So many good ideas and I thank you so much for sharing them with me. I tried some play things in my room but he isn't interested. Not even the bags. Even a new catnip mouse was ignored. I suspect his quiet demeanor means he needs time to recover so I will try again later.

I have a ficus tree but my son says it's too heavy. We'll see this week end. Otherwise I am heading to WalMart to check out what they have. The cat trees with perches are so expensive, but several weeks ago in the deep storage under the eves of the house, we found something like a tall wood plant stand. Only think that because of the round stain on the top. With it's wide bottom it will be perfect for climbing and playing on. Next week a carpet installer will be coming for our upstairs, and we've asked him to tack the leftover onto this 5' wooden stand. And we were going to dump that thing.

Jasper is jealous of my computer. He is perched between my chair back and my back. What he will do for affection now. He is patting my back so I'll let him have a chest sit for lovings. Time out.

Jasper likes my son's room, but we have to watch him since he hasn't discovered that the screen on his favorite window to watch birds from is old and slit on the bottom. If he discovers it he's out. The same with the back sliding screen door. His talented paws can escape that one. What you don't notice until the need arises.

When Eli and Jasper are friendlier, they can use the wide sill window right above Eli's condo. Good outdoor view and today I made it kitty friendly. My other idea is to rebuild a box window like my dad did for parakeets when I was little. Open two glass paned windows (old house with unusual windows, like opening up shutters). That forms the left and right side. Attach a wood top and bottom across them. You have the sides of the box. Place screen on a frame (stronger) across the back of the box as a window would be. Keep the front open, and a cat window box for viewing, smelling and listening. It opens up right under a guava tree. Shady, cool, no rain, hidden from the street, and birds come to it. I think they'll both love it.

With small window perchs, big window box, a tree and a pole to climb, scratch, and sit, I hope home will feel safe and fun to be in. I decided on the window because I know if Jasper is let out even on a halter and leash, he will do the door and window patrols forever. He now scratches on my son's closed door to be let in for "bird viewing". He is persistent. He still patrols windows and doors but is not as frantic.

Can you believe, Jasper responds to a dog command. He now knows and understands the command, "stay". If I exit my room, I look him in the eye, put up my hand and firmly say it. He freezes and watches me leave. Amazing.

Found a battery operated ball with a tail for the two kittie boys. Hope it will be fun. I'll be looking for more moving prey next time I shop. Can't let the dogs get this cause they'd crunch it.

Thanks again for sharing. Now we've got lots of ideas and projects to keep Jasper happy. Eli, in his kitten world, doesn't need any help to be happy. He's going to help Jasper.

[This message has been edited by Jasper's Mom (edited June 21, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Jasper's Mom (edited June 21, 2001).]