Hello, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to study extra about me and my foolish Russian Blue cat, Olga.
I don’t journey usually, however till not too long ago, Olga by no means appeared too upset once I returned house after spending just a few days away. For a number of years, I traveled out of city to spend Thanksgiving with my household, and Olga was all the time pleasant once I returned. Nonetheless, she wasn’t very joyful once I left her alone just a few weeks in the past. I solely spent two days within the woods, and my cat sitter dropped by to feed her and play along with her.
She meowed once I walked within the door, however once I approached to pet her, she hissed and backed away. I attempted to tempt her to play with a silvervine stick, however she appeared insulted and ran below the mattress to cover. The one time she had hissed at me earlier than was once I returned house after being abroad for 10 days.
After I talked about Olga’s response to a veterinarian, she stated the unusual odors I absorbed from 30 hours of touring in all probability bothered her. I didn’t assume a weekend away would trigger the identical response, however the woodland odors on my garments appeared simply as repulsive as these from an airline’s cabin.
Olga didn’t keep indignant for lengthy, and after I took a bathe, she greeted me with a cheerful cry as an alternative of a hiss. She ultimately fell asleep in my lap and appeared to neglect the odd scents I introduced into the home. Olga was extra impartial and didn’t hold a grudge when I left her alone.
Now, she spends a lot of the day round me and has grow to be a spoiled cat. She nonetheless enjoys her “alone time,” however when she sees me strolling towards the storage door, she assaults my legs and whines. She doesn’t thoughts once I exit the again door as a result of she will observe me within the yard from considered one of her window perches.
Leaving Olga alone wasn’t an issue till I began working from house full-time. She’s friendlier now and enjoys begging for dinner just a few hours earlier than I end working, and she or he’s in all probability happier that I clean the litter box more often, however she’s additionally extra depending on me. She follows me round the home and is extra vocal once I ignore her pleas for an early dinner.
It’s fascinating how a lot my new schedule affected Olga’s character. Though the change was gradual, I’m shocked that she’s no longer aloof and quiet. She doesn’t look joyful once I return from a brief journey, however I’m glad she’s able to hissing.
It’s not the response most cat house owners need to see from their pets, but it surely’s an important defensive measure that serves as a warning earlier than an assault. Olga has by no means interacted with a canine or cat face-to-face besides when she’s in her provider on the vet’s workplace and hasn’t felt the necessity to hiss at one other animal. She’s by no means been scared by or threatened by one other creature, and I’m honored she only hisses at me when she’s angry.