Our family cat, really Dad's cat, crossed over 7.19.14. (I had been writing about him then and only now am able to catch up.) Scooter was an amazing teaching cat--he challenged us to the very edge of our patience, torturing us with spraying the house inside and out, and wacking us when we least expected it. But, we loved him. Anyone with common sense would have sent him to a farm or a refuge.
But, the thing is, Dad loved him. And when I petted Scooter I was reminded of dad's big warm hands that would calm, soothe. You felt truly comforted when you felt Dad's hand. And I have a vivid memory of my father reaching his long arm down to the floor to pet Scooter, lying right next to him.
The spraying was a nightmare. He sprayed, at one time or another, just about everything in the house--nothing was too good for Scooter. Windows, doors, chairs, coffee maker, computer, the stove and me.
He was very territorial, nervous, unpredictable. He lived 17 long, 17 short years. I began working with him when I was in the TTouch training, and after I was certified I think I must have worked with him almost every day. We went through sooooo much together. Not the least was the loss of my father.
His spraying did slow down, but we could never get rid of all the triggers, like feral or stray cats in our neighborhood--they got him all riled. And, perhaps this was not the best thing to do, but I rescued some of those cats. I kept trying to explain to him that we have to share, that we don't always get our own way, but I don't think he ever quite got my point. even though I made sure to give him attention every day.
So, I'm sorry, Scooter, if I overwhelmed you. But I did keep two upstairs and away from you. Only Cuddles and Bonnie (Mia before Bonnie) were on the first floor--I had a room divider connected to the walls at the top of the stairs, 2nd floor. And you also had the basement.
It was fascinating, however, to see the changes Scooter was able to make. He went from hiding in the basement any time he heard the doorbell to coming up and looking to see who arrived when folks came to the door. This is at 16 -17 years of age. I'll never forget the first time it happened. Our neighbor Carol was sitting in the living room and we were chatting and in walks Scooter, right up to Carol and sniffed her. Carol put her hand down, Scooter sniffed it and Carol gave him a short light stroke. Hurray, Scooter! Cats really can overcome some of their fears!
Also, I work with children in my Feldenkrais® practice and a few times he jumped on the table to see them. And it was
so wonderful, in a couple of instances, to see the child reach out with her challenged hand to stroke him--so very rewarding.
In case you are interested in details, when I worked with Scooter, because he got very stimulated by petting, I would keep the sessions very brief. I stayed to his side--he was less threatened by this and less likely to whack me there than if I stood facing him. And I would touch him only where he was very comfortable. I started with slides along his neck to mid-torso. He always seemed to love ear slides. These help increase circulation and oxygen--can help bring animals out of shock. He also liked hair pulls along the top of his head and down the back into his neck. Gradually I was able to go through more of his body. And the more I worked with him the sooner I could detect if he had enough and stop before he batted me. As the weeks went by I was able to stroke through his whole body. I then added turtle touches which are circles the opposite way on his shoulders, ribs and hips. He loved this! And I would see him settle down into the ground more, close his eyes. (If you want any details on these touches you can go to TTouch.com)
This all came in very handy the time he got sprayed by a skunk. He really let me clean him all over--and did he need it!!! Even though I was very very upset about this, I couldn't help but think about turnabout as fair play...just a little.
For those of you who do not approve of cats going outside, this was what made it possible for us to live with Scooter--letting him do some of the spraying outside. He did not really go after birds--he was more interested in things on the ground, like worms and mice--mostly chasing them. And he loved racing out of the house and up the tree in the front of the house. He always knew how to get down.
Here's a sweet moment when Scooter walked in and settled near Bonnie. It was not threatening, thought Bonnie wasn't sure what to make of it. Scooter was more likely to do something like this when thunder storms were coming on.
And here is a somewhat rare moment, but sweet nonetheless when all rested together.
Scooter has left a big hole in our home. It smells a whole lot better to be sure. And I'm only recently resting bags on the floor without jumping to quickly pick them up. Sometimes I get a whiff of spray and think that Scooter has zoomed by for a visit. It took quite a while to stop expecting to see him in his favorite resting places, and being very sad when he wasn't. He was such a big presence--all the strategies and vet visits to investigate, to try and get him to stop spraying, it made us miss him all the more. I hope when I cross over I get to see him and give him a few more touches. Scoot on happily my feline friend.
Super affectionate, long and lean, FeLV/FIV neg., has slight cough--7 years young. Ideally would love to get him in a home of his own. Has so much love to give!
