When Dudo and Moose moved in with us in May, they were not what you would call lap cats. Unless, that is, your idea of a lap cat is one that wails and bares its claws the moment you pick him up. They’re both extremely affectionate and gentle; they just didn’t like being held. But, lately, they’ve been easing up. Especially Dudo. I patiently worked with him to get him to voluntarily sit on my lap while I sit at my desk. San Geraldo has done the same thing. It’s gotten to the point that he simply steps on without encouragement and even curls up for some sleep (initially, he required nonstop petting to stay in place).
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| NEXT TO SAN GERALDO’S COPIER. FOR 7 MONTHS, DUDO’S PERSONAL SPACE. RECENTLY, MOOSE (IN BACK) MOVED IN. DUDO, AT FIRST, WAS AS STUNNED AS WE WERE. |
Two nights ago, a milestone was reached. San Geraldo picked up Dudo, sat down on the sofa, and encouraged (forced) him to settle down. He did. Contentedly.
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| DO THEY PLAN THESE POSES? MOOSE (LEFT) AND DUDO. |
Last night, while I sat in the living room, Dudo surprised me by jumping right on my lap without a moment’s hesitation. He stayed for well over an hour, until I finally had to move him so I could go to bed (at which point he simply followed me).
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| DUDO ON SAN GERALDO’S LAP MONDAY NIGHT. |
Moose is keeping a wary eye on the proceedings. He tends to copy everything Dudo does, eventually. He was, initially, the good cat. He didn’t claw the furniture, didn’t eat the plants, didn’t climb on the balcony railings, didn’t sit on the dining room table. Dudo did all that and more. After a few weeks, we started to catch Moose in the act. He, however, responds more readily to the word “no” than does Dudo. Dudo gives us a look that seems to say, “Oh, really? I can’t do this either?!? Really?“
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| A HAPPY DUDO ON MY LAP TUESDAY NIGHT. LOOK AT THAT SMILE. |
We’re hoping, though, that Moose will also copy Dudo’s lap habits. At least he no longer yowls when I pick him up. He even lets me nuzzle his face while I hold him. No claws bared. I think he, too, will be a lap cat one day.
Hello Mitch:
As always we cannot see too many photographs of your two very beautiful cats. And how they remind us of our own, Cat and Pussy, sadly no longer with us, and also in their reluctance to become lap cats. Perhaps this is a trait of black and white ones!!
Jane and Lance:
I'm going to see what I can find out about black & whites' personality traits. We had a Russian Blue before leaving the States. They were known for being friendly, out-going, and affectionate. She lived up to all that… with no hesitation.
Two cats – one brain. My parents made a similar mistake with me and my semi-identical twin.
Owl Wood:
How many years apart were you and your semi-identical twin? I'll bet you were, like Dudo, the bad influence.
Maybe they sense a trip in the near future and are making sure they go too!! Cats are very intuitive you know.
It took a few years for our last cat, Rita, to 'come around' and sit on our laps. Once she started she couldn't stop……for 15 years!! She looked like your two but gray and white.
Jim:
Of our three past cats, two lived on our laps and never hesitated. One, Maynard, loved us but sat on Jerry's lap once in 12 years. Moose is much more attached to us and affectionate already. I'm sure he'll be a lap cat soon.
KC was an outdoor cat for at least 5 years… Bill had an accident that kept him home… sitting in his recliner… for nearly 10 weeks. KC started coming in the kitty door… stayed with him in his recliner and for the next 14 years was always close to Bill… inside or out. Makes a person wonder just what our critters really know….
I hope I didn't make that sounds like Bill sat in his recliner for the next 14 years… duh… sometimes what I write comes out kinda strange….
Odd Essay:
I thought maybe you'd be arriving shortly in Sevilla with Bill's Barcalounger! You're going to make quite an impression here.
Tuxedo and MaxGoldberg are lap cats for sure, but Consuelo Roca-Jones, who we've had for just about two years now, isn't so keen on the idea just yet.
Still, she has recently taken to being picked up, and does come by for the occasional rub against your leg.
Progress……
Bob:
I love your cats' names.
Cats teach us patience.
OMG…they are soooo cute! Love love love the twin pose. On a completely seperate note, when you view my blog do you see odd ads and hyperlinks???
Kisatrtle:
I have never been faced with an odd ad or hyperlink on your blog, just wonderful stories… from you!
You make me miss my own lovely cat of eleven years, Sausalito. That cat would sit on my chest, look me in the eyes as if to say, "I want to have your kittens."
Stephen:
They make us feel so loved.
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww 🙂 Nothing but love in all these photos 🙂
Judeet:
It really is a little bit of heaven.
I do like hearing about your cats. They certainly seem to have settled down nicely. I like the fact that they are comfortable in each others company!
Kirk:
It's heart-warming to see how much they adore each other. They're never lonely.
Aren't they just the ultimate splendid two-some? Even when sleeping, cats can't help but hog one's entire attention. Lovely things!
Raybeard:
I agree with you completely… even after finding my "good" bath towel lying on the floor again this morning having been made into a nest by Dudo (or maybe it was Moose now… who knows?!)…
Just what I needed this morning a Dudo and Moose fix.
Nubian:
Hope you see the one yesterday of Dudo "laughing." I caught him mid-yawn before the teeth were bared. It makes me laugh every time I look at it.
I adopted a stray Mom cat and it took 2 years for me to even go near her. Now at 13 y/o she voluntarily will sit next to me and get in my lap. Patience!
Stan:
Wow. I don't think I'd have the endurance to wait two years. But it must be heart-warming now.
So I guess old cats (as well as dogs) can learn new tricks! They've come a long way … they must trust you guys a lot!
Jenners:
Well, they're still young, but these two old dogs (San Geraldo and I) continue to try to learn new tricks! We're so pleased with how comfortable the cats have become. They definitely trust us.