First meetings don’t always go to plan. First impressions can be difficult to shake…especially if those impressions include significant puncture wounds.
For the record:
Human lapses of judgment are not the fault of any creature ever, especially if that creature happens to be a Tabby’s Place cat named Zinc.
Zinc is amazing.
Zinc is adorable.
Zinc is sweet.
And, above 2 years after the fact, with much socialization while living in the medical suite, Zinc is making very different kinds of impressions on the people she meets, from first to last and everything in between.
Anyone meeting Zinc will first notice her whole entire self. Okay, maybe they’ll notice her face first. Mostly black with white streaks, her features are reminiscent of an ink blot test. But, then, there is that magnificent span of white cascading down her belly. Even so, when seen from the exactly right angle, someone could be forgiven for thinking that Zinc is almost entirely black. But, that’s the thing about Zinc. She is chock full of surprises.
Yet, unsurprisingly for a very shy cat, Zinc is not at all fond of being surprised. Just so, moving slowly is elementary when it comes to interacting with Zinc and other undersocialized or shy cats. But, when she exchanges slow blinks, the impression left is of being granted the very highest of honors. Of course, that is exactly what slow blinks are: the highest of honors. Well, almost.
The very greatest, most wonderful, and softest impression and reward of all is that of finger imprints in fur. Fleeting in actual fact, these are the impressions that are most impactful for humans and felines alike. These eradicate any trace of anything except all of the very best impressions. In fact, taking time and moving slowly can lead to having very many, very good impressions accumulate over time.
So, despite a relatively rocky start that was 100% down to human error (mine), time and caution, patience and persistence have led to a wonderful relationship. Zinc trusts me and accepts the pets and crunchies that I offer. Meanwhile, I trust her to give me fair and gentle warning when she is ready to end an interaction.
With the trust that we continue nurturing, we greatly enjoy each other’s company. Moreover, as Zinc’s confidence and comfort at Tabby’s Place has grown, I’ve grown ever more confident that her perfect person – or whole entire family – is out there just waiting to make a good first impression.
Sure, winter is coming. But, there is ample time to plan and prepare for bringing home a furry friend. And, Zinc is one element worth braving any weather to love.