Percy is so well settled here now, that he’s decided he’s in charge! This may be partly due to the fact that, on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day, he was left home alone for a large part of the day whilst I spent Christmas with relatives. I left him with the heating on, plenty of food and water and a clean litter tray, and returned mid-evening on both days. His favourite sleeping spot is slap bang in the middle of the large sofa. Where else? Of course, he could have chosen the armchair – set aside especially for the comfort of foster cats – or his bed by the radiator. He’s even welcome to share the sofa with me as there is plenty of space to snuggle alongside or curl up by my feet.
Yesterday evening, I was stretched out on the sofa watching television as per usual when I became aware of somebody staring at me. Percy was sitting by the sofa, staring intently. I invited him to come up and share with me, and included an invitation to curl up and sleep on my lap, which he is often happy to do. But not this time. He continued to pace up and down, ignoring my suggestions. Eventually, he raised his paw and gave me a tap. I gave him my full attention in anticipation of some hint about what it was he wanted. Then another tap. Still no clue. A few minutes later, he jabbed hard with his paw, but not a tap on my person as before. This one was aimed underneath my body as he attempted to physically remove me from “his” place!! Needless to say, he didn’t succeed, and eventually settled on the sofa at my feet.
Although frustrating, a battle of wills with a cat is always hard work. However, in Percy’s case it is a sign that he is displaying normal cat behaviour which wasn’t present when he first came to us. He is doing very well!