“The Banks of Green Willow” by George Butterworth, performed by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (courtesy of Jayne Anne Strutt):
Courtesy of Pawsome Tales:
Remembering my pledge to help Freddie, the feral cat, in his acclimatisation into a human family, I piled on just about everything that from Stone Age cavemen to today’s cottage dweller represents ‘Home Sweet Home’. The warmth-radiating oven shelves were stocked full with various dishes. On one Freddie’s supper was simmering gently, on the other a tray of bread or scones would exude a wonderful aroma. As the weather that year had been exceptionally chilly, the cosiness of the kitchen served as an invaluable attraction. At mealtimes Freddie’s food was served grandly on three plates. Every so often there would be a side dish of a starter with a few prawns, or chopped liver, all highly exotic as far as Freddie was concerned.
Bon appetit! (courtesy of Neko Watch):
As I didn’t know whether the feral cat was even aware that now he should be ‘a contentedly purring’ cat, I set up a role model for him. The washing machine and the dryer purred softly, creating a cocoon of soothing sound that was meant to give Freddie encouragement while he slept. I made a point of talking to him when he was resting at regular intervals in a soft but animated voice. As with all animals that had come to live with us over the years, I treated Freddie as a little foreigner as far as communication was involved. That meant speaking clearly and slowly, with some pointing included for good measure. I would tell him how companionable it was to be together, how nice it was to have a cosy home, that I liked him a lot, and that I would take good care of him.
“Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major”, K. 467 II. Andante by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, performed by Hauser and London Symphony Orchestra:
At certain times during the course of each day, I would put on Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major or perhaps the Clarinet Quintet in A major, although understandably my favourite, the Requiem Mass, had to be ruled out. Initially, there was no indication that Freddie understood anything at all, but I persevered, repeating the same words in the same situations and accompanying them with appropriate gestures. For instance, when alerting him to a freshly served meal, I would always use the same sentence and point in the direction of the dishes. To develop in Freddie a sense of self-worth, often destroyed in strays by the harshness of their lives, I treated him with great respect. When I dropped something by accident, banged a saucepan or used a blender, I would always apologise in a soft voice and looking directly at him. In the evenings I would switch off the top light in the kitchen after noticing that it made Freddie’s eyes narrow against its glare. This simple task would be performed in a slightly theatrical manner, to leave the cat in no doubt whatsoever of how important his welfare was to me. By now Freddie was able to understand quite a great deal; he looked alert and interested, his eyes closely following my every gesture.
“Clarinet Quintet in A major”, K. 581 II. Larghetto by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, performed by David Shifrin and Emerson String Quartet:
Although alert, he relaxed in his box with the indifference of a seasoned traveller in yet another hotel on the way to somewhere else. I was in no doubt that it was the easily provided comfort that he found so appealing. It was just too bad that it came with a treacherous human attached. No matter how softly I spoke to him and how much fuss I made, he simply didn’t like or trust me now, and that was that. Another week passed as usual without any marked progress. One day, particularly affronted by his indifferent gaze, I looked him squarely in the eye and asked: “Why don’t you like me a little? I do everything for you, do I not? I like you heaps. Isn’t it nice to have someone to like you? Why don’t you try that little bit harder then?” I could see that Freddie, a still feral cat, understood the general meaning of my reproachful outburst.
Courtesy of The Dodo:
Thinking that a well-regulated life might be a trifle dull for a wild creature, I decided to introduce Freddie to the joys of playing. A carton roll from the loo roll threaded on black elastic looked attractive to me, but would this be good enough for Freddie? The moment of truth finally arrived and I started waving and pirouetting the rope in front of a po-faced cat. Trying hard to retain some of his superior composure and habitual grumpiness, he sat upright, his tail coiled elegantly around his ankles, and stared at me with disbelief. This wasn’t something to do with food, was it? It seemed, in fact, that this thing wasn’t to do with anything. It was just plain silly.
