Ahhhh chuuuu!

The Lt. is sicky! He keeps having sneezing fits, which are freaking mommy out. I spoke to the foster coordinator at the ASPCA this afternoon (after endlessly calling this morning and shooting off two emails) and they definitely weren't that concerned with his condition. I think I even lied to make it sound more serious (whoops). But this is what mom's are supposed to do - worry! I'm sure it's just a little cold from the changing weather.

If his sneezing gets any worse, then he needs to be seen sooner, but for now he's going for a checkup on Saturday morning.

My poor little man. He'll be needing some extra TLC tonight!

Purrrrr

Last night as Lt. Dan and I were falling asleep, he climbed onto my chest and started rubbing his face against mine. I couldn't stop laughing as his whiskers tickled my face, but he continued to do this until we fell asleep. I wanted to know what his gesture meant, so I did some research and here's what I found:

Q: Why do cats head butt? Or rub their face against yours?
A: Cats have glands in their foreheads that can secrete and subtle scent – referred to as pheromones. Pheromones allow cats to communicate with each other. A head butting cat is generally a happy cat and this behavior is considered a display of deep affection. Some cats will head butt labeling you as "taken". When your kitty rubs against you, he is in effect claiming you as his own.

Welp, then it's official, I'm taken! Sorry, boys, the Lt. has claimed me as his own, haha.

Day #10

Q: Where is Lt. Dan applying for a job?

A. I-HOP

It's been ten days since the ASPCA stork dropped off Lt. Dan and his progress is quite remarkable. Despite the fact that mommy had to go kitten hunting a few times over the weekend, his ability to relax and sleep out in the open has drastically improved.

At night he is the King of Snuggling and insists on being directly next to my body - and yes, I am the big spoon. He is so affectionate, which is definitely his best quality. I love how easily he purrs. You would think that given his past, he'd be reserved, but it's quite the opposite. He is so grateful to have my love and attention, and just soaks up whatever he can get!

We're still working on a few things, like his hissing fits when you leave the room and return, but with time they'll dissolve. He's going to make some family very happy!

Don't worry, he's sticking around for a little bit longer - I'm not done with him yet!

Texts from last night

A text actually sent to me on Saturday morning...

(847): I just saw a couple pushing cats in a stroller and thought of you

BFF

I got home late last night and Lt. Dan was waiting for me (or didn't have time to hide). After we greeted each other, or rather, him hissing over and over while I repeated "Hewooo, my little man. How was your day?" we settled into bed.

Lt. Dan was so snuggly last night. He decided that sleeping next to me was longer acceptable, and instead, he felt the need to go under the blanket and sleep right up against my chest. I am pretty confident that I slept with a huge grin on my face the entire night. And yes, that creepy kind of grin that your old Aunt Mildred has whenever she offers you her "special" cookies.

When I woke up this morning, he was gone, like a ghost in the night. I assume he's probably back under the couch (I've really got to work on stuffing the bottom better). But don't worry folks, I'm a kittaaay hunting expert and I shall find him tonight after work, muahahaha.

Oh, my buddy and me.

Tripod

Last night, Lt. Dan played with his toys in front of me for the very first time. It was really great to watch him so happy and comfortable. However, I couldn't help but notice that he struggled to balance himself with his one front leg, so I started to wonder more about caring for a three legged kitten. I spent some time researching this topic and came away with these three things:

1. The loss of a limb sounds catastrophic but 3 legged cats adapt well and are usually as agile and active as 4 legged cats.

2. Don't expect a recent amputee to be 'back to normal' immediately, but don't be over-protective. He must work out his new limitations and how to compensate for a missing leg. He must build up additional strength in his other limbs. He can't do this if you carry him everywhere.

3. The loss of a fore-leg is actually more serious for a cat than the loss of a hind-leg. This is because the forelegs are used when the cat lands after jumping while the hindlegs are used mostly for propulsion.

Caring for a special needs kitteh has been a terrific experience and I highly recommend adopting an animal that needs some extra TLC, like Lt. Dan.

Please let me know if you'd like to come meet my little man and/or possibly adopt him! He is a great companion and is looking for a quiet home with lots of love.

My little man

Lt. Dan sat on my chest last night while I watched the Biggest Loser and purr'd so loudly that you could hear him from across the room. Who would have guessed that the couch creeper was the most snuggly little baby?

I decided to let him sleep in my bed last night and he snugged next to my face until 3am. He then started to pace around the bed and wake mommy, so he went back to his cage for the remainder of the evening.

This morning I was greeted with a hisssssss as I let him out of his cage!?!?!?! I'm thinking, come on, you have got to know who I am by now. This is where Lt. Dan is still very anxious - when people approach him. But after I let him smell my hand, he started to purr - so at least he knows my scent.

I made him some breakfast, and yes, I do heat his wet food - who wants cold mush in the morning? He then sat on my bed and watched me get ready for work. I spent a few minutes brushing him and he rolled over onto his back and revealed his stomach, which is a sign of trust. This made me very happy.

It's truly amazing to see how far along Lt. Dan has come in less than a week. He wanted absolutely nothing to do with me when he arrived, and now he is a little snug bug. While he still has his moments with unfamilar noises, etc., he is getting better and better as time goes by.

My dear friend, Jen, has a kitten, Oliver, who is around the same age as Lt. Dan, and so we're in the midst of setting up a play date for the two babies sometime soon!