Stray tomcat update

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

I don't know if you'll remember my posts or not about a stray tomcat I've been building a relationship with. I just wanted to post an update.

He spends most of the day inside now- he's claimed my bedroom as his sleeping area- next to the nice low window that gets the sun.

He eats like a pig and isn't afraid to demand more. His coat is now glossy and clean to the touch. He has the neck of a pit bull- when he walks he really does remind me of a miniature tiger.

He loves to play, but he's closest to heaven when I'm petting and scratching his head and neck. It looks as if either this is something he was once given and he remembers it, or this is something he's always wanted but never had. He actually gets that look in his eye. We've really managed to bond, and he's now mine.

The Nashville Cat still doesn't like him close to her, but otherwise she ignores him. They'll even eat side by side in the kitchen, if I give them separate bowls.

She still rules, and I pay my obesience when I pass, so we're still cool.

I seem to suddenly have an expanded family. Cybercigars for all.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. He is no longer "stray," apparently.

He lives at your house.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

2. He still roams at night

...but he always comes back the next day. I guess you must be right. :yourock:

[Demoiselle]

3. Doesn't it feel great to win a cat over!!!

I do believe in keeping them inside all the time though. Maybe he'll settle in to that, too.
Congratulations.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

5. This one was surprisingly easy.

I was going through the same process while in Nashville- there was a stray tom, white as snow. I felt a special empathy with him- we both had crushed paws. I have no idea how he got injured, but he was doing fine on three legs. I myself was going through the pain of a failing knee- I ended up having it replaced before I moved.

It took months to gain his confidence- I had a cat carrier box, and I set it outside under the stairs, with the door fixed open. He took the hint, and that became his own special hideaway. (I put a bowl of food beside its door.)

I'd sit outside and wait for him to see me. He eventually lost his fear and began creeping closer and closer to me. One day I felt something- I looked down to discover he'd brushed my hand and then sat down next to me. That was the breakthrough moment.

He'd been on his own too long- I never did get him to come inside. I had to leave town shortly after, and I had to decide whether to capture him or not. I opted to leave him to his life- I didn't have the right to capture him. I didn't think he'd ever forgive me.

[TheProphetess]

4. Awww, that's nice

It's very good of you to take care of him. :)

[KT2000]

6. Have thought about this

and wondered how it was going.
This is great - he has a home now.
Someone told me that cats who have lived out on their own develop pads on their cheeks - for protection I guess.
Does he have those?

Congrats on a most successful adoption and kudos to Nashville Cat - she really is one in a million!

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

7. No pads. Never seen 'em on a stray.

That doesn't mean they don't exist, of course.

Next time Nashville Cat deigns to visit my plane of existence again, I'll tell her you said "Hey".

[Skittles]

8. can you get him fixed PN6?

so his roamning doesn't produce more feral misery

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

9. I plan on it

as soon as I can get him used to the idea of a carrier cage.

Hopefully I can get him all his shots at the same time.