“Go on”, I urged him in excited tones, manically twirling the loo roll at his feet. “Come on, let’s play, let yourself go!” It took Freddie a few minutes to assess the situation. In the end he concluded that as he owed me a favour or two, he should humour me and get involved if that was what would please me. Tentatively he put out one paw and touched the jerking roll. At this very moment instinct took over, and forgetful of his composure, he started chasing the rope. Grabbing the elastic in both paws, he threw himself to the floor and twisting on his back in fast rounds, his legs and arms high in the air, he chewed on the end knot and licked it as if it was an ice-lolly, simply refusing to let go of his first real toy. I was jubilant! The bit of stretchy elastic had achieved the breakthrough I had been awaiting for such a long time.
From that day on, playtime became one of the most cherished and rigorously observed rituals. A day could not begin properly without a furiously energetic romp. Then there would be one at lunchtime and another at night, not counting the little playtimes when the mood took us. Curiously though, while in no time Freddie developed a wide repertoire of wonderfully choreographed hops, jumps, rolls and throws, he still regarded his new-found activity as my special hobby. Suddenly, he discovered an odd new emotion, namely that pleasing me somehow pleased him, and he couldn’t do enough to accommodate me. For instance, on coming back home, normally his first thought would have been to have a good nosh-up before collapsing into his bed. Now, back from an outing tired and hungry, his first thought would be to look for me all around the house, calling me in an urgent voice. Then he would have a good tumble-down the stairs, a roll over the hall, a spot of prancing around the chair legs in the kitchen, all performed with an amazing agility, before finally satisfied that he had paid his dues, he would settle down to his supper. I could see that his face was more relaxed now and that he wasn’t indifferent to me anymore. I would suddenly look over my shoulder to see him right behind me , watching me preparing dinner. As soon as I looked at him, he would run to his bed, but all the signs were there. Finally I had been forgiven, just.
Courtesy of The Dodo:
“2 English Idylls: No. 2, Adagio non troppo” by George Butterworth, performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra (courtesy of Jayne Anne Strutt):
naturetails 
The story of your interaction with Freddie is fascinating.
… as are the videos you shared and the fantastic music😻😽
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i’ve been eagerly awaiting this installment!👍🏼🙏🏼👍🏼
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Thank you, dear Luisa, for your wonderful comments! I love your kind words about the additional parts of my post!
Joanna xx
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Thank you so much for your wonderful comments! All greatly appreciated!
Joanna xx
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You are a talent as an animal pyschiatrist, Joanna.
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Thank you, dear Pat, for your wonderful comments! I thought that you might be referring to my painting talent but whatever you are praising is much appreciated!
Joanna x
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I love a story with a happy ending! But after all you did foe Freddie, it couldn’t go any other way! Animals can read people and they know who to trust. Cats being cats have to take their time and make you feel honoured when they agree to be your friend. I enjoyed the videos and the music. I do like Mr Hauser and his cello. Thank you for another lovely story.
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Thank you, Carolyn, for your wonderfully insightful comments!
That is just the beginning! The fun of teaching him to like and protect birds is still to follow
Joanna x
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As always your fascination with Freddie or any creature big or small has been exemplary as as your devotion.Also the videos & music is so soothing and rejuvenating to the self.Thanks for sharing,Joanna
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Thank you, Dhirendra, for your wonderful comments! Your kind thoughts are deeply appreciated!
Joanna
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Thanks Joanna,for your unwavering support & wishes on our fruitful 75-days stay at Eindhoven for accomplishing our mission!Cute baby Taarini was showered with hearty blessings from you all ! Will reconnect after time as we are travelling back to India tomorrow
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Thank you, Dhirendra, for letting me know! Safe journey, and will wait for your online return! Your grandbaby is beautiful, as indeed is your whole family!
I love your erudite writing!
Joanna
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Thank you so much for giving me something to smile whenever I will remember your unbiased & hearty praise ! Namaste, Joanna
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You are more than welcome, Dhirendra!
Joanna
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🙏
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Namaste.
Joanna
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Your patience and ingenuity certainly paid off with Freddie. It must have seemed so strange to him to be in a place where he did not always have to be on edge. Play time was brilliant. Everybody and every living thing needs play time, time to relax and just be silly. Great job Joanna. Allan
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Hello, Joanna. You have a way with animals that very few humans can match. It’s quite amazing.
