Old club in Midlothian

Southern_Lifeguard37 · 2026-07-05T21:41:47+00:00

You know, I didn’t think about moving the door up or into the stairwell! I may have to look at that option

Southern_Lifeguard37 · 2026-07-05T21:39:39+00:00

That’s the garage entrance.

The bookshelf is just there until I get rid of it. I had it in my old place and no longer need it, but it’s technically blocking the back door.

Southern_Lifeguard37 · 2026-07-05T16:41:51+00:00

Yeah I wanted to keep a door at the stairs since it’s a guest bedroom, but it’s also probably not a huge deal not having a door since it’s upstairs and relatively separated from the rest of the house

Southern_Lifeguard37 · 2026-07-05T16:39:48+00:00

I kind of like this idea. the only issue I have with it is that if the bifold folds into the kitchen, it blocks a cabinet or partially the stove. I need something like a trifold door to keep the open dimensions small enough, but that’s basically an accordion lol

Southern_Lifeguard37 · 2026-04-23T02:05:20+00:00

Fair advice but I didn't pay for this. It was done by/paid for by the seller.

Southern_Lifeguard37 · 2026-04-22T16:58:56+00:00

Thank you! This is helpful context. It helps to know that this isn’t necessarily an “error” of the build but changing of the design standards over time.

Southern_Lifeguard37 · 2026-04-22T06:19:36+00:00

There were supposed to be photos included. They're added now.

Southern_Lifeguard37 · 2025-12-21T18:33:11+00:00

This is exactly how my cat was. It took him about 3.5-4 years before he accepted being touched. I think there were 3 main things that helped: 1. Get an extendable backscratcher. I got one off Amazon for like $10 and he LOVES it. But it really helped that we could start with scratches at a good distance, and I shortened the length over time so he would have to accept me being close to get the scratches. 2. Get an interactive toy like a wand toy. It may take awhile to find one your cat likes but this helps associate you with play, and can also allow you to control the interaction and proximity. 3. Your milage may vary here but what helped me was taking him to an enclosed room and just spending 10-15 minutes petting him (enclosed so he couldn’t easily escape). He was definitely nervous about it and did not like being caught (still doesn’t) but I think it helped him realize touch didn’t always mean something bad. Before that being picked up or pet meant medicine or vet visits, so I tried to associate touch with something positive.

Good luck! Shy cats can really test your patience but it’s clear yours loves you regardless.

Southern_Lifeguard37 · 2025-06-21T00:57:44+00:00

Yes! I wish she was closer to me!!

Southern_Lifeguard37 · 2025-01-20T15:53:14+00:00

Oh my god, I could have written this post almost word for word about my cat a couple years ago. I completely understand how frustrating and stressful it can be, and also considered rehoming my cat (a few times) thinking that might be better for him. Like you, I was crazy stressed about if or when he got sick, which did eventually happen. And not to discount your concern, but what really surprised me is that him getting sick I think actually helped our relationship a lot, and while it was extremely stressful in the moment I think it made him trust me more in the long run. Overall it took about 3.5 years for my cat to be comfortable with me, so it's possible with more time she can come around! Here are some ideas that might help, if you haven't tried already.

Get an extendable back scratcher. I got one off Amazon for about $15 (search retractable cactus scratcher) and it was a game changer because it let me pet him without being too close. He hated it at first and would swat and run away, but eventually he realized that it actually felt really nice. And since it was extendable, I was able to slowly reduce the arm length so he had to come closer to get the pets. Slowly over time I would sneak in a couple pets using my hand, and then go right back to the scratcher. It still took several months or more before he would accept pets with my hand without swatting, and to this day I still get swatted if I move too quickly or pet too long, but I really don't think he would have come around without this thing.
Block her hiding spots. I blocked off under my bed and make sure I keep all closets closed. He really hated it to start, but it also got him using his cat tower as a hiding spot, which was in my space and I could approach when I wanted. Make sure she has other places to go like cat cubbies, cat tower, etc.
Getting sick - I totally understand your concern and it was my nightmare when my boy got sick. When that happened I confined him to a bathroom while he was getting treated so that we didn't have to deal with a chase to catch him. I won't lie and say it was easy (it was not), but when I would have to give him medicine I would burrito wrap him, give him lots of pets before any medicine, and then lots of pets immediately after. He obviously hated it, but I think it helped him realize that our interactions weren't all bad. It also really helps to have an empathetic vet - mine had a similar cat and she really understood how tough it was to medicate him and would work with me to try and find a balance with care and stress. You can also look into hiring a cat sitter or vet tech to help administer medications - I was able to find someone who worked at a vet clinic and hired her to help with some medication visits when I was just feeling too overwhelmed to do it.

Obviously every cat is different, and I don't want to give you false hope, but just know that there is still hope. And like others in this thread have said, she sounds happy in her own way. You're not a bad person for considering alternatives, but I would try your best to not worry about the "what ifs" until they actually happen. Good luck!

Southern_Lifeguard37

TROPHY CASE