Sophie

 By Marcia

 
Sophie the tiny kitten was left on the doorstep at the Best Little Cat House in PA one rainy evening in April. Following a period of isolation and a checkup at the Vet’s office I adopted her and she has become a wonderful addition to my home.  Just as we suspected she has become quite the little guardian.  She will attack ferociously at the slightest sign of danger- or when she is bored. (See News Page)  Unfortunately she loves to attack me and my rabbits. Sophie's favorite past time is to wait until I am almost asleep and then pounce on my head.  Also, as the rabbits lie under the bed, she likes to hide in the bed's box spring attacking the rabbits from above.  Although kittens should not be separated from their mother until seven to eight weeks of age, Sophie was separated at approximately four weeks.  This early separation has led to the bad habit of biting.  My arm has become her chew toy. With the help of my veterinarian I have learned some things to do to mimic what her mother might have done to stop this habit.  When she is biting my fingers I hold on to her lower jaw.  I might also grab her by the scruff of her neck and hiss at her or blow in her face.  Slowly, these efforts have been paying off.  She is biting less and purring more.   She follows me everywhere and has just found the excitement of toilet paper.  If I leave toilet paper on the roll it ends up all over the floor.  I am still trying to get the cat toy out of shower drain where she dropped it recently. Sophie has become quite an important part of the family but definitely keeps me busy.