Ferals; the rehabilitation thereof!

Graces7

In the last while I have posted a fair amount re the very neglected cat here, starving and lonely, who I call Tonto.

I am wondering of this theme merits a thread of its own as so many here feed ferals?

I really thought it would simply be a matter of feeding him, talking to him, not trying to pet him and as he is not neutered, he has to stay outside.

This morning he has astonished me almost to tears. I had not fully realised what social animals cats in the wild still are.

For the first time in weeks it was calm and dry enough for me to resume my early walking. As always I would not be alone! Anything up to four companions!

When I got to the gate, there was Tonto, calling, running, seeking to tag along. Which he did! All the way down the lane, chasing after the others, racing along in his slightly stumbling way. * Not sure if there is some genetic problem with his hips or just still fearful. He is inbred .

But running free, coming when I called. Seeking companionship from the cats and from me.

The others are still wary of him but less open aggro. And he is so ...pushy! So eager for friendship.

From a totally neglected farm feral to this delightful little cat!

Have others here who care for ferals seen this? I am delighted and awed.

Graces7

Just took Tonto his food out.

Incredibly he did not race to it, but prevented me from setting the dish down, then arched his back and ankle -rubbed me... Then chatted.

Just cannot express how good this is. While I have fed many ferals, I have never had one who was in so much need and so much distress and fear as Tonto was.

So thankful and happy. Just wanted for him to be fed, cared for and safe and never expected this huge progress.

morgana

Ah what a lovely story. Patience wins out, fair play to you to stick with him and offer him what he needs.

We have just taken in a stray (not feral) who was hanging out the garden for weeks. Very friendly and obviously used to people but does not seem to have a home. After feeding him for weeks, we decided to do the right thing and got him neutered and vaccinated (vet said hes about 2 to 3 years old). He definitely was not used to being indoors and we only take him at night for a nice warm and good nights sleep. He now has a little house outside as well (repurposed bedside unit which i insulated with an old iso mat and some nice vetbed.) He loves that too. Such a friendly and totally non-aggressive fella, it's amazing to see the change from an inactive cat huddled for warmth and waiting for food to a pretty active boy chasing and being chased by one of our lot and generally pottering about doing cat things.

sunbeam

Graces7 have you seen the Tinykittens channel on YouTube? They are a Canadian organisation that do stellar work in caring for and socialising feral cats and kittens. It is quite amazing the progress they have made with some of them.

aonb

Lucky Tonto!

Both of my cats are ex ferals. One a beautiful long haired tuxedo - shes quite aloof, found her with her dead siblings as a small kitten. It took 6 weeks before I could pick her up - after that, it was smooth sailing - she freaks when theres any strangers in the house and immediately disappears, but is fine with us.

Our other cat, is like yours Graces7, and adult with wonky hips, that came to our yard in the most horrendous condition. Couldnt touch her for 6 months, just feeding and chatting and sitting near her. I finally managed to trap her, and brought her to the vet, fearful that she would have to be put to sleep as hips were very bad, various cuts and scars, and an abscess on her jaw. Thankfully, she survived with treatment, had her neutered, vet said she was approx 4 years old - she is now snoring her head off in the dogs bed beside the stove - totally overweight, and like Tonto, and most loving and happy cat ever - she is a constant joy to our whole family - we love having her, and she is 100% part of the family

I believe a rescued animal 'knows' they have been rescued, and often are more loving and lovable for it.

puppieperson1

i feed a fox, the neighbours dog whom he lets off at night 3 feral cats ( i neutered them) & my own 3 dogs fox has a great apetite he like apples nut avocadoes and meat when i have it for the dogs , he calls on his way out every nigth at 8pm i watch him with special lights he is beautiful

Graces7

Such lovely stories! Thank you...

A fox! They say there is one here on the island.

Managed another early walk before the weather closed in ,and there he was, swift moving little shadow.. scooting along the lane at great speed.. Oh and I managed to stroke him once! His head was deep in food!

He craves the companionship of the other cats. Just... craves it, and they are slow to catch on. Less actual retaliation and he takes no offence.

Progress is stop and go as is normal but always upwards. Food will always be at the centre of his life; but the difference now he is sure of it and back in good health.

He is a weather forecaster too; when a gale starts he vanishes and only emerges when it is about to abate...

A sheer delight; I keep putting the " HOUSE FULL" sign up but clearly they cannot read...