spike

Announcing the newest member of our family...Spike Miller! (Also lovingly referred to by Nathan and me as Magic and Spike Lee.)



Spike is a chubby, sweet tabby cat has been with us for a little over a week now, and he's slowly finding his place in our home. We adopted him from the parents of Nathan's coworker Sarah, who rescued him last summer at their home in Knoxville, TN. He has been neutered and is up-to-date on all his shots...and he has FIV. (We are also planning to get him declawed on the front paws before too long.) He is having to adjust to a lot of new things - not only to a new place and new owners, but he has never been an indoor-only cat, which he will be with us.

Right now he spends most of his time sleeping or hiding under our bed on his blankie. During his first few days with us, I spent a lot of time laying on the floor next to the bed and reaching under to pet him, so now he usually comes out for me if I start petting him and telling him it's time for "some lovin'". Other times, like when we force him out of our bedroom at night (more on that below) he resists being pulled out a little bit, but immediately starts purring - loudly - the second he's in my arms. He's started jumping up on the bed when I go in to see him after work or in the afternoon, because I think he knows it's time to get some attention.

So -- although he's still a big scaredy cat, he's getting more comfortable. He even came out and walked around the living room last night when we had some friends over to watch a movie - that was a huge step! The biggest issue we're having with Spike right now is that he goes absolutely wild at night. I think he has his days and nights switched, so when we're ready for bed, he's ready to prowl the house, meow (wail) incessantly, beat on our door, open all the shutters on the living room windows, flip the front rug, get into things he shouldn't, etcetera. We are trying to ignore his antics overnight, but it is getting tough! Fortunately we can shut the doors to the hallway so that there is another barrier between our door and him at night, but I hate that we have to do that. I also read that you should try playing with your cats before bed to get them to rest better - ha! Spike has no idea how to "play" like a normal cat yet. He's a little scared of the toy we bought him, and any sudden movements send him running. Oh well - with time, I hope. My coworker Vicki told me that one of her dogs had no idea how to play when she got him, but he learned over time. Maybe Spike will get there.

Anyway, other than that, he is just a big baby who loves to be loved by his momma and pops. I know he's getting super comfortable with the love sessions when he starts rolling on his back...



...and his absolute favorite is a good chin rub:



Welcome to the family, little guy.