Mango and Tango were picked up from a shelter at 5 weeks old and fostered through Itsie Bitsie Rescue (IBR) in 2019. Tango, nicknamed SImba had a cute chirp when he purred and loved both his brother and humans. Mango, nicknamed lil Simba, also loved both humans and his brother, and purred easily. The bonded pair seemed to have a bright future when adopted together in August 2019 by a shy man (no adoption picture) with a long family history of service in the military.
For a year and a half, they were pampered and adored by their human. Their human's son described them as "chill" and "lovely" and said their owner's favorite food was mangos!! But their good fortune turned when their owner passed, unknown for several days. Unfortunately the son's wife was allergic and they were unable to care for these sweet boys, so they were taken to the shelter with a hope they could find a good home.
But they were not doing well at the shelter, who researched their microchip history and discovered they were former IBR kittens. Thankfully, the shelter reached out to the rescue and we picked them up Friday 2/5/21. They were taken directly to Petsmart with the hopes they could be adopted on Saturday. My husband and I checked on them a few hours after they were dropped off, ready to bring them home if they were unduly stressed. They were tense, but allowed us to handle them. We felt it would be better for them to stay, as the store would be closing soon and we felt the stress of the additional drive back/forth and night in yet ANOTHER new place was unnecessary.
I snuggled them briefly Saturday morning, when at Petsmart to do curbside sign-ups. The teen volunteers got them interested in a toy and they looked happy for the first time! I left hopeful they'd find a great home.
But their perfect home didn't show up that day so we were called to come get these two massive boys. Seriously.. they're HUGE and heavy! "Lil Simba" Mango is now the bigger of the pair, and bolder than brother Tango. The adoption team stayed until we arrived, petting them. The boys were sweet, but still so very tense. As soon as we opened up a kennel, they both dived for the comfort of the enclosed, dark space.
During the ride home, longer than normal because of massive traffic, we heard at least one of them for the first time. First a little mewl, then prolonged wailing. Because their crate was massively huge, we had to put it in the backseat so I couldn't tell who was so distressed-or if both were taking turns. But we decided to set them up in the kitten room (which we discovered needs some adjustments to hold full grown cats that can leap up much higher than tiny kittens!), eat dinner with them so they'd get used to our scent and presence, then leave them to settle. Neither ate while we ate, but they did come out, tense in the environment but never flinching if we reached out to pet them. They accepted our gentle touch while they explored without a complaint or a sound.
After we ate, we left them so they could eat in peace, and I spent some quality time with my own pets before returning to just lay in the room with them for an hour before bed. I talked to them and just hung out, but both were in hiding. I resisted the urge to haul them out and force love on them- a technique I do sometimes use with baby kittens (paired with meals or treats!) to get them used to being handled. I have a pretty high track record of raising and fostering very cuddly kittens.... I am currently blogging with Wicket (my foster to adoption kitten that just officially became an official member of my household the night Tango and Mango arrived at Petsmart) curled in his kitten sling on my chest and his sister Holstein laying across my legs. But after some research on dealing with cats with PTSD, I knew that wouldn't be appropriate. They seemed ok with my voice and presence, so I felt hopeful as I went to sleep.
But in the morning they seemed to have settled into their environment and were more fearful. Tango (on the bottom) was particularly stressed out and started growling lowly whenever I moved. I pulled out one of my best tricks... Inaba Chicken Filet!! I've never met a cat who could resist...
Mango's nose crinckled with interest and he moved forward and started nibbling. But Tango wouldn't even take a whiff and he suddenly lashed out, striking my hand and sending shreds of tuna everywhere. I was suddenly grateful that they did not get adopted out to a family that might panic at this behavior. Personally, I took the blame for it. These boys have suffered and their lives torn apart. Hauled from place to place, manhandled by so many people, their comfortable routine replaced by uncertainty. Tango told me I was invading his space and I didn't listen. He's really blameless.
