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February 22, 2007
In Hiding
Our little washing machine/dryer unit fits snuggly into a three-walled nook in our sleeping area. It is a nice location because it is hidden from view- but not so nice in the sense that things tend to get stuck in the narrow spaces on each side, like lint, hangers and fabric softener sheets. Also, things tend to hide behind the unit, such as the occasional rodent (ick). When this happens, Frieda turns into a loyal watchcat and sits at attention for hours until the intruder is either caught or finds another way out. This works great unless the occasional rodent is one Olive P. Screamingcat, the littlest feline and unanimously elected mouse stand-in.
Little-O is always the first cat to greet me in the morning. Today she was nowhere to be found. After a brief walk around the house, I discovered Frieda standing at attention in front of the W/D. At closer inspection I could see the quiver of whiskers from behind the unit. Poor Olive had probably been there all night.
After an hour and a half of treats, the cat dancer, laser pointer and a visit from Irving, Olive was not budging. When I left, Alexis was preparing to house the Robettes in our bathroom for the day in the hopes that Olive might come out of hiding when she felt safe enough. I liken this experience to one sibling trapping the other underneath a hamper and sitting on it, except that the hamper that Olive is trapped in is too heavy to move and my "What were you thinking?"s aimed at Frieda illicit a very blank stare.
Our poor Littlest Feline. I hope she makes it out soon
Posted by callalillie at February 22, 2007 7:46 AM | Feline Musings
, The Littlest Feline
I hope Miss Olive comes out soon too, the poor baby. Is a pet psychologist an option for your clowder?
Posted by: Divaah46 at February 22, 2007 10:08 AM
I think that walls and doors (and perhaps two floors in a house/apt) will help the psychology of our felines greatly. In the interim, I think we're just going to have to live with it. I don't think a pet behaviorist would be able to do much with the situation. Then again, you never know.
Posted by: corie at February 22, 2007 10:10 AM
She'll probably venture out in a few hours or so. Does she appear to be moving freely behind the unit? I hope that she doesn't have a tail caught in something or got injured somehow. I hope for the best.
Posted by: Jenifer at February 22, 2007 10:33 AM
It is amazing to me how long a cat can stay hidden. Gato freaks when she hears the doorbell. How a formerly 18 pound cat finds a place to hide is a mystery.
Come out soon Olive. It will be OK.
Posted by: catnip at February 22, 2007 11:01 AM
Aw. Try a can of tuna...that lured my cat out from under a hot tub once, when we first moved to a new house in high school.
Posted by: Liz at February 22, 2007 12:58 PM
Posted by: washing machines at February 22, 2007 2:09 PM
Olive should go visit the neighbors for a while like Irving did.
Posted by: ChrisG at February 22, 2007 2:12 PM
Totally. The 2 dogs downstairs would probably chase her less.
Posted by: corie at February 22, 2007 2:16 PM
I have a friend with seven cats, several of whom were not getting along. The cat behaviorist she consulted told her to provide vertical space for the cats, in the form of cat trees, and it has helped a lot.
Posted by: Beth at February 22, 2007 4:12 PM
i can't remember. did you try the pheromone spray? or air diffuser thing? it seems to be helping a little in our apartment.
Posted by: tien at February 22, 2007 5:37 PM
I'm sorry for little Olive.
Posted by: petrie at February 22, 2007 6:16 PM
so curious... because before i read the post i saw the pic of olive at the top and thought, 'hmm, skinny olive isn't so skinny anymore...' guess the camera really does add ten pounds.
Posted by: alyssa at February 22, 2007 6:51 PM
Alyssa-- size is relative!
Posted by: corie at February 22, 2007 7:32 PM
Is is weird to worry about a cat you've never met?
Because I'm actually worried about Olive.
Posted by: janine at February 23, 2007 9:16 AM
How is Olive doing? Hope her Friday (and yours) got off to a much more auspicious start.
Posted by: Beth at February 23, 2007 10:36 AM
Olive update-- she was still behind the W/D when I got home last night, though I suspect that she had come out during the day and then hid again. I wound up squeezing myself into the narrow space and pulling her out by the scruff of her neck.
A few hours later, she did something very naughty [that did not involve poop]. But that story is for another post.
Posted by: corie at February 23, 2007 11:00 AM
