Quote:
Originally Posted by stomachmonkey
Couple of weeks ago I walked into the breakfast area and freaked out when I saw Loki, our black cat, lounging on one of the patio chairs.
Our 4 beasts are strictly indoor cats.
Called up to my son and asked if Loki was in his room to which he responded yes.
OK, so I've got either a stray or a neighbors cat here. Checked around and no one was missing one so I've got a stray.
Started putting out small amounts of food and water to make sure he's getting enough to get by on.
Weather dropped into the teens last week so bought him an outdoor cat house with heated pad so he won't freeze.
Loki seems to be the only one of our four who has noticed the new guy.
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Update on Outside Cat.
I've been waiting till he shows up to put food out for him. Make a show of walking to the back door with the scoop outstretched but as soon as he hears the door unlock poof, he's gone. So I've been rattling the bowl before putting it back in his cat house hoping he'd associate it with feeding time.
Three weeks ago he did not run off but hung 5 or so feet away and actually approached within a foot and meowed. Means he's a stray and not feral. A feral cat will almost never ever approach people or vocalize at them. Strays will.
Two weeks ago I was out front talking to a neighbor and I hear this fappity fappity fap getting louder. Look across the street and here comes Outside Cat hauling ass in my direction with a glue trap stuck to him. He makes for the back yard and I'm thinking great, now I have to try to catch him and get the trap off.
I put on a leather jacket and work gloves cause a freaked out cat is not something you want to try and wrangle without some armor.
I go into the yard and as soon as he sees me he's off over the fence and gone.
Posted a message on the community Facebook page to keep an eye out for him and let me know if anyone sees him.
Next afternoon he was back in the hood sans glue trap and seemed no worse for the experience but he's very skittish and has not really been coming around during the day.
Tonight I was walking into the kitchen and saw Loki staring out the back door then saw the eyes looking in.
Got the food scoop and did my big show bit.
Went outside and he barely moved away.
Bent down with the food and he came right up to me and let me pet him for a few minutes.
He's still cautious but this was a huge breakthrough.
Even got the "I own you now" rub on the legs.
Progress, feels good.
He's not coming inside but as long as I can get him to trust me I'm good, means I can get him to a vet if he ever needs attention in the future.