That was the opening paragraph to a story written about Sam almost a year ago. I am revisiting what was then his period of adjustment in a new home in an attempt to better understand what Sam was feeling.
 
During our first visit my fingers discovered matted fur under his ears leaving me to hope Sam would enjoy brushing. No way to know without trying and a few visits later I showed up with a dollar store hairbrush, sat down next to him on the floor, and after a single brushstroke I waited for Sam to decide. Within seconds he was rubbing against me wanting more.
 
His owner’s heavy travel schedule offered lots of opportunities to indulge our new pastime. Sam was almost 7 years old with an unknown grooming history and, like all cats, his beautiful face admitted nothing. Together we worked out the body language of do’s and don’ts. Topping his list is the need to be on all fours during brushing, walking back and forth next to me while I brush one side and then the other. Sitting down is his cue to stop. Laying down is no-touch-me-time. Finger work of the ears, cheeks, and chin is the exception and (almost) always welcome. My only don’t is chewing the brush. If Sam reaches for it, I twist my wrist to turn the bristles away and he helpfully takes the hint.
 
I had written about brushing Sam when he suddenly turned and scratched my hand springing a leak. I felt little discomfort yet was shaken by the suddenness and intensity of Sam’s action. For a moment he was spitting mad. Of course I linked his behavior to the brushing and slowed my approach. The result was lots of grooming progress yet that single event has been living in my head because the behavior was out of character for the Sam I knew.
 
RULE of 3/3/3 FOR CATS

Being moved from one place to another is a huge deal for most cats. The average feline adjustment period is 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to suss out the new environment and learn to trust it, and 3 months to feel comfortable and completely safe in their new home.
 
Sam had to navigate the same process, though his timeline was longer. I met with his owner at the six week mark and by that time, Sam had soiled the living room sofa twice. The last time I cleaned the sofa was at 4 months.
 
My care of Sam began in March. The timing is important because Sam moved from a spacious home in a tranquil suburb to a sky high Uptown apartment overlooking a stadium. He had yet to experience the long season of outdoor activities, roaring fans, and fireworks heading his way. In the meantime Sam was acclimating to an apartment building humming with machinery and high-rise life with fewer places to hide. His sensory super powers worked against him creating anxiety that too often felt perilous.
 
Usually Sam was under the bed when I arrived. That tendency persisted for months though sometimes he would be hiding in the master closet behind his owner’s neatly pressed dress shirts. I would assume a bigger, scarier thing had happened. From the doorway I would call his name and he would respond with a tiny meow before dropping down to follow me out. On some visits Sam would stay close while I moved about cleaning up. Always we would settle down near the balcony for a grooming session and quiet time.
 
My mistake was not paying more attention. Did I hear fireworks the night before? Was there evidence maintenance had entered the apartment? Had he been hiding in the closet? I now believe Sam was having a very bad day — one disturbing thing piled atop another — and the brushing was stimulating enough to push him over the top. Lashing out was a release.
 
He has come a very long way since then. Against the balcony doors is a plush bed that surrounds Sam like a hug. It’s a favorite spot for napping or taking in the view. Next month he will be 9 years old. Happy Birthday, Sam!