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question about shy feral and how others treat him

post #1 of 5
1/29/12 at 5:35pm
Thread Starter 

HI!

 

Its been a long time.  Thankfully everything has gone well and I havent had any questions lately.

 

However I want to ask about this situation and get any ideas...

 

There are about 8 regular cats in this colony - one that is aggressive and everyone runs from but one that is SO sweet - yet they run from him as well.   I dont get it and it upsets me.  He basically keeps to himself and will come out to eat when the others have left. 

 

In the last few days before feeding Ive noticed he runs along with the others - rarely would he do this before.   But when he gets too close to the others they just give him a look and he backs off or runs into the woods.   I feel SOOO bad for him.

 

He will run up to one smaller cat who will back up a little as if she is uncomfortable. 

 

He seems to want so badly to be part of the group... but for some reason he just isnt accepted.  After 2 years I dont understand why???

 

Does anyone have any idea?   I doubt there is anything I can do. They are all fixed btw.

 

THANKS!!

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post #2 of 5
1/29/12 at 7:26pm

I have seen ferals do that too. In fact the little feral male that I brought home and tamed down was the last kitty that got to eat. His mother would hiss at him. I felt so BAD. He had a sister and when she went missing and he was alone I trapped him and brought him home. Long story but he tamed down okay. I have read about the eating situation with ferals and they have their own rules. Sometimes it is a cat that was not orginally with the main group. Experts say not to interfere and let the cats figure it out..

 

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post #3 of 5
1/30/12 at 8:54am
HI !!!! biggrin.gif AND thank you for caring for a feral colony hugs.gif!!! This is very, very common amongst a feral group. There is order and status quo in a feral colony. It is the only way for them to be able to co-exist happily and keep the peace. If the dominant cat in the group is chasing away a lowly cat - then the other's will follow suit. There are times in these colonies that the chain of command will change due to the circumstance, it is not set in stone. This cat you are describing sounds like the "pariah" of the group - one that is rejected - and this is just very common. I wouldn't worry at all - the cats all usually accept their position in the colony. They want everything to remain peaceful as well. That is very important to them. Again, thanks for caring - warms the heart to hear about other's caring