Since Malora came to Tabby’s Place in October 2021, she has found and lost love. She has found and lost favorite spaces to curl up in. Hopefully, she will find that she doesn’t need to be so reticent around humans now that her suite has been transitionally redesigned. Importantly, Malora is not afraid of people. She is simply shy. In her prior suite and in her present suite pre-reconfiguration, it had been easy for her to find high points where she could snuggle other cats and observe goings-on from a distance.
The removal of the ramp and cubbies in Malora’s current suite changed everything.
For one thing, Malora’s beloved buddy Bing has decided that the vantage from within the clear tube over the hallway is best for observation and staying out of the reach of humans.
For another thing, there has been a seemingly revolving door of new suitemates for Malora to meet and greet.
Intakes and outtakes (Those latter would be adoptions and relocations.) could have left Malora reeling. Where did Moo Moo go? The lobby, where she is often visible through the window – also where she awaits her own loving home…or, at least lots of caring sponsors.
Where did those new kids go already? To their forever homes.
Who are these little guys? Who is that new fella?
Fortunately, Malora generally gets along well with other cats. She also seems to be coming out of her shell a bit more due to watching human-feline interactions more closely and from closer up. With Adder and Boa as roommates, up close is hard to avoid (for ANYONE).
Getting close to Malora has become something of a challenge because Adder is very apt to head butt visitors and hold onto their heads with both forepaws in attempts to snuggle closer and to eat their hair (It’s adorably awkward and quirky, yet strongly discouraged. Cats, man!).
Malora watches it all. Malora relocates when the activity level gets to be too much, including when necessary human action must be taken to forestall potential damage (to cats and property) due to excess interest in a wiggly (Adder), crinkly (Boa) wire that powers a water fountain. If Malora is in any way actually upset by such activity, or by high-energy play, or by very many visitors, she doesn’t let it show. With grace, she simply finds a space that is more comfortably out of the way.
Out of the way does not translate into out of reach. Malora has never really been out of reach. Even high up on a ramp, in her old suite or new, Malora was usually in reach of fellow felines. She was where she could best find comfort and snuggles from creatures she implicitly trusts.
Now, Malora is often within reach of a gentle human hand, excepting interference from over-eager interlopers (That would mostly be Adder). Where she used to find the highest point, she now seeks a high enough point.
For always, Malora has responded in kind to slow blinks.
For always, her body language has been aware, but not excessively wary. This beautiful grey and white tuxedo seems quite comfortable in her own fur.
We know from experience that Malora is capable of strong, companionable connections. It is clear that with the right person and patience, she would also become perfectly content in a home. It is only a matter of distracting a few rambunctious ragamuffins to allow her light to shine. It will be worth the effort once Malora’s forever family finally finds her. Those of us left behind might feel a little lost without her sweet, quiet presence. But, the ragamuffins will be there to distract us…until the Adoptions Team finds them their own forever homes too.