Bernie, the First Installment
When I decided I was ready for another cat, I’d waited four years and I wanted a kitten. Rescue kittens were very hard to fine, so I indulged myself. I went looking for a Scottish Fold. Along the way, I experienced sticker shock ($1,700) and anxiety over possible breed related health conditions.
I found a breeder in Gresham, Oregon, who had available kittens and would allow us to visit and place a deposit. Mom and I drove into the hills and were welcomed into the breeder’s home. Removing our masks after we all avowed our positive vaccination status, she presented us with a basket of five white kittens. One male was pure white, one male was flame point and three females were lilac or blue point.
During the visit, I nearly changed my mind about my preliminary pick. I’d fallen in love with online photos of the flame point male, but he was totally indifferent to my attentions. The pure white male was at least interested. I persevered despite flame point indifference and placed my deposit. He was born February 21, 2021 and I wouldn’t be able to bring him home for a few weeks.
I immediately started reading and shopping. For the first time in twenty years, I began outfitting for a cat and a kitten entirely from scratch. Wow, things had changed! I reread all the NORTON books (Peter Gethers) and researched my breed and kittens. Since we had an older male Yorkshire Terrier and a small parrot, I purchased a small tent as a safe base for my kitten as he got used to the changes in his circumstances. I bought beds, food, toys, treats, bowls, a drinking fountain, a soft-sided carrier and emergency medical supplies. I researched veterinarians and scheduled his wellness appointment two days after his pending arrival. I asked the breeder for new photos which she generously messaged to my phone. I talked to everyone and waited … yes, very impatiently.
While I waited to bring him home, I tested various names. I finally narrowed it down to Bernie (could also be Burnie for his flame point coloring) based on his dominate expression of mild disgruntlement (Bernie Sanders). I wanted to make sure he and the name were suited before deciding though. I bought a soft mesh-sided carrier with a lambswool bottom and included a a soft blanket for cuddling.
The drive to Gresham from our home in Longview took about 1.5 hours. As I parked, I reviewed my questions and made sure I had the rest of the $1,700 purchase price with me before grabbing the carrier and heading in. Mom elected to wait at home with her Yorkie, Bear. We hoped Bear would find it easier to adapt to a very young animal and told Bear about the cousin who’d soon be coming to live with us all.
The breeder had the paperwork assembled. After a few signatures and the exchange of money, I picked up my thoroughly disinterested kitten and placed him carefully in his new carrier. We were off. I installed the carrier (and complaining kitten) in the passenger seat of my Hyundai Veloster, keeping it level and snugged in. After walking around and getting in, I cajoled, “Hey, little guy. It’s not so bad. We’ll be home soon and you’ll have lots to entertain you.”
As we drove along, I began to call him Bernie as he was seriously disgruntled and spent the miles testing the carrier mesh with his claws and chewing on it with a determined expression. I began promising, “We’ll stop at the first rest stop and I’ll take you out for a cuddle. Please give me just a few more minutes.” When we got to the rest station, he was happy to climb out of his carrier, but remained disinterested in me. After a quick cuddle, I gave him a chance to look out the windows and test the air. We got on the road again. He eventually napped … at the end farthest from the soft blanket … until we got home.
I had assembled toys and a tent-like playpen holding his litter box, a bed, food and water dishes and some toys. Some panels allowed visibility, but gave definite boundaries. Guess what he did? Yes, he tested and chewed on the playpen too. Remaining aloof, he eventually napped for a few hours. As bed time rolled around, I was optimistic. I’d settle him into the playpen, turn down the lights and get some sleep.
I love getting to know an animal, especially when we belong to one another. For the longest time (a whole day), all Bernie wanted was food to eat, to play on his own, to sleep undisturbed and to use his litter box … all with minimal interference. He definitely didn’t want to be petted or held. And, I’m smart enough not to try petting the head of any kitten or cat unless invited.
Given this dynamic, I fully expected to be able to settle him into the playpen and get a good night’s sleep. Who knew a kitten could make that much noise?! Left alone was desirable, but BEING alone was obviously not. Since Mom’s bedroom is closest to the living room (and the howling kitten), I got up so that she could sleep. Since I had to be awake, I resolved to win his affection.
When Bernie deigned to nap, I slept in Mom’s recliner. Most of the time, I spent lying on or dozing on the floor amid the toys. I teased him with toys, played with teaser sticks, spun balls in the two track toys and felt victorious whenever he let me pet him. Eventually, he would sleep for short amounts of time curled up on or next to my hand or arm. He also had to climb literally every possible piece of furniture, including the outside of his playpen in order to use it as a hammock/trampoline. I figure we got 3–4 hours of actual sleep. (He may have gotten more.)
I am extremely happy to say he used his litterbox without a slip, quickly learned the placement of his food and water bowls, and even tried out his claws on the cat tree and floor scratcher. And from that night forward, he’s wanted to know where I am and continues to call for me if he can’t find me. He allows the occasionally cuddle and sometimes like being carried around in my arms on his back like an infant. He prefers being NEAR to being ON his people, but sometimes gets caught on a lap until he regains his energy. I knew he might not be a lap cat, but I’m good with the cuddles and companionship between his manic kitten rampages. He made me work for it, but now we’re in it together.
