Farm cat pics - Nat the Cat whisperer

I know many do not approve of outdoor only cats, but lets not get into a debate on it. I was walking around the yard, my entourage following, alternating who got carried/petted (if they would let me), & stopping to spend time with those who won't get picked up.

These are my farm kitties - all spayed/neutered.
Fafeena is the 16 y/o dilute calico
Squishy is the 18ish y/o orange & white guy
Slinky is the 11 y/o black/white tuxedo
Goat-Head (Goatie) is the umm....6-8ish y/o buff/white "tuxedo pattern" girl
Billy Bob is the "meatier" 4 y/o black/brown tabby
Tony Bob is the skinnier 4 y/o black/brown tabby
Cow is the 7 y/o buff/buff bi-color
Tabitha is the 9 y/o dilute calico missing most of an ear

"OMG she hasn't fed us in 5 minutes - lets mill around to see if she has something better!"



Billy Bob







Tony Bob



The Bobs





Slinky - domesticated feral - you can pet her, just do not pick her up or move fast - she will kill you



(moved too fast - she hid)



Fafeena



Goatie - yes I know she looks not so hot - we had 2 very cold days so now she's got a URI (on top of having herpes) She's come a very long way, this summer was the first time I could pick her up & hold her - and this is the first time she's gotten sick that I can get anti-biotics into her (so far) rather than an anti-biotic injection!



"I don't think I can purr any louder or sink my claws any deeper into your flesh - but don't stop petting me"





Moo Cow

Tabitha was not included in the pics - I let Squishy & Fafeena out of the enclosure (supervised), but she can never be released as she remains very feral & if she gets loose I'm doubtful I'll ever catch her again. She does, however, love her PVC tube.



And does come out sometimes when she feels it's "safe" - but even if she's literally freezing her ears off, if she doesn't feel safe she won't come out - no matter *how* cold (hence having most of an ear gone).





She's my "work in progress" - there are times she's a domesticated cat, but more often than not she's a wild cat that lacks some basic survival skills, yet is very adept as using her claws.

Fafeena's doing pretty good. She's finally putting more weight on. Seems to be eating wet food just fine, and best as I can tell eating dry food good. She & Squishy are antsy being in the enclosure all the time, so I've been letting them out as much as possible. She caught a mouse today with no teeth.

More wet food & warmer winters?