Let’s talk about the cat for a little bit. My “bud” - though I don’t pay as much attention to him as I should.

I guess while we were gone he didn’t get a whole lot of attention, as the housesitters were busy with Zeeke and Zoe - he got fed, but that was it. So when Den came home (a week before I did), Jo was estatically happy that one of his buddies was back. So happy, in fact, that he braved Zeeke in order to spend time with Den. This seems to have broken through that last barrier, and now Jo will willingly come out of the safety of the kitchen at any time, ignoring Zeeke. Now Zeeke just can’t let it go and continually harasses the cat, so Jo generally goes stalking back in there out of annoyance - but it’s not fear anymore. There are many times when I’ll find Jo curled up on Den’s lap at the computer desk, even though Zeeke is standing there staring.

Which is great! I love that Jo is coming out and walking around, being part of our lives instead of the cat in the cupboard. I like having him around, even if he can be annoying. I always have an audience when I pee - the dogs will stay out if I tell them to, but the cat always comes sauntering in. Which generally means Zeeke comes crashing in after him, not a fun thing when you’re sitting on the toilet!

Yesterday and today I’ve spent time in the bedroom with Zoe, as usual, but Jo’s been following me in too. He used to be scared of the bedroom, because it was where Zeeke was crated. He no longer has that fear, so he’ll come walking in. (He did it in the middle of the night once, when I got up in the dark - darted in between my legs. THAT was fun - very dark, Zeeke woke up and started chasing him around the room, Den’s trying to sleep, I’m trying to catch the cat and kick him out. No more cat in the bedroom at night!!) So he and Zoe were playing, Jo would dive under the covers and then lunge out to grab her. Then Jo curled up on top of Zoe’s crate right in front of the air conditioner - I think he likes the smells that come in from outside. That, or he’s a hot cat.

Jo still walks around “talking” to us. He’s currently moewling, and walking around giving me his trademark, “Mrrrrr?” He’s so expressive. I find myself talking back, without really knowing what I’m doing. It just honestly feels like he’s holding conversations with you. If only I could understand what he was saying - although I think it would run along the lines of, “Let me outside, you stupid human!” Cats. What can you do.