The Gray Ghost

Things are a little tense here Chez Emrich. There is a new member of our household who is working hard to fit in and be accepted by the resident felines.

Two weeks ago a lonely "kitten" was seen on the front sidewalk, meowing towards the frontdoor. In the dark, I wondered if the cat eyes belonged to one of my own feline team. But going outside to investigate, it became clear that the eyes belonged to a new child on the block.

This baby kitty was hungry and I helped to fill his belly with some tasty cat food. He gobbled the food as quickly as possible before a possum crossed the street to investigate the source of food.

The next evening, the same kitty was on the porch meowing in request. He found another meal and welcomed a little scratching between the shoulder blades. This routine repeated each day with the exception of an increased desire to be pet and held. This gray ghost had obviously had a home in a prior life.

One week ago, poor little Oscar - see he had already told me his name - showed up for dinner with a severe wound on his tail. A large chunk of fur and skin was missing, exposing what I only hoped was muscle. Quickly discussing the situation with Rob I decided to bring Oscar into the house for the night. I wanted an opportunity to clean the wound and give Oscar a dry place to sleep.

We went quickly to the music studio in which I have a separate bathroom. Created a temporary litter box (which he used faithfully), provided more food and water, and folded up a fuzzy bathroom rug for a bed. Oscar purred and purred after he got past the shock of being in a strange place.

Oscar, the gray ghost, stayed in the studio for the following days so that I could keep an eye on his tail and so he could stay fed. On Saturday I finally made the decision to bring him to my vet to receive his shots and get checked out. To our surprise, Oscar kitten is estimated to be 2 years old according to his teeth. Wow, he is so small and behaved very kitten-like, kneading his paws while he receives affection and meowing with a kitten's voice.

It was last Friday that Oscar first came in direct contact with the lords of the manner, Miss Musette and Mister Pippin. Pippin seems very curious and will likely become a good friend in due time. However, Musette is furious!! She complains loudly any time Oscar is within sight.

Sunday was the first day during which all three felines were left loose within the house together. In the early pre-dawn hours on Monday, there was a kerfluffle. Musette was highly worked up and quick to start. Oscar couldn't be found. Since that time Musette has become increasingly less tolerant of the "intruder" within her territory.

Poor little Oscar has lost a bit of his kittenish joy and desire to play. He has much on his mind and at nearly every turn has the Queen of the Castle threatening bodily harm. It seems that Pippin will become a good friend to Oscar, if only Musette would calm down and leave them be. Her suspicion and angst is contagious, although Pippin has greeted Oscar with kindness.

A mother to this young brood, I desire peace and joy within the household. Hopefully with time the stress will dissipate and the anger and angst will prove to be useless. It has only been one week. Patience, Lisa, patience.