Tango's explosion startled Mango more than me and they both hissed and growled. I calmed them with my voice as much as I could and held out the chicken, out of their reach, but in their view. Mango's stomach was more powerful than his fear and he crept forward and discovered exactly how delicious a chicken filet could be. I really doubt he'd been hand fed before, as he was singularly terrible at it. He repeatedly put his mouth around my entire finger, but he was very gentle about it, never biting down or breaking skin. He'd give me a little look of surprise and then adjust so he just got the food. I gave him about a third of the chicken before moving away to see if he'd come.
He tried, but Tango had moved farther from me and was laying on top of the kennel, which was the best route down to the floor.
Mango considered jumping straight down to the floor, but it's a high shelf. He was submitting to my touch easily, so I took a chance and hauled him off the high shelf into my arms and onto the dog bed. Mango did tense, but didn't growl or hiss- especially when I strategically placed the filet packet in his nose while we got settled. Mango then happily ate the rest of it from my hands. When I gently touched his head, he leaned into the pet, rubbing against me.
My internet research indicated cats learn a lot from watching other cats, and Tango was taking this all in. I know my house cats have picked up unusual behaviors from each other, so it seemed highly plausible. Mango's acceptance brought my hope back.
We were driving my parents around most of the day. They were hiding, but calmer when we returned. Tango was still perched on the high shelf but Mango was under the kitten kennel. While out, I had picked up a beanbag chair so I could just sit in there comfortably, since I could barely stand after laying on the floor the night before. I took some treats in but decided to just sit for a bit before trying to tempt them.
I also made an essential oil anxiety/stress for pet relief blend from an awesome book loaned to me by my IBR mentor (THANK YOU LM!) I spritzed it lightly on the beanbag chair and dog beds.
For a bit over an hour I sat in my beanbag shark, listening to a book, singing, talking, reassuring them. Yes, that's right. I put my butt down in a shark mouth bean bag chair and it is AWESOME. (I really wanted the unicorn... but it was white and I thought that was not the best for a kitten room)
And suddenly, Mango decides THIS GIRL IS ALLLLLRIGHT and comes waltzing out and into my lap for pets.
It's fairly challenging to try to get the right angle of a video while also giving a small puma the attention he thinks he deserves... which is no where near what he really deserves...cause he deserves it all and more!
I wanted to reward Mango for his friendliness, so I grabbed a little snack sent by my IBR mentor, which Mango truly enjoyed. Even better, it got Tango's interest! After watching for a bit, he cautiously came down off his shelf to investigate.
Tango had zero interest in the mousse stick, but this time he actually smelled the chicken filet when I offered it and decided it was tasty! Mega Mango, though he'd had 2 squeeze stick treats, ate more than his fair share of the filet, though I worked hard to get Tango a good portion. They made short work of the little filet packet.
So I grabbed some Tuna packets, and Tango declared this to be the best thing he'd ever eaten. They downed two packets, which I hand fed to build a trust between us. Worth the huge mess they made, as Tango showed his friendly side, letting me pet him even if he wasn't eating.
The boys will have access to free feed kibble, but I'll give them smaller portions of canned food tomorrow when I will be home most of the day to hand feed them, and during the evenings when I can spend time with them after work. Hopefully we can help the past few weeks of fear and uncertainty fade in an environment of love, trust, and tuna.
Update 2/8/21
The boys were huddled together when I dropped in on them in the morning. Tango was wary, but didn't hiss.
But both boys came leaping down shortly after I arrived. Mango promptly crawled into my lap while Tango prefers to hang out by my side, but he was enticed with a feather wand! Both are playful.
Mango started to chatter at me a bit, little murbling... I don't know if that's a real word or one that the hubby and I made up to describe the chirpy warble noise some cats make, but I couldn't get him to do it for the video. He did demand some love, which I sometimes managed to get in the video when I wasn't recording random things in the room... but the highlight of this video is Tango climbing up on me briefly to also ask for some loves.
They were pretty content to play or accept loves. I did hand feed them again, though Mango seems to get a little over excited about the quality of the food and was eating more eagerly... but mostly we just sat and chatted. Mango demonstrated a remarkable talent for getting his food all over the floor, the feeder, and his face.
