Frenemies Part 2

Here’s a rundown of our cat’s life before G dog came into our home. Rosco would sleep on our bed every night, usually by my feet. When I would get up and get ready for work, he’d come into the shower when I was done to lap up the water on the floor. Then, he’d jump back on the bed and sleep some more. Occasionally, he’d come into my home office when I’d be working, where he would then rub back and forth against my legs until I dropped everything I was doing to pay him some attention. Afterward, he’d usually end up plopping himself down against the heat vent in an effort to grab all the warmth for himself, where he’d then sleep for another few hours. As a perimenopausal woman who hasn’t experienced an uninterrupted night’s sleep in quite a while, it was hard not to be jealous.

Ever the vocal cat, Rosco would always have something to say whenever he saw us—making a point to announce himself before entering any room as if to say, “I have arrived. You may cease whatever you are doing and bask in my glory.” Whenever we’d be in the family room hanging out or watching tv, he would usually end up laying on the sofa or ottoman on top of our legs or in someone’s lap. Counter to the notion that cats prefer solitary lives, he’s always been an incredibly social cat, seeming to enjoy the company of all people.  

We knew getting G would be disruptive to Rosco’s life, but we weren’t sure to what degree or if things would ever resume to the way they used to be. In the first couple of weeks, Rosco definitely preferred the sanctuary of the basement, only venturing out occasionally to check things out—most likely to see if the interloper was gone. There were days at the beginning where we would only get fleeting glimpses of the cat, and it was clear that he had lost a lot of weight. Throughout the process of getting acclimated to having G in our lives, I think this was probably the most difficult adjustment for the family. It really made us sad not getting the opportunity to interact with our dearly loved pet and knowing that he was so unhappy and stressed out by the dog.

Now, seven weeks after G dog’s arrival, I’m happy to report that the two have been learning to cohabitate quite well. Rosco is back to hanging out with us whenever we’re lounging in the family room. If we’re in the kitchen, he’ll jump up on his cat tree where he can observe G from higher ground but still be with everyone. He’s starting to come into the bedroom at night to sleep on our bed, even with G on the floor nearby. And he continues to vociferously announce his arrival, even knowing that it will catch G’s attention.

While Rosco still remains tentative and cautious, the two frequently get close enough to sniff each other and touch noses. This isn’t to say that there isn’t still a bit of hissing or growling on Rosco’s part or that G dog doesn’t try to instigate a fun game of chase now and then. But we will take it. Even Connie is surprised there’s been this much progress between them in less than two months. 

It’s evident that G just wants a little playmate. Rosco is curious but easily annoyed by the dog’s exuberance, often batting at him with his paw—essentially the feline version of a bitch-slap. It’s comical to watch G back away in trepidation even though he is at least five times bigger than the cat. But then, moments later, they are usually back to being nose to nose again.

All this gives me so much cause for hope. Not just for the status of their relationship but regarding all circumstances that initially prove difficult. I am reminded of an ancient Persian adage that has been adapted into many cultures throughout history. It translates into “This too shall pass.” It really is worth remembering while I’m on this journey.