random thoughts – Day 2,125 (Saturday) – big steps

Kiki and her royal realm.

New routines developed after we moved and over time, Kiki began spending her days on top of the bed instead of under it. At first, if I entered the bedroom, she would slip off the bed and hide. Eventually, she would stay on the bed and I could pet her head before she fled. When I started bringing her treats, she would stay put longer.

Now, several times a day, as Kiki holds court in her royal realm (aka my bed), I approach her with snacks in my hand as she reclines. I can sit on the bed and she only jumps off if I deviate from the previously approved choreography by moving both hands instead of just one, or approaching too quickly.

On Tuesday, I delivered some Temptations Treats, (Kiki’s only acceptable snack) and stayed on the bed for a couple minutes as usual. She edged closer, and then she licked my forehead with three or four strokes of her little tongue before retreating a bit. I was freaking out with joy inside, but I remained calm on the outside and told her what a good kitty she is. 

Thursday night, instead of jumping off the bed when I put on my pajamas as she has always done, she stayed in place and watched. Then she let me feed her treats. When I slid under the blankets, instead of jumping off the bed like she has always done, she stayed in place and watched. I reached out (slowly) to pat her head and she let me. Then she rolled onto her back and let me stroke her belly. When she decided she’d had enough, she left the bed to begin her nighty rounds.

Friday, she licked my forehead and then touched her head to my forehead. Once again, I was freaking out with joy inside, but I remained calm on the outside and told her what a good kitty she is. At bedtime, she stayed on the bed when I got into it and again let me pet her briefly before she began her nightly rounds.

Little Miss Kiki is making some big strides lately and I couldn't be happier.