When my husband came in they tensed and Tango growled. But I handed him a packet of food and they descended upon him quickly, all wariness gone.
Mango is showing a preference for lap sitting and happily curls up on my legs whenever I'm in the room and he's not eating.
Tango often sits a little bit away, but does come up for love and attention. He never stays long enough for me to get a camera, but he will let me pick him up and hold him without complaint.
Last night, two of my house pets snuck in. Today, a third also dropped in for a visit. I was trying to supervise carefully so there are minimal pictures. They growled a lot, and followed the intruders from a safe distance. But today, Tango managed to eat nearly an entire treat packet while ignoring my Pigwidgeon (not pictured; that one is Katsu who completely ignored them while she took a look around the room). I think I'll bring in a cat nearly every dinner time, so they pair other pets with positive experiences.
Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings! It might bring a re-write of today's update, as I've fallen asleep at least a dozen times while writing it! Who knows what I said?! Not me!
Update 2/10/2021
Mango and Tango are doing better every day! They now fully trust me and my husband- no growls or apprehension when we come in. Once we enter, they'll come greet us. Usually, Mango first, calling out to us as he approaches, but Tango is always just a step behind.
I did think they'd be a little neater than kittens, but I don't think my little litter box in there was designed for ginormous cats like Mango and Tango. I may pick up a bigger box for them, but it's always good to see how cats react to vacuums.
Tango stayed up high and completely out of the way. Mango kept distance, but watched intently from the other side of the room. Both looked calm enough, but when I finished and put the vacuum away, both of them had wide, fearful, dilated eyes.
Maybe it was the vacuum or maybe it was the new person- but my mentor LM stopped by to see how the boys were doing. When we entered the room, Tango was still on top of the kennel and Mango was hiding under it. Neither would come out, though they'd become very friendly to me the last several days. Ever since Monday (it's Wednesday now), they'd come for love and attention each time I entered the room, but not after the vacuum when LM arrived.
Luckily, both are very food motivated and my mom has sent a lot of high preference cat treats. I usually limit treats for fosters, but these poor traumatized boys were used to canned food (Friskies) in their loving home and also deserve some pampering to connect humans with positive reinforcement of food and play. I opened up a packet tuna filet for cats and LM had them eating out of her hand very quickly. Once fed, they trusted her completely. Mango spontaneously walked up her chest to put his forehead near hers for a special moment (SO CUTE!). Tango let her pick him up and hold him.
They didn't play as much- perhaps because I wanted to pair this "meet a new human" experience with a positive- so they had several treat packets in a row and were fairly full. Tango seemed very interested in the catnip I spread on his cat scratching post but Mango ignored it completely to spend his time relaxing under the kennel or getting attention.
LM and I agreed they're doing very well and will be wonderful in a home that understands their special needs. It just takes a little patience and some tasty treats to get past the initial panic and hostility. But we did recommend to the rescue that they NOT go to Petsmart, at least for this weekend. Thus far, no one has expressed interest in them (*gasp!*) and we don't want to upset their trust development by putting them in a car, driving to Petsmart, spending all day in a cube with lots of noise and dogs barking... possibly getting hauled in/out of the kennel to the adoption room IF people want to see them... possibly being brought back home if no one is interested. That's a lot of uncertainty for two cats with trauma and trust issues. The rescue agreed with us, so we'll be posting how to meet them (available for meet and greets by appointment!) and giving them at least another week to adjust.
They were so insistent on love today I didn't get many new pictures. I'll get more this week!
Update 2/13/21
Running low on time as foster Holstein is heading to petsmart as soon as I'm done... but here's a quick update since I'll be posting a link to Mango & Tango's blog at petsmart shortly!
