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[Stardate 2024<\/em>]<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 year anniversary of Gilean and Rosie\u2019s adoption \u2013 a summary of observations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gilean is definitely my Boi<\/em>. A velcro-kitty<\/em>, quite affectionate, playful. Vocal with me. He\u2019s my master. Rosie is Mommy\u2019s Gal<\/em>. She is still an energetic kitten, quite playful and, especially, chatty with my wife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both cats engage in rough-and-tumble acts \u2013 both are instigators. But Rosie is the one who snarls, irritably, when her interest falls off or Gilean gets just a tad too energetic for her. But, together, they appear to be happy and contented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rosie is more predatory in her behaviour, while Gilean is more of a stalker. He pounces, while she just goes in for the kill. Rosie appears to be the fearless one between them both. She launches herself after insects like she was shot out of a cannon. Her launch-off and landing areas are becoming smaller as she grows in size. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rosie is capable of doing a standing-jump to top of the balcony railing, when she’s excited. At times, and unexpectedly, I have caught her just as she springs into the air after some insect in the room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In those Kodak-moments, her powerful hind legs pushes her about 1 foot into the air, her legs, front paws and entire body stretched their entire lengths – as she leaps and grabs at her targets. She hasn’t caught anything, yet. But it is mesmerising to behold!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gilean is a leaper as well but he does not have the lift that Rosie does. He stalks, pounces, captures and then crushes (in an almost curious-like manner<\/em>) while Rosie springs or pounces, jumps or flies through the air after her prey. Then, when caught, she crushes it, licks her paws – as in ‘finger-lickin-good’<\/em> style. She eats east she kills,<\/p>\n\n\n\n I find myself observing, in a curiously detached manner.<\/em> Hmmmm. Behaviourism in animals, as in humans<\/em>. Hunter and Huntress<\/strong> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also learnt how they can be \u2018trained \/ domesticated\u2019: Treat them as you would with a child \u2013 with love and understanding of their dependence and needs. Knowing that you are the one who controls access to the food, treats, toys and distractions allows for (some) control over behaviour. Pavlov was right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To date, Gilean has three favourite spots – the basket that he sometimes shares with Rose. Curled on the chair beneath the dining table or sprawled across the middle of the table, fast asleep with his head against the fruit bowl. And he’s not fond of sharing his spot on the table with Rosie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rosie, on the other hand, can be found curled up almost anywhere around the apartment. Her most favourite seems to be the kitchen counter, some nights. Most interestingly, she has made my side of the bed ‘her spot’ – before I get to bed. I call that her ‘mommy time’. At times, she would simply slip off the bed, if I came to bed ‘too early’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gilean, on the other hand, no matter how much we would love for him to hang out with or sleep with us on the bed, has to be enticed on with treats or placed on the bed. He does, occasionally, climb on to the bed voluntarily and just hangs around by himself. But it is rare. Rosie needs no enticements to enjoy the bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rosie”s display of athleticism still causes us concerns about her while out on balcony. Her curiosity about the birds and insects means that she has a tendency to leap upward towards the upper reaches of the balcony. The branches swaying in the breeze, just beyond the balcony\u2019s protective glass attracts her attention. As well as the squirrels that gather, play and chitter among the branches – also on the other side. So Rosie is supervised\/monitored more than Gilean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Observation:<\/strong> As the kittens have adapted to their new (and current) home \/ environment, \u2013 filled with varying types of simulation and distractions, we have also adapted to their presence on our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ex.<\/strong> \u2013 They\u2019ll gather around us like children when we are together talking. Clearly wanting to get in on whatever is going on. And, unconsciously, at times, we \u2018sort of\u2019 slip into \u2018parent speak\u2019 as though acknowledging their presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those kids!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n While I\u2019m adamant against the idea of dressing animals (pets) to humanise them to their owners, I must admit that I\u2019ve entertained thoughts about Rosie wearing a small French-styled berette<\/em>; and Gilean dressed a\u2019la Puss \u2018n Boots<\/em>. But they have just been passing thoughts. Just because you can does not mean that you should. BUT … <\/p>\n\n\n\n Have you hugged your kitties today?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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