WOW!!! What a great environment for Jimmy and for CATS!!!
That is just beautifully said. Thank you for that. It is so very, very true. It is a lifelong commitment and each and every feral adult cat is so different. I do believe wholeheartedly that a feral adult cat can learn to "trust" a human..... but it can take years :nod: and unlimited patience on the human and absolutely no expectations. Expectations just get in the way. It does get worrisome when I read about people losing patience in this process. That is when you know things will not work out so well, when the person socializing starts to get anxious and in a hurry, doesn't understand why the cat is not their friend YET, etc. etc. etc. I think the main thing that people need to understand is that IF you want to socialize, you have to completely "shelve" any anticipations, assumptions, forecasts etc. and just take each day as it comes. I think it is a never-ending process - this thing called "socialization". When you understand that, then you are rewarded. :heart3:I got a little carried away on this but I keep thinking something I might say will help someone else who has a Jimmy cat. Patience, time and no expectations. Every cat is different. Completely feral adults are very different than babies who are feral. Very different.
I have read posts here from people wondering if they have a feral cat... If you have to wonder -- the cat is probably a stray. A stray can be scared and not approach you. When you have a feral, there is no doubt in your mind that the cat is a feral. You cannot tame a feral adult in two weeks that has never had human contact. Your commitment to a feral is one that will and should last years and years and years. I have been fortunate enough that I have had two... and I still have them both.
amen to that!!!!I do believe wholeheartedly that a feral adult cat can learn to "trust" a human..... but it can take yearsand unlimited patience on the human and absolutely no expectations.
He IS a very special boy :rub: and probably loves that you brag about him. :happy3:I'll keep updating as things happen. I promise...... I love to post all their pics..... But Jimmy is just my pride and joy. He was such the challenge!! He is so used to camera flashes that he takes it all in stride.
You have a bunch of very well loved and lucky kitties. :lovegrin: What a great addition to your cat house!!!!!!!!!I put this on layaway for this winter for the cat house. Should have it installed in a month before the bad weather hits. The thermostat goes down to 45 degrees I think. I tested it in the store and it is freaking awesome. It blows heat and heats fast. We're going to use blankets this winter and not hay in the enclosure. Husband is building a shelf to put it on and drilling holes to set the rollers down inside. it will not be on the floor and It does not get hot to the touch. It is perfect. It has a low blower and a high blower and the thermostat is on the rear. I could not be more pleased.