Cat Sitting

We are cat sitting our friend Catherine's cat, Cole, for the next 5 weeks.  She's off playing the Bach Festival in Carmel and he's going to hang out in the Zoo with us. 

So far, it's been a bit rough for him.  His preferred spot is in my closet under my long skirts.  It's the one place where he can be completely hidden.  This morning we were able to coax him out of the closet and he did some exploring.  In fact, he just walked in here to check out what we're doing.  That seems like quick progress to me!

The other cats do not seem all that upset with him.  Duncan has not hissed at him and I think is actually interested in him.  Scarlett, aka Psycho, hisses and growls whenever she's near him.  Of course, the nickname Psycho may clue you in to the fact that hissing and growling is par for the course with her.  Our pet sitters don't even call her by her real name.  When we came home on Sunday, the pet sitter had left a note saying that there was progress with Psycho--she was hissing at them less than usual!  Her defense is that she used to be a very loving cat until someone in Doc Martens stepped on her paws the day after major paw surgery.  I've never seen an animal in so much pain.  Since then, she's been a little hissy. 

But Cole is actually wandering around the cat side of the house right now.  He's not sure what to make of Patches, but none of the cats are sure what Patches is and why he hasn't left yet.  I really, really wish they would all get along and the cats would play like they used to and Patches would not bark at them.  That's all I'm asking here.  I'm not expected any Kodak moments of naps between species or interspecies kisses/cleaning.  I would just like animal appropriate playing and peace. 

I am SO FAR BEHIND at work.  Must go.  I am meeting with our HR benefits rep this morning to discuss what benefits/changes to expect with the addition of a child to the family. 

8:24:05 AM