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Thank you, Allan, for your insightful comments! I am grateful for you finding time to read my post and comment despite the situation at home! Greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Neil, for your wonderful comments! You touched my heart, and your kind words are deeply appreciated!
Joanna
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Some how I missed that you painted the cat. I meant your understanding of how the animals feel and respond, and it could certainly apply to the sensitive paintings. So many talents, Joanna.
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Not sure if this is a duplicate or not, since I did not see the first reply load. I did not realize you also painted the cat. I meant your understanding of what the cat felt and how he reacted to you, and it could certainly apply to your sensitive paintings also.
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Thank you, dear Pat, your comments are making me very happy, although, Leonardo sadly I am not!
Joanna x
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Very welcome, Joanna.
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Thank you, dear Pat, I painted Freddie in parts 3 and 4!
Joanna x
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A lot of patience and perseverance paid off in the end. Well done Joanna.
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Your mention of “some pointing included for good measure” recalls a science documentary I watched on television some years ago. Although monkeys are generally a good deal smarter than dogs, the documentary showed that a dog understood what a person meant by pointing, whereas a monkey did not.
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You may be aware that the Andante from Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major gained popularity even among people not particularly attuned to classical music after that movement featured prominently in the 1967 movie “Elvira Madigan.”
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The tide has finally turned! How exciting to see Freddie recovering his love of play! And the first photo of Freddie laying claim to a sandwich is adorable!
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I’m not surprised he’s forgiven you, how could he not? All the pampering and playing has certainly paid off Joanna. I do hope there’s a Part 5. Saturday mornings wouldn’t be rhe same without a visit from Freddie – and you of course 🐈😻
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Thank you, Malc, for your wonderful comments! Of course, there will be much more about Freddie as I still have to teach him to like and protect the birds. This is where the fun will begin!
Joanna
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I wasn’t sure that he was still with you so that’s great news.
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I never give up on any animal, Malc!
Joanna x
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I know you wouldn’t give up Joanna. I just wasn’t sure that he was stil with you.
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Thank you, Malc, for trusting me, but as you know nobody can live forever!
Joanna
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True, but at least we’ve got another story lined up for next week presumably x
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Yes, we have, Malc! Thank you!
Joanna
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😻
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Another fabulous tale of Freddie and of course, you, dear Joanna. The story tells us as much about you as it does Freddie! A lovely, heart-warming tale indeed. Sending you big hugs across the airwaves! 🤗💓🤗💓🤗💓🙋♂️💕 xx
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Thank you, dear Ashley, for your wonderful comments! You are very kind and your thoughts are much appreciated!
Joanna xx
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Appreciate the way way you went about Freddie…great job, Joanna!
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Thank you, Indira, your words are much appreciated!
Joanna x
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You’re more than welcome, dearest Joanna🌷
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Thank you!
Joanna xx
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Thank you, Joanna, for sharing another part of Freddie’s story and how you were able to babysit him. I loved how you trained him by consistently using the same words in the same situations and took every measure to make him feel comfortable and important. This is exactly what’s needed to build a relationship.
Engaging him in play was a significant effort on your part, and ultimately getting him to compromise and have fun with you was impressive. Your patience and perseverance truly paid off.
Playing piano music was a wonderful experiment on your part. I’ve noticed that some cats and dogs try to dance when they hear music, and cows have even been known to produce more milk when they listen to it.
I enjoyed all the videos and music you included in your post, making it an interesting read. Thank you again, Joanna, for sharing your personal experience and unique experiment with a wild cat.
And last but not the least, you have a promising future in painting. You could achieve the same success as a painter as you have as a writer. Best of luck!
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Thank you, dear Kaushal, for your wonderfully insightful comments! More fun will come when I teach Freddie, a wild cat, to like and even protect my birds. I like your thoughts about my painting ability, it made my day, Kaushal Thank you again, Kaushal!, your generous words are much appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Peter, but more fun will start when I teach Freddie to like and even protect my birds!
Joanna x
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It’s always my pleasure, Joanna! You’re welcome!
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Thank you!
Joanna
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Thank you again, Harini, and goodnight!
Joanna
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