it’s almost our motto here at scruffy dog — “… where all we shoot is dogs … and cats when we have to” — accompanied by a roll of the eyes to emphasize the humor.  yes, cats can be difficult … not as easily manipulated as dogs, not as quick to gobble down treats or become enchanted with a new squeakie, and no matter how giddy you make your voice their level of disdain will only deepen.  so the approach must be different … it must be calm and respectful, geared to the individual cat’s own pace … it must be accommodating of their sense of personal space, and, as with dogs, never forceful.

this month i had several cat clients, so over the course of the next week i thought i’d share a few of them with you to show you the drastic difference that can be found in feline subjects.

first we have Tigger …

… and yes, this is how i initially met Tigger — crashed out across the back of the sofa … or maybe that’s his sofa?   in fact, when mom, Christine, greeted me at the door her voice was hushed as she informed me: “he’s still down for his nap.” at first i thought she was referring to a wee two-legger she must have tucked away inside in one of the upstairs bedrooms and we should proceed quietly.  but no, she was referring to none other than Tigger.  and down-for-his-nap he was!  truth be told, “utterly immovable” might have been a better description.

in fact, Christine had a couple of small paintings hanging over the couch directly above Tigger which I asked her to move to declutter the images.  and in spite of the bustle of the quick redecoration and the clacking of the camera’s shutter, this was about all the reaction we received.  only after a few pokes and a stroke on the head was i able to assure myself that there was indeed life.

once carried to the back yard — because walking would be far too much effort for this groggy boy — Tigger seemed to waken enough for his session.  well, sort of.   i admit, i felt a kindred spirit in Tigger — needing that extra time to wake up after a good nap.

and when he did finally wake, it seemed like he realized for the first time that he had company.

Tigger and his other cat housemates have a fabulous set up … a gorgeous, landscaped back yard with a secure fence, topped with high netting so that the cats are all safely contained.

here, brother, Sequoia, took a special interest in the camera …

while Eddy and Sweet Pea really could care less.

thanks Tigger for being such a great model. and thanks, Christine, for introducing me to your fabulous pride.  i hope you enjoy your client gallery.