Introducing Melinko!
Our little family of two cats increased to three last week. Let me introduce you to Melinko, a 4-year-old gray tabby boy who has come to share our home. He came from my granddaughter who had him since he was a kitten but has recently moved into a remote area with many predators. She was afraid that if he snuck out, which he likes to do and is very good at, he would be in danger, so she and her partner made the difficult decision to rehome him with me. They’ll still be able to visit and know how he’s getting along.
“Where am I?”
Step 1: A New Home
Melinko wasn’t too sure about things when he stepped out of the cat transporter into our kennel. Though it had all the necessary amenities, including a big window view of birds and squirrels, it wasn’t home. But he didn’t object and settled right down to a nap after a snack.
I start all my new cats in the kennel where they can relax in safety and get used to the new sights and smells around them. It didn’t take long for Melinko to adjust, though. Now the kennel door is open and he can come and go as he pleases. Like many cats before him, he enjoys the comfy kennel on his own terms.
Little Melinko in 2022
This isn’t the first time Melinko has spent time with me. In 2022, he had some health issues that required he go to my vet here in Portland. Turns out the poor little one is allergic to fleas. Once that was taken care of, he was fine and went back home to his family. But it’s hard to deal with a flea allergy, especially with kids running in and out of the house. Another reason why he’s back with me now. Nobody except the cats run in my house.
Step 2: Adjusting
Melinko has the run of two rooms and his kennel now. I sit with him and read or work on my book. He is affectionate but is also assured enough to go off on his own and discover different places to be. He’s a polite little kitty-well, not so little weighing in at 13+ pounds!
Melinko helping me make cat toys out of tee-shirt strips.
Step 3: Integration
It’s only been a few days, but my cats Tyler (20) and Clarence (1) knew something was up from the very start. Tyler is chill about it, but Clarence is unsure. I’ve let them see each other, many treats involved. Clarence growls and hisses, but then today he just lay down and watched as Melinko sat on my lap. Melinko is wary of Clarence, but hasn’t committed to being either scared or defensive. It’s early days.
