Mowgli's condo!

[Lacey]

Well, I finally got the little booger-head out of the cage so that I could put in the shelves! It took a bit of time getting him out, but it was worth it because he let me pet him (with gloves on)! And while I was petting, he kept inching a little closer until I was able to pick him up and put him in the carrier. He wasn't too happy about that part, but he's fine now that he's back in his cage again. Zelda came and peeked in on him and that cheered him up.

Mowgli hasn't made use of the shelves quite yet. In fact, he's still sitting on top of his shoebox. But they're there for him!

I hated having to upload the pics to deviantart, but photobucket is just being horrid tonight. I can't get anything to upload.

http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/8842978/

http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/8843041/

[kimlovescats]

Very neat ... now he can utilize the full space!!! What are those cool corner shelves made of? Are they sturdy with just the ties?
How interesting!!!

Kim

[Lacey]

The shelves are just wire organizer shelves, like those closet organizers. I think these were made for the bathroom though, to go in the corners and put stuff on. Yet they work absolutely perfectly for the cage. I cut up a carpet remnant and hot-glued that on there to be sure it wouldn't get kicked off. The shelves seem sturdy enough with the ties. I pressed down on them a few times to be sure they were secure and they didn't budge. But if I hear a loud thunk in the middle of the night, I'll know what it is.

[jazzcat]

It looks great! I'm sure he will be using his new perches in no time. I just love how hard you are working for this little guy. Makes me smile!

[Laura's Babies]

WHAT a great IDEA!!! Hummmmmm.....I might try some of those at the shelter and see how they work out!!

[Lacey]

And this right here has got to be the greatest thank you I ever could have hoped to get from him!

[kimlovescats]

OH MY GOSH, Lacey!!! Look at that!!! Ahhh, Mowgli is making progress by leaps and bounds!!!

[jazzcat]

Yeah!!! He's letting you pet him and take a picture at the same time. Progress!!

[catcrazylady]

AWWWWWWWW! He is letting you pet him!!! He doesn't look afraid either, a little leary maybe, but not afraid! You are doing so good with him! I really believe that in no time at all you are going to have one adorable orangie lap kitty!!

Isn't it challenging and so rewarding at the same time to help calm and tame a feral? The rewards are so great in the end and all of my ferals have the most wonderful personalities. The only drawback is that no stranger ever gets to see them because they go into immediate hiding!

Keep up the good work Lacey and keep on posting these wonderful updates!!

[Lacey]

I can't believe he's starting to let me pet him. I guess watching me pet Zelda got him a little curious. Anyway, sometimes he hisses when I put my hand in there, but if he leans forward to sniff my fingers then it's alright to pet. He starts trying to nip when he's had enough petting, though. And he has the loudest little purr! At this rate, I might start thinking about letting him roam around in my office for a short bit soon.

[catcrazylady]

You are the one there and can get a feel for things but I would want to be able to handle him pretty well before you let him out of the cage.
This is how I see the scene...open cage door, Mowgli slowly and cautiously leaves the cage, makes a sudden mad dash under a piece of furniture, and you never see him in the daylight again!
Don't ask me how I know this! You will have to be the judge of where you think things stand. I thought I was pretty smart when it came to Magoo and I let things happen too early and we all almost went nuts! I don't think it will that bad with Mowgli but my personal opinion is give him a few more days. I would really want him to look forward to being petted before I released him. Now mind you this is just my opinion and you are there and you have done such a wonderful job so far that I think you are a great judge of Mowgli.
Keep us posted on what you decide to do.

[Lacey]

True, true, CCL! I'm not meaning right this second or even today by soon. I definitely intend to wait a few more days. Though right in the office here, the only bit of furniture he can really get behind is the desk, and I can reach under and behind that pretty easily. He's on his top shelf staring at me with what are either "pet me" eyes or "feed me" eyes. I'm guessing it's the latter. Mowgli definitely has a healthy appetite.

[catcrazylady]

When the day comes I want you to plant a great big kiss right between his eyes for me!! That happens to be one of my favorite spots, you know right above the nose. I just love that soft spot!

[QueenScoopalot]

Mowgli is really doing well! The cage shelves came out super...great idea for something you probably don't use anyway! I'm echoing CCL's post about too soon, too fast. I've had many ferals over the years, and if they won't willingly come to me for attention, it's often best to leave them crated for a while longer. I can't believe some of the places they'll squeeze themselves into to avoid humans! Give handsome Mowgli a scritch for me!

[catmandu]

There is one thing,that a cat knows,and that is when he is in a pace,where he is loved,and I think that Mowgli,is strrting to realise this ,and will soon be your Best friend!