New people and three cats

Trish Lynn and Thom Donitz with friends.

The JOLT News Staff

Recently, Thom has been dealing with a situation not totally uncommon to pet owners, particularly cat owners, and that is introducing new people or pets into their existing pet’s life. For now, we will focus on cats and people. 

Just as no two cats are alike, neither are their situations. Thom, of course, has his two feline boys, Pekan and Oscar, ages 3 and 5 respectfully, while his friend’s cat, Bigby is more than 12 years old. 

With both parties having experience with pets in their lives for years, Thom and his friend knew not to try and force the feline relationship but to allow their cat companions to initiate contact on their terms. Simplifying this process was Thom’s cats and his friends would not be meeting each other but stay in their respective homes. Only the humans would have interaction. 

Start slow, don’t try to approach or pick up the cat(s) and if they run off and hide, let them go. Always try to speak in a calming voice and, whenever possible, to use positive experience reinforcement with treats, toys and praise.  

Cats associate a lot of their actions based on scent, so allow them that opportunity by letting them smell your shoes, slippers, socks or anything else you may have worn. Having the new person sit in the same room as you will allow your cat to observe, and then approach at their leisure. 

When your cat finally does start to approach, avoid standing up by sitting or squatting, as standing may appear threatening to some cats. While some people may suggest offering a closed hand, Thom has always found a pointed index finger allows the cat to gently sniff.

Always ask the owner if the cat has any special preferences, or quirks, such as Pekan who prefers to be petted down the back of his head as opposed to on top, while Oscar loves to be hugged and snuggled. 

Reintroduce yourself every time as the cat needs to get accustomed to your voice, smell and mannerisms. And if your cat or cats are not ready to do a meet and greet, don’t worry, some things just take time. 

And the bottom line — some cats are just different. 

Let’s start with the older cat. Bigby has grown up around people his entire life and when Thom was introduced, he knew to let Bigby approach him first. Bigby instantly bonded with him and while most pet owners are content with hugs and kisses, Thom has a tradition of “head butting” his animals (dogs and cats) as a way of bonding with them. Of course, having a bottomless supply of Churu doesn’t hurt. 

Now Pekan and Oscar are a different story completely. While Oscar is a rescue cat who has been with Thom for four years after being adopted from Feline Friends, Pekan has spent his entire life living with just Thom and Oscar.

He was foster raised as a kitten by Trish, until adopted by Thom, and as much as she has remained in his life, he can still be very standoffish at times and will run and hide except when she brings his chihuahua mix buddy Bucky along with her. This could possibly be explained by Pekan’s mother being a feral cat and inheriting some of those traits. 

It’s amazing. Thom can walk in from his garage and both cats won’t even raise their heads from the peaceful slumber on their new cat tree (see previous article) but if anyone else walks in — poof! Gone in a second! 

But progress is being made. Pekan now sniffs Thom’s friend’s hand and allows her to pet him, while Oscar actually sat on the couch with her to watch TV. 

It just takes time and understanding that some cats may never warm up to other humans. 

Follow-up reminder 

As we reported earlier, House Bill 1046, which was signed into law in April, goes into effect on July 27. This bill will provide “civil immunity” for individuals who enter a motor vehicle to rescue a vulnerable person or domestic animal.

This immunity applies under specific conditions, including ensuring the vehicle is locked, having a reasonable belief of imminent harm, notifying law enforcement, and using no more force than necessary.

The bill also grants immunity from civil liability for damage to a motor vehicle if the rescue was carried out under specific conditions. 

To qualify for the immunity, the person rescuing the vulnerable individual or animal must do the following: 

• Determine if the vehicle is locked or if there is no other way for the vulnerable person or animal to exit without help.

• Have a reasonable belief, based on known circumstances, that entry into the car is necessary due to imminent danger. 

• Notify law enforcement or call 911 before entering the vehicle. 

• Use only the necessary force to enter and remove the person or animal. 

• Remain with the rescued person or animal in a safe location until help arrives. 

The bill defines “domestic animal” as pets like dogs or cats, excluding livestock, and “vulnerable person” as minors or individuals with disabilities that affect their daily living. 

Paws for thoughts

“I believe cats to be spirits come to earth. A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through.” Jules Verne 

Thom Donitz and Trish Lynn are neighbors and close friends who share their love of animals and wildlife. Trish and Thom are residents of Tumwater. Contact them at  pets@theJOLTnews.com.