Respite

I call this Gimli's idea of soakin' in the tub! Lately, Ryan has been obsessed with Gimli, and won't leave him alone. For a cat the thought of a 6 year old nagging at you all day is a bit extreme. Ryan has never not had a cat in his life, but it has taken him this long for him to not be afraid of them. And for Gimli, he has always known Ryan and this sudden show of attention is not his idea of a "cat walk."

I'm glad that he is finally taken an interest in him and is showing less fear. His favorite thing to do is brush him. My least favorite as he leaves little black clumps of fur everywhere. He likes to bring Gimli his bowl of food when he is in various places in the house - wouldn't want an already 15 lb. cat to starve!! When Gimli tries to hide on the dining room chairs, under the table, I'll sometimes walk in the room and see two little feet sticking out from under the table. Gimli can't even grab a bite to eat without Ryan's face right next to his bowl watching and giggling as he chews his food. Ryan then gets upset if Gimli does not take a drink of water when he thinks he should. I think that's because Ryan hasn't quite gotten the tongue lick down pat yet - he's still practicing from his own bowl!

I went up to bed the other night to find Gimli cuddled up next to Ryan on his bed. As soon as I walked in his room, I was greeted by a very loud "meeeow, meeeow" as if he were telling me - I'm a good cat, I'm doing my job. I praised him for being a good cat and teaching Ryan how to be a good cat owner. I think he was waiting for me to "discover" him because as soon as I walked out of the room he was right behind me. The little stinker! I couldn't have asked for a more gentler or patient cat when dealing with a kiddo with autism, though. He's been a great cat to have with both of our kids.