The kittens have been helping me get Mango and Tango used to other pets. The kittens are both easy going, completely relaxed, and non-threatening. Holstein gave them space and sat behind my neck in her first visit, letting them observe her and her complete trust in me from across the room. But Wicket's boldness brought them all out. He waltzed around the room as if there was nothing to fear, which helped the boys relax. They still hiss now and them if the kittens move too quickly or come up behind them, but they also ignored the kittens to play themselves. I know the picture of Tango standing behind/over Wicket is a complete blur... but the moment passed so quickly I don't have a nice one showing how they just leapt over each other for the toy. You have to look closely at the picture that seems to be just Tango laying on my lap blanket... but notice the tail sticking out of the Wicket pillow under Tango's chin. They growled a bit during food time at first, but were able to all eat in peace.
Holstein will be gone, but Wicket and probably Pigwidgeon will be great at helping them get used to other pets.
Update 2/24/2021
Mango & Tango are just two sweethearts who are showing their personality more and more each day. Without his sister Holstein, Wicket became even more permanently attached to me and would NOT be locked out of Mango & Tango's room when I went to spend time with them.
Tango growls more, but also is more interested in the playful Wicket, as toys are Tango's true passion. He has way more stamina than lazy Mango and sometimes forgets that to dislike other cats and joins Wicket in play until he remembers he's not supposed to like him- so he starts growling so Wicket will know he's not really having fun. Oblivious Wicket hasn't learned to pick up social cues and has no idea what growling means in his safe, loving, comfortable world- so he completely ignores Tango and just continues to jump, pounce, twirl, spin, hunt, and spaz until Tango is distracted by the fun and enticed back into play.
Their favorite game is hunt the blanket blob. Tango doesn't remember he's anti-social to cats until he sees them- so an undercover Wicket is 100% joy.
Mango is slightly more chill, only really growling if Wicket sneaks up on him unexpectedly. But he connects to Wicket's other passion-FOOD. Mango is a food fanatic and is completely resigned to sharing his food with Wicket. Don't worry, it's completely fair, as he also has no reservations about sticking his huge head into Wicket's bowl of kitten kibble. Sometimes, they'll let Mochi share a plate with them as well. Tango growls at everyone besides his brother and Wicket, but is completely passive. He also can't concentrate on more than 2 things at once- so if he's growling and staring at cats he doesn't like instead of eating, you can distract him by petting him. He leans into the touch and can focus on getting love and food and ignore the other stimulus... like the horde of hungry cats around him.
As a few kittens began forcing themselves into the kitten room with Mango and Tango without disaster, we decided to bring them into the bedroom while I did the taxes last weekend.
They took turns in my lap, being way too big to fit there together. Tango settles better, but is more shy about coming to me on his own.
Mango has no problem coming and demanding attention, putting his large, very not invisible body and head directly in my face, between me and the laptop, head butting me if I forget he's there. He's got the cutest mewl-one that sounds like it might come from a small fragile kitten instead of the hulking bulky man cat he is... but he just loves to chatter back and forth with me. He had very distinct opinions about Turbo Tax and showed his disdain by repeatedly throwing all the tax documents on the floor. Finally, he stopped trying to get rid of them and solved his problem of my divided attention by laying directly on the paperwork I seemed too interested in. I gave up and we had a lovely little petting session while I told him what a handsome boy he is and he agreed that he deserved all the loves.
The first few days we locked the dogs out when the boys were in the bedroom, but eventually we let all the pets free roam the house. Tango and Mango hiss and growl at the dogs, but the dogs pretty much ignore them or look at them calmly and the boys are getting more used to these large fuzzy, harmless creatures. Eventually, they'll all settle down. Currently, Mango and Tango are on the bed, watching me blog while the dogs lay between the bed and laptop desk. Everyone is relaxed.
Mango and Tango are very responsive- they may be laying peacefully now, but if I turned around and called their names, they will almost always respond by talking back (Tango's little voice is even higher and softer than his brother's... tiny Wicket has a deeper more commanding voice than either!) or by coming to me to ask what I need from them. They live for playtime. I loved the play session they had with Toasty Marshmallow, my long-haired ginger in the background in some of these pictures. The 3 boys together are all so handsome!
