Meet my grandkitty, Carmela! We love her and she is the sweetest thing! She’s been living with us since our youngest daughter and her fiancé moved back from downstate for a new job. They have been here for a few months and have finally found a place and will be moving soon.
As much as we have enjoyed getting to know Carmela, Angel has not welcomed her whatsoever. We have tried everything we can think of to warm her to the notion of a cat in her space, but it’s like Groundhog Day (the movie) to her. Every time she sees her, it’s an unhinged reaction.
We feel terrible for both of them. Carmela wants to interact with her. (She’s 2) She enjoys our kitchen and watching the birds. She wants to be around her mom when she’s moving about the house. In turn, Angel has become even more anxious than usual-always pacing and looking for her. As much as we try to make their interaction positive, it always results in Angel barking and chasing Carmela either up or down the stairs. Sigh…
It sure makes me wonder how Angel’s experience within multiple shelters was. What her earliest days were like and why she doesn’t like other animals at all. It leaves me feeling sad and frustrated. We just want to give her a peaceful life, but sometimes we don’t have any control over that. All the training and love in the world doesn’t seem to erase whatever this is.
Angel is still doing well, despite her 14 years of age. She’s slowing down, of course, but her vitality can still be seen outside, where she is the happiest—running and hopping around. Her eyesight is declining and she can’t hear as well. She does not like to be “messed with,” as far as cleaning her eyes or cutting her nails. And forget a typical bath! She’s having none of it. I can kind of relate. The older we get, the less we want to be bothered.
Angel can be a real stinker, but she’s still the sweetest girl we all love!
