Honi’s New Brother

A little while ago, I wrote about the dilemma some people have when they have cats and babies.

Honi has lived with Sarah and Thom for some years now, and then Darcy came to live with them. Darcy is a boy cat, with lots of big boy energy, and it was becoming obvious that living in a small apartment, where he couldn't go out, was getting difficult for him. He'd spend hours just staring outside, begging Sarah with his eyes and miaows to be allowed to go out. But when Sarah became pregnant, it seemed to act as a bit of a catalyst in making her decision for Darcy. It was a very difficult decision, and she was so sorry to see him go, but they just couldn't give him the life he wanted. With a small baby around, he'd be getting even less attention. Happily, a friend of Sarah's took Darcy in. She has a large house with lots of land, and lots of cats. He felt a little lost at first, but has settled in nicely now, and just loves his new home, running around all over the place, and playing with his new cat family.

Honi seemed to blossom again once Darcy had gone. I didn't know her before Darcy came, but she'd always been quite quiet and withdrawn whenever I went to look after them. What a difference though, the first time I visited her once she was on her own again!! I didn't realise before how much confidence she'd lost, but it became quite apparent when I met this new talkative, lively, friendly cat!

We were all a little concerned then as to how she'd react to a new baby in the house, having had a few months to get used to being focus of attention again. Well, we needn't have worried. She's lovely with Archie, not at all threatened, and not acting with any jealousy at all. She goes to smell him, and she can spend ages just watching him, completely spellbound. It's just when his crying reaches crescendo pitch that she decides she needs to go somewhere quieter. But she's still as talkative and confident as ever, and I think she's just waiting until he grows a bit and she can get to know him better.

How lovely!

PS – the picture above is of Honi doing her favourite thing – rolling around on the floor wearing bags that have had the ends and handles cut off!