But their favorite perk of being free from the kitten room is access for more frequent cuddles. Mango is especially cuddly. I think Tango wants to cuddle more- but I'm pretty popular with the household felines so he'll wander off when more and more cats join me for relaxing time. They'll be happy in a house where they are the only pets or maybe with small kittens... though I am hoping they will get more and more comfortable with my adult housecats. Mango loves to reach out and touch my arms with his paws when he's near me... it's so cute.
It's time for their dinner- so I better wrap this up for now.
Please contact Itsie Bitsie Rescue if you're interested in meeting these two handsome fellas! 916-705-6884
Update 3/12/21
Mango and Tango have roamed free for the past few weeks. They still won't seek interaction with the dogs and are always alert when they're around, but they won't let the dogs stop them from whatever they want to do. Tango has become very affectionate, seeking my lap if I'm ever sitting around and will walk right past or next to the dog to get to me. Earlier today he pounced upon my lap when I was in the bathroom, nearly sitting on top of Wicket who was already there. He leaned into my chest, purring with his happiness to have me home after a long day of work.
He's also caught me off guard a few times by lightly leaping up to my shoulder. By some magic, he lands like a feather despite his size. He hasn't growled or hissed at anyone in several days and has even shown friendly interest in almost all of the house cats.... but people and play are his favorite things still. If I call his name, he has never failed to come running to me if he's awake, and often comes even if he was sleeping when I started to call him. In fact, he's extremely difficult to photograph. When I catch him snoozing in an adorable pose... I'll try to get my camera out and get a picture... but as soon as my attention turns to him, he perks up and comes for love. I mostly get blurs of his cheek in a major close-up.
In contrast, Mango seems to enjoy the camera and is much lazier about his loving. He loves to pose with his front paws stretched out and will snooze on while I take photos from all angles. While Tango loves to claim my lap when I'm sleeping, Mango prefers a lie down cuddle. He'll drape his massive bulk across my chest or wedge himself in any nook my body creates. If I'm cuddling with the husband he shares his love by stretching out across both of us. Lucky for me, I usually get his cute face while the hubby gets the still cute, but less cuddly back end. Mango knows exactly where most of his meals and treats originate.
When not cuddling, they both do love play time. I've realized that Mango is not truly lazy... but he is rather passive in his play. He'll play hard if he's alone-but once more active cats (Tango or my other boys, Toasty Marshmallow or Roxas) or spastic kittens enter the scene (Wicket)-he'd rather watch the action rather than fight for the toys.
In most things, Mango is just pretty chill. He let's us pick him up and mess with him all the time. He pretty much yells any time he's picked up, but if you end up cradling him like a baby or draping him over your shoulder, he seems to love to be held. He isn't quite as fond as the long cat belly dangle... but my husband can't seem to resist doing it now and then. Alright... I'll admit, I'm fascinated by his noises too. We're both pretty hands on with our pets-they're very tolerant in this house.
Mango is NOT passive about food though. He will stick his humongous head into any food bowl... and we've lately discovered that he has NO IDEA how to eat. It's amazing that he is as big as he is. We've tried deep dishes, shallow dishes, piles of food, flat layers of food... he approaches it all with the dexterity of a claw machine being maneuvered by a 5 year old.
I wanted to see how they'd take to traveling and other pets- so we went on a visit to my parents and their spoiled fur baby, Beignet. Baby Wicket went along too. Mango and Tango both HATED the car ride, though relatively short. They complained the entire time. As soon as we got there, they did nervous circuits around the house, exploring everything rapidly. But it didn't take them long to calm down enough to realize the stuff we kept sticking in front of them was a series of delicious treats their host, Beignet, very graciously shared with them. Mango quickly discovered the biggest softie of the house was my dad and spent most of the rest of the evening following dad around, though dad kept shooing him away in an attempt to have some food to give to "that other cat".
As always, videos of my dad include a warning that this is not safe for work... dad has no filter.
My entire family was devastated that I stopped recording before dad stood up again and started yet another attempt to get Tango some food. He finally heard our repeated statements that he was scaring Tango away with his loud slippers- and he started trying to tip toe in an exaggerated fashion... I'll never be able to verbally explain how amazing it was to watch, but please believe that we laughed heartily at the sight!
