Smitten by a Kitten

 We can learn a great deal about human behavior by observing our animal friends.  These two kittens are a prime example of how differences in personality can help or hinder attaining personal success and happiness in life.

They came into our household at the same time, already bonded with each other. Maybe it was the difference in their ages or maybe the little one just missed that important window of human contact during his young life, but they adapted in entirely different ways.

Both these kittens were given to a pet store as your typical "barn cats" from unspayed domestic shorthair outside cats. They weren't your typical cute little furballs who melt the hearts of shoppers and often find homes easily. These kittens were growing out of that pudgy stage and becoming "cats". In other words, no one was looking back twice. So they languished for two weeks and the pet store owners wanted their cage space for something else. Poster's forward personality finally landed her some attention and a home, not only for herself, but for her little friend, whom no one noticed because he stayed in the back of the cage trying to make himself invisible.

Think about how we stand in our own way, fearful of the unknown, paralyzed by our own fears and insecurities. Apprehensive of anything new, many of us avoid a challenge because we lack confidence in our abilities. The only way to learn is through our mistakes. Anything worth achieving is worth the uphill struggle and feeling of accomplishment. The fear of failure often leads to the sour grapes attitude. We convince ourselves that a job, a relationship, a certain decision wouldn't have worked out anyway or we'd just get hurt in the end so why bother. Remember the classic children's book "The Little Engine That Could" where the little train says, "I think I can, I think I can" as he chugs slowly but surely up that intimidating hill, or the line from the song, "Try and try and try again, try all over again".

The first few days in their new home has been fascinating for these new arrivals.

Poster 13 weeks

Poster was bold and showed no fear towards the other cats nor the two dogs. She faced her new situation with confidence and didn't run and cower as did fearful Fret. Because of her attitude she was quickly accepted and after a few hisses no one bothered her again. Being she didn't run away, no one took to bullying her and now there is harmony.

Fret 11 weeks

Now Fret on the other hand, still spends his days in the bedroom peering out at the world beyond that cat door, but too fearful to acclimate himself. Whenever Poster leaves his side and is scoping out the rest of her territory, Fret is left behind, alone and meowing pitifully. He just needs more time I'm sure, but it is just so interesting to observe how important is the satisfaction of basic needs. Be it animal or human,  only when basic needs such as food, water, shelter and safety are met, are we free to go to the next level of interest and priorities. Once the basic needs of survival are met, then we have the drive to put our energies into emotional, spiritual or psychological needs. Hopefully once Fret feels safe and secure, he'll seek out the desire to love and be loved. All just waiting for him once he frees himself from that black cloud brought on by stress and anxiety. How many of us can relate?

Speaking of stress and anxiety, a pet waiting at the door can be the best remedy out there.

Update on Poster and Fret:
It is now December and these two have been with us for three months. As you can see, Fret has made friends and is now a happy little guy.