Had coffee with Marlow

diggerled

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Marlow, my stray kitty, ate his breakfast this morning while I drank my coffee sitting just four feet away. I fed him some premium canned. While I was scooping it into the bowl he really got excited, licking his lips and talking up a storm. (do cats have lips?) Then, when I sat down, he couldn't resist jumping up and chowing down. Closest we have been since I trapped him and got him cut.

It's been a month now. This relationship is progressing very slowly. But progress is progress. I'd like to pet him sooner than later. Or just put some Advantage on him. I hope we get touchy before he needs any vet care.
 

eilcon

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That's real progress. Congratulations!


I can relate your experience with Marlow. Since the weather's been warmer, I've been having my morning coffee at our picnic table, while Frank, the kitty I TNR'd more than a year ago, has his breakfast a few feet away. Frank's at the point while he'll get close enough to sniff my hand, then dart away. I'm hoping to be able to pet him before too long.

Sending lots of vibes for your continued progress with Marlow.
 
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diggerled

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A year...? Boy do I need to readjust my sights. Looks like I need to address his winter shelter needs.
 

momofmany

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Originally Posted by diggerled

A year...? Boy do I need to readjust my sights. Looks like I need to address his winter shelter needs.
Every cat sets their own pace. I had a feral that I managed to touch 2 times in the 11 years he lived by my house: the day I caught him to have him neutered (about 4 months old), and again at age 11, a few months before he crossed.

On the other hand, I've walked up to some just a few weeks after they showed up and picked them up.

You never know.
 

eilcon

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Originally Posted by diggerled

A year...? Boy do I need to readjust my sights. Looks like I need to address his winter shelter needs.
Not necessarily. Like Amy noted, it really depends on the cat. Your relationship with Marlow is likely to develop at different pace then mine has with Frank, so just keep doing what you're doing - let him set the pace and enjoy the steps forward that you're making with him.
 
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diggerled

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We'll see. When my wife first noticed Marlow in early May she was picturing this beautiful cat sitting on her lap purring. Sasha, our indoor cat, born wild and brought in as a young kitten will not sit on her lap or even let her pick him up. She still loves him to death but has to be content with brushing him every day. He does submit to these brushings.

She just exclaimed to me as she read this half typed post "He's (Marlow) never going to let me hold him."

We'll see.
 

momofmany

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Originally Posted by diggerled

She just exclaimed to me as she read this half typed post "He's (Marlow) never going to let me hold him."

We'll see.
A feral cat often bonds with their immediate caregiver, but we've had them bond to both DH and I when we share the caretaking responsibilities. Make sure your wife also spends time feeding Marlow, and sitting on the patio with you. He can bond to both of you.

If you click on the pictures next to my name, realize that every last one of these cats were born feral.
 
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diggerled

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Originally Posted by Momofmany

A feral cat often bonds with their immediate caregiver, .
This is a good heads up. I put in the time with Sasha. It's obvious why he is my shadow when I'm home. He sits and sleeps in my lap but not hers unless I'm away for days or more.

Secret: I travel world wide scuba diving. Gone sometimes for weeks. My wife doesn't dive but encourages me to go. She knows she's Sashas favorite when I'm away.
 

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Originally Posted by diggerled

Click for photo of Sasha trying to stowaway in my dive gear bag.
The expression on her face is classic!!!
Sending prayers & vibes that Marlow comes around soon!! my former feral Scotty took 4 mos to be touched without trying to defend himself, but now he's the most cuddly cat that we have -- JC & Joey don't understand his lack of "dignity"
BTW, Scotty was neutered in 2000 and not tamed until 2006 (he lived in the field behind the city park adjacent to our house); when he was neutered, his chart got a red star for his fierceness (scratching, biting, lashing out) - the vet said the markings were right but the personality was a complete 180
 
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