Bramble's Stubborn Adventure

[DaveD]

She's started calling out to me, as if she wants attention, but running off if I approach. She's always been conflicted about whether to tolerate me or not!
I reckon, so long as I don't make any sudden moves, she'll come in eventually.
...and when she does, she's grounded!

[Sue P (Paddysmum)]

Sometimes the progress seems agonisingly slow to us, but its massive progress from her viewpoint.  You're doing well, Dave.   

[Judecat (Paula)]

It sounds as if she is coming round.

[DaveD]

She's getting closer!
Every time I  make a move towards the door she moves away, but not as far as before, and she moves back when I back away, so we're definitely making progress, though I still think there's a long way to go.

[hollycat]

Grumpy or not she is beautiful 

[Sue P (Paddysmum)]

   You're right, Dave. 

[Judecat (Paula)]

Grumpy, but very, very cute.

[DaveD]

She's always looked grumpy, even as a kitten!

[Sue P (Paddysmum)]

  Oh Dave - her face is so expressive.   

[Lyn (Slugsta)]

I am glad she is still in the area and you get to see that she is OK 

[DaveD]

I saw quite a bit of Bramble yesterday, when the weather was nice, but it's rained most of today, and I'm sure she's found somewhere to shelter nearby. I didn't expect to see her at all today but, in a lull in the rain, she appeared!

[DaveD]

I went out to fetch Lily in and, instead of disappearing from sight as usual, Bramble just moved away a couple of feet. When I got Lily and Clio safely indoors, I put some chicken in the kennel. Hopefully Bramble will get it, and not the other local cats!

[Lyn (Slugsta)]

I really hope that your patience pays off soon Dave!

[Sue P (Paddysmum)]

Aw Dave, that's real progress.  My fingers are well and truly crossed.   

[DaveD]

I thought I'd better start a new thread here, since it looks like being a long story!
Bramble has been refusing to come in, apart from for food, and running off before I can close the door on her, for almost 4 weeks, but I think I'm steadily making progress. I didn't see her at all yesterday, but this morning I looked out of the bathroom window and saw her sitting on the wall.



She's been closer than that, but today, when I came downstairs and appeared at the door, she didn't run away. That's a first!
This evening was even better. I went out with a handful of pieces of lamb, to bribe Lily into coming close enough for me to grab her (it worked!),and saw Bramble nearby, so I threw her a chunk of meat, but kept my distance. She scoffed that, and patiently waited for more. The only reason I'm not having a vegetarian meal tomorrow is that a neighbour's kid came past on a bike and scared her off. It wasn't deliberate, and the kid wasn't being horrible, so I can't really complain, and at least it wasn't me who scared Bramble!