Socrates At Home

Published on August 2, 2006 By MasonM In Blogging

I finally made it home around noon today. This morning's delivery went smoothly, without any problems or hitches at all. That kinda makes me nervous, but hey ya takes em where ya gets em.

I called in to dispatch to let them know everything was delivered, I was empty, and I was heading for the house. They asked how long I planned to stay home this time so they know what to lood for load-wise. I asked they try to find something that picks up on Monday. That means they'll probably find something for Tuesday

I got in, paid for a week of parking for my rig. It's 5 bucks a day or 20 bucks for a week so it's easier to just go ahead and pay for a week. I packed everything up, called for my ride to come pick me up, and put Socrates in his carrier.

This is the first time I have locked him up in the carrier. He's played in it and gotten familiar with it, but he's never actually been locked in it. At first he thought I was playing a game with him but after about 5 minutes he realized "Hey! I can't get out!" and started meowing for me to release him.

My ride showed up and we came home with Socrates riding on my lap, still in the carrier. He meowed the whole way. I imagine at this point his primary thought was "WTF is going on here? Where's my truck?". We made it home and I moved the bike outside, all of my stuff inside, except the laundry which my ride takes to my mom's to be washed. I then turned on the water and power, moved Socrates inside, set up his food and water as well as his "home" litter box, and released him. I showed him where the litter box was and where his food and water dish were and then left him to his own exploring.

I wondered how he would react to the new environment. No big deal, he's a trucking cat. It seems nothing phases him now. He walked around, looked at everything, and then found a comfy spot to take a nap (my foot stool).

He seems to just accept stuff now as normal even if he's not seen it before. Curious, yes, freaked out, no. He's now officially a worldy feline

I guess as long as I am there he figures it must be ok.

He's not liking this heat very much though. My little place gets pretty warm even with the tiny little air conditioner running full speed. He's panting and obviously not comfortable, as I am not comfortable, but otherwise seems just fine.

I have discovered that he doesn't like cold water. The gallon jug of water I use for him had run out so I bought a small bottle of water to give him. It was ice cold and I thought he might enjoy that in this heat. He sniffed at it, stuck his tongue in it, and backed away. He refused to drink it until it had set long enough to warm up a bit. Too different I guess.

I'm hoping the heat doesn't cause him too much distress. The place will cool down a lot once the sun sets and it may even get a tad chilly at that point, but in the mean time he's not liking this at all. I always keep the truck at a comfortable temperature so this is something new for him. But he's handling it in typical kitty fashion by taking a nap.

Comments

Tova7

on Aug 02, 2006

It is hot hot hot here too Mason and the neighborhood stray that adopted us last year is laying under our big shade tree in the grass napping. Poor things. Can you imagine wearing a fur coat in the heat?

Glad Socrates made the adjustment...I think he'll be fine unless you're not around, then he might get a little freaky deaky.

MasonM

on Aug 02, 2006

#1 by Tova7
Wed, August 02, 2006 3:53 PM

[Tova7]

It is hot hot hot here too Mason and the neighborhood stray that adopted us last year is laying under our big shade tree in the grass napping. Poor things. Can you imagine wearing a fur coat in the heat?

Glad Socrates made the adjustment...I think he'll be fine unless you're not around, then he might get a little freaky deaky.

Yeah, fur in this heat has to suck big time. I think he's getting used to me coming and going as I come and go a lot in the truck.

Dr Guy

on Aug 02, 2006

So Sew Crates does not like ice water? Sally will not drink anything else - and out of a cup! (she thinks she is people).

The other cats laugh at her. Except Sampson. he thinks she is his child and loves her (Sinum hisses - even after 3 months).

What a great story! yea, when I bring Sally home in her "carrier" she cries like I am Joseph Mengele and she is the latest victim! But as soon as she is let loose, surprise! All is forgiven.

We got the AC on 24x7 now. Even the outside cats want inside - even with my son here (and most are scaredy cats when it comes to him).

