Here we are, the first Feline Friday of February, and Mr. Romeo is here to welcome you aboard.

We’ve noticed an interesting shift now that the cats have gotten used to their new home and their inside-the-house lifestyle.

Romeo, once the swashbuckling cat who patrolled the yard and fought any wandering cats that tried to pass through, seems to be much more subdued these days. He’s lost his swagger. Maybe that’s just because he’s getting older. But I think it could reflect his changing role, no longer the warrior.

When we lived in Kaaawa, if a visitor came to the house, the cats would scatter and disappear into other parts of the house. If it turned out to be someone familiar, or if the visitor stayed for a while, a few cats would venture out. Usually Wally would be first to show an interest and seek a bit of attention. Kili would eventually make an appearance. And it wouldn’t be long before Romeo came out and turned on his social charm, showing that he wasn’t afraid.

Duke would never appear, and might even have been hiding under the bed. Toby would also disappear, as would Annie and Harriet.

Once Duke, and later Silverman and Kili, were diagnosed with feline diabetes, this created a problem when we traveled.

During the best times, we had a cat sitter who could give the shots IF the diabetic cats would make themselves available. Duke and Silverman didn’t cooperate. But the last few years in Kaaawa, after Silverman died, I would put Duke in a reasonably good size cage that I set up in the living room. That assured that he could be found to get his shots. And we could count on Kili not to run and hide, even if she didn’t voluntarily come forward. So our regular Kaaawa cat sitter was able to take over the full cat care, including insulin shots.

But when he wasn’t available, we would have to board the diabetics at VCA for the duration of our trip, and get someone else to feed and care for the other cats at home. The combined cost was high, but it was worth it for peace of mind.

Fast forward to Kahala. The cats have suddenly switched roles. Duke, Toby, and Kili are far less afraid of visitors, and usually will just sit out in the living room and watch them enter. Romeo now mostly hides, as does Ms. Annie. We’ve got a former vet tech who knew the cats at VCA. She visits twice a day and updates their food, water, and gives Duke and Kili their shots. She’s wonderful, and the cats like her.

It saves us a bundle over boarding at the vet, and we split the savings with our cat sitter, so we’re able to pay her well and still save some money.

And it does let us travel when we have the chance.

–> See all of today’s Friday Felines!

There are several “two-fers” among today’s photos. That is, photos with two cats. I’m not sure why it turned out that way this week. Anyway, enjoy!