I just wanted to send you an update about Nala (now Piper after trying out dozens of different names) whom I adopted right before Thanksgiving. You were so right... she's a complete lovebug. We bonded very quickly. She likes to sleep as close to my face as possible, usually draped across my neck. And she also insists on lying between me and the keyboard, so if there are any typos, that's why! From the moment she came home, she was totally well adjusted -- never hid like some cats do. Even the vacuum doesn't faze her. She made a beeline for the scratching post and I've never caught her scratching furniture (knock on wood). Her Maine Coon traits are apparent in the way she "chirps" and her complete fascination with water... She's even jumped into the shower with me several times. Can you tell I'm totally smitten?
For the first few days, she tried to slip out the front door (I guess from being accustomed to the outdoors), but that's not a problem now. She enjoys the enclosed back porch but seems to prefer being inside. Piper was spayed at the Humane Society in Gulfport in early December and I was told she was going into heat (good timing); we've been to the vet twice for a very persistent case of ear mites and that URI (sniffles and leaky eye) that wouldn't clear up. Hoping this current round of Clavamox and ear drops takes care of it once and for all. Ah, well, she's well worth the investment! Piper's loves crunchies and wet food (all holistic) and is up to a whopping 6 lbs, from just a hair over 5 lbs. in November. Her favorite toys are crinkle balls and tin foil balls, and the crinkly tunnel she received from Santa. I went to San Francisco for 5 days at Christmas and she stayed with a coworker of mine who has 3 dachshunds and a cat. Apparently, she loved playing with everyone and wasn't freaked by the dogs or change of environment. All in all, Piper's a fantastic companion... I couldn't ask for a better kitty! Thanks so much for taking such bringing up such a terrific baby. I'm totally smitten (if you can't tell)!