Cats! Who would have thunk!

MasonM

on Aug 02, 2006

#3 by Dr. Guy
Wed, August 02, 2006 4:16 PM

[Dr. Guy]

So Sew Crates does not like ice water? Sally will not drink anything else - and out of a cup! (she thinks she is people).

The other cats laugh at her. Except Sampson. he thinks she is his child and loves her (Sinum hisses - even after 3 months).

What a great story! yea, when I bring Sally home in her "carrier" she cries like I am Joseph Mengele and she is the latest victim! But as soon as she is let loose, surprise! All is forgiven.

We got the AC on 24x7 now. Even the outside cats want inside - even with my son here (and most are scaredy cats when it comes to him).

Cats! Who would have thunk!

I think the ice water thing is because he's not used to it. Maybe he'll come around if I offer it to him more often.

Cats are pretty weird. They're like little stubborn, hard-headed, determined, and cuddly children. But with claws and sharp teeth

I'm still trying to teach Socrates that biting the shit out of me is NOT what I consider play.

Tova7

on Aug 02, 2006

I'm still trying to teach Socrates that biting the shit out of me is NOT what I consider play.

Not that I am a cat guru mind you...but I read once that playing with a kitten using your hands will teach them to bite and claw your hands.

The article suggested using kitty toys or strings for play and then disciplining the cat when it bites your hand using whatever method works. (A scolding, putting the cat down when it wants to play, etc.)

I dunno if that works though...just thought I'd share.

MasonM

on Aug 02, 2006

#5 by Tova7
Wed, August 02, 2006 4:37 PM

[Tova7]
I'm still trying to teach Socrates that biting the shit out of me is NOT what I consider play.

Not that I am a cat guru mind you...but I read once that playing with a kitten using your hands will teach them to bite and claw your hands.

The article suggested using kitty toys or strings for play and then disciplining the cat when it bites your hand using whatever method works. (A scolding, putting the cat down when it wants to play, etc.)

I dunno if that works though...just thought I'd share.

Yeah, that much I knew. I don't play with him with my hands. We have toys we play with but he often will attack my hands or, even more annoying, the back of my arm while I'm driving, and bite. I know it's how kittens play but sometimes it really annoys me. I know he undertstands "NO!" because he's stopped doing certain things when I say it, but when he gets carried away playing he ignores it until I pick him up and scold him.

It's just kitten stuff and I know he'll outgrow it eventually.

MasonM

on Aug 02, 2006

Now I know he's hot. I opened the fridge to get a beer and he climbed in. I went to close the door and he refused to move. I guess he was enjoying the cool air. I had to pick him up and make him get out.

dynamaso

on Aug 02, 2006

He does sound like a worldly cat already. It is cool to read how he reacts, or doesn't react to different situations. It sounds to me like he's already proved to be a wonderful companion too, except for the claws in the back of your arm, though. But you're right, he will grow out of that habit.

MasonM

on Aug 02, 2006

#8 by dynamaso
Wed, August 02, 2006 9:47 PM

[dynamaso]
He does sound like a worldly cat already. It is cool to read how he reacts, or doesn't react to different situations. It sounds to me like he's already proved to be a wonderful companion too, except for the claws in the back of your arm, though. But you're right, he will grow out of that habit.

Yeah, we do have our disputes about whether it's acceptable to sink claws and teeth into my tricep while I'm driving, but otherwise we get along quite well.

I know it's just "kitten stuff" but I still have to train him on acceptable behavior, as he does me.

dynamaso

on Aug 02, 2006

I still have to train him on acceptable behavior, as he does me.

I've had my cat for 10 years and she is still training me. I'm learning but not as quick as she'd like, I guess

feisty_in_ohio

on Aug 02, 2006

The cat we have now loves the heat - crazy cat.
Our first cat would wrap himself around the bottom of the toliet to stay cool. My husband called him the "shit-house cat."
He was happy when we got A/C - mee too!

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:

Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums.
Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
It's simple, and FREE!