I'm really not sure how many treats "that big cat/that cat/this starving cat/poor hungry cat/that cat I already fed" and "that other cat" received that night. We also figured out he calls my kitten "Wicked" instead of Wicket... but at least he had an actual name.
Mango and Tango are SO special! They share many wonderful features, like their affectionate natures, responsiveness, tiny mews, and appetites. But they definitely have unique quirks that make them individuals that are so easy to love. Do you have a lap and lots of love to give? These boys will bring so much happiness to your home!
Update 3/21/21
When I dropped them off on 3/13/21, Mango and Tango settled in a little easier than their first trip to Petsmart. I went in over an hour early. Once I set everything up for them and the other 4 cats arriving that day, I hung out with them in the adoption room, trying to show them it was a safe space.
Mango & Tango didn't find a home that weekend, but I was allowed to pick them back up and bring them home. I worried they'd revert back to the fear a bit after being at Petsmart all day- and the drive home didn't make me feel much better. Mango wailed and Tango was stiff with tension. But once we got home, they immediately relaxed. A chicken filet treat helped, but they continued to be their loving selves.
We spent a lot of extra time with cuddles and snuggles... partially because both boys sought out attention whenever I was sitting or laying down.
In fact, sometimes even when we were upright and busy, these boys tried to get our attention. Mango helped us do dishes while Tango supervised (bottom left corner of the last picture!)
They both learned to accept our unique brand of cat-handling...
The night before they were scheduled to return to Petsmart, we changed the sheets so we could have a fun play session.... like all cats... Mango and Tango were fascinated and insistent in their offers to help us change the sheets..... we have SO much help....
I tried to control the inner panic around them, but the rescue wanted them to stay at Petsmart if they didn't get adopted this weekend. Every night at bedtime, when both boys would weave around my feet and bound into bed with eager anticipation for a nightly snuggle- my heart ached at the thought of them, alone and feeling abandoned at Petsmart. If they were in the other room with my husband and didn't know I was crawling into bed, I'd call them- they never failed to appear.
Until the following morning. I was having a small group of friends over that evening, so my housecleaners arrived with their more powerful vacuum. Tango attached himself to me, following me everywhere. At first, Mango hung out with me too, but at some point, as I was also moving around the house, getting organized and trying to stay out of the way of the cleaners, he disappeared. When it was time for us to leave, he was no where to be found.
And he didn't come when called. We brought out the secret weapon of cat enticement in our house... the plastic jug of temptations treats. We often try to open that in stealth mode, to give a little treat to one or two kittens.... but no matter how slowly and quietly we proceed... we end up with a mob. We shook and shook the container, calling Mango all over the house and even outside- sheer terror convinced me the housecleaners had let him slip out. 25minutes of my heart pounding before my husband found him-he'd crawled underneath a recliner chair-then up into the metal framework of the reclining mechanism so you couldn't see him with a quick peek under the chair.
Because I was late to Petsmart- they had to go straight into their cages, and Mango was still a bit riled. My worrying heart feared they'd be too tense to meet anyone well.
But an adoption team member texted me around 3:30 "fingers crossed. someone is visiting with Mango & Tango". I burst into tears and stalked my phone until I got the news that he said yes!!
I continued to cry- so attractive, LOL.... good thing my husband saw me cry over fish sticks and still asked me to marry him- he's used to the waterworks. But they were tears of joy. I have not met or spoken to the new dad, so I don't have permission to repost the adoption picture here- but it's on the Itsie Bitsie Rescue Facebook page, and I could not be more pleased. They will be the only pets in their new home, which is ideal for them. They learned to get along with my other pets and even seemed to like insistent Wicket... but bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb
(thanks Musubi, for that delightful commentary)
they both deserve to be the kings of their new home.
Good luck Mango & Tango!! You are loved!!
UPDATE 3/21/21-Evening
Hi Melanie,
Just wanted to give you a little update on the boys.
On the way home, they both ate their way out of their cardboard carriers and decided they had to tell me how to drive. I was fine and no danger of getting in a wreck. We got home and I moved them into the house while I unloaded the car. When I was finished, I looked around and they were nowhere to be found or at least with a cursory search. I suspect they were under the spare bed and figured they would hide out for a while and explore when they felt like it.
I made myself some dinner and watched a movie, all the while not seeing them come out for a peek. Around 1:30am, Mango jumped on the bed and woke me up. He required some head rubs for a bit and then hurried on his way. This continued every couple of hours in a rotation between the two of them. When I finally got up in the morning, they weren't out and about so I called them but still no response so I went downstairs and got my cup of coffee and noticed they had eaten their food and also left behind a few hairs on the counters. They had explored all night. Good for them.
As I was drinking my coffee and reading email, I sensed a movement at my feet and Mango was staring up at me. He jumped up and immediately demanded a head rub and of course I couldn't refuse. Then just a couple of minutes later, Tango came around and did the same thing. They were warming up. Right before I left to do my shopping, Tango was sitting on the shelf part of my desk and Mango was taking in the sun on the window ledge near my desk. I have a couple of pics and can send when I get them from my phone.
I think they are feeling happy and safe and will settle in pretty well. In fact, they were both purring while getting head scratches this afternoon. Seems like a good sign.
Mango & Tango will keep their names. They found the PERFECT home with a man who seems to understand their needs and is willing to accept them on their terms- and has a great sense of humor. I laughed and cried when I got his update and did a happy dance (for real... it wasn't pretty but it was joyful) when he gave me permission to share the update and pictures.
Update 4/14/21
Received this update 3/25/21:
Boys seems to be doing great. Both will occasionally sit with me while watching the TV in the evenings, although Tango may have taken a YouTube video of Ke’yush the Stunt Dog a bit too seriously. Otherwise, they definitely don’t mind the sound. Mango has been my sleeping buddy most nights while Tango likes his solitude. But Tango does check in and require some attention from time to time. There have been a couple of camera moments but then I don’t have my phone and when I get up to grab it, the boys follow and the moment is gone. I’ll keep trying. The way they have their cat-equivalent of zoomies tells me they are feeling comfortable and there isn’t much hiding under the spare bed anymore. Progress!
And another email update on 4/8/21, which is my favorite ever!!
The boys are doing great. With the nice weather, they sit in the window sills staring out at whatever and smelling the scents. I keep the windows open this time of year while I'm home to get fresh air and hear the birds. And Tango has been like the little kid on Christmas morning where the box is more fun than the toy. Cheap entertainment, I guess.
On a sterner note, I had to reach out to their union rep at the UCW (United Cat Workers) and try to negotiate them working days or swing instead of graveyard shifts. So far, they haven't gone on strike and it's been a bit more peaceful at night. But they will not get overtime pay for double shifts during the day.
I kept them on the Blue Wilderness diet and occasionally give them those squeeze tube treats. Where do I find those because they love them? Chicken and scallop go-gurt looking stuff.
So, they seem to be happy and adjusted!
*****************
I begged for photos and received a text today with these:
Mango knows my spot on the sofa and must usurp the throne while Tango loves sitting on the armrests overlooking the drama. They have settled in and chosen their territories. I believe the boys have accepted me and all my faults.
The only fault I can identify is that he puts his camera away and doesn't get all those photo worthy moments. Then again, my photo album is packed full with thousands of cat pictures and videos- many of them copies of an identical pose from different angles and zooms... so somewhere in between the few pictures of Mango and Tango and the plethora of photos I have is probably the right amount... but I can't wait to find out if he can ratify an agreement with UCW. I didn't realize this organization existed and have given up on the idea of sleeping through the night since becoming a pet owner... is there really a way to have pets AND get a good nights sleep??
Do I really want to give up my snuggle time with a purring Wicket on my ear? Not when it's happening... but maybe when I'm dragging through my day, lol.
Fingers and paws crossed we get more pictures and updates soon!
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