimes look into his eyes and wonder what he's thinking. Does he remember his old home, or the cattery? Does he think he's better off now? I do hope so. Still dreading the time when we have to let him outside for the first time :-/

tea_lover

Martin I do exactly the same with our cat! I talk to him all the time and I often wonder what goes on in his little head lol.

I also feel your pain about letting him out. Ours ended up staying in for nearly 7 months! Mostly because of terrible weather but also partly I admit because I couldn't bear the thought of it. He didn't show any interest in going out over the winter so I ignored the problem. He's now been going outside for about 2 months and it's been fine.

The first time was a nightmare (for me, not him!). He trotted out, under the hedge into next door's garden and came back an hour later perfectly happy. During that hour I was hysterical, it was not a pretty sight lol. In my defence I blame the v strong IVF drugs I was on at the time :rotfl:.

He's not great with the cat flap so he only goes out when one of us is at home so far. Now he's explored the area he rarely leaves the garden for more than 5 minutes, he just likes sitting in the sun and getting some fresh air (don't we all?)

He's always in before it's dark and I wouldn't let him out overnight. He spends every night asleep on my feet anyway so I don't think that bothers him.

Wow... what an essay! Just wanted to let you know that I really do understand the dread of letting them outside. Honestly, I'm always happier when he's inside, asleep on my lap... but it hasn't been as awful as I thought it was going to be.

martin2345uk

Thanks TL, I am sure he will be fine, after all these are animals with very finely tuned instincts for survival and all that, I guess it's only natural to worry

Sorry if the photos bore people but he just looked so happy today I had to take some more! He's a welcome distraction from thinking about an interview I've got this Friday





When I think back to his first few days here, with me wondering if he's ever come out from behind the TV, seems like a long time ago!

scaredy_cat

he looks very chilled!!! does he play with any of the toys you got him? my Giz only like to play with sting/laces/ribbon or my fingers when i trail them over the sofa arm!

martin2345uk

scaredy_cat wrote: »

he looks very chilled!!! does he play with any of the toys you got him? my Giz only like to play with sting/laces/ribbon or my fingers when i trail them over the sofa arm!

He loves this little tunnel with 2 balls tied to it :-/
He also likes a catnip duck from petsathome, though only if no one is holding the end of the string - that scares him! He likes to play with it alone

meritaten

I love the pics of Derek - they aren't boring at all! who could be bored looking at a supremely contented cat? and he IS happy martin - we can see that! you are doing everything right, both of you. Result a cat who is barely in a new home before coming when called, cuddling up and generally giving out an aura of pure love.

xnatillyx

The photos are great , if anything we want more
Derek is such a handsome fellow