The more time I spend with Gracie the more she amazes me, but the more I worry. I can definitely see the PTSD and I worry that someone previously abused her. Most of the time when I go to pet her, she has a quick moment where she flinches like something bad is about to happen. She very quickly relaxes when I do start petting her, so that is good. She also has no problem coming up to me the petted or just curl up next to me. She also likes just being near me. If I didn’t already have a cat named Shadow (she passed 10 years ago, but was a beautiful tabby girl) I might rename her.
I can also see a lot of differences in her mannerisms from her first couple weeks from me. She will routinely head butts me (which is a really good sign!) and is starting to eat treats. Her first few weeks she would only eat out of her bowl, and I’ve gotten her to eat out of my hands.
Gracie also really loves chasing the red dot creature. She has an immediate (and very positive) response to seeing the laser light. It’s good to see her play like that. I try to use it a couple times a day so she can get some exercise. It’s really nice to see her run.
I know Gracie is still a little nervous, but she seems to get a little better and our bond seems to grow every day. Hopefully after a lot of good old fashioned TLC she will be completely happy again.
Here are some new pictures of this pretty girl.
