Nellie and Mr Mousie

I found the key to Miss Kitty’s (aka Nellie) heart.  It’s catnip.  I gathered a half dozen large leaves of it and vigorously rubbed them on Nellie’s toy, Mr Mousie.  The remains, I stuffed inside Mr Mousie.  (He has a Velcro closer that allows me to do that.)  I left the toy on the floor in the family room.  Then I waited.

Soon Nellie was following her nose into the family room.  Without hesitation she headed straight for Mr Mousie.  She hopped on him.  Hugged him. Licked him.  Bit him.  Rolled on him.  Then she hugged him and licked for a long time.

Kitty loves catnip and I’ve got lots of it growing just outside my back door.

In the last couple of weeks, Nellie has also become much more tolerant of her human companions.  She no longer runs to the far end of the house at our slightest movement.  She has been with us less than 100 days, but has made much progress during that time.  I’m pleased to see fear and distrust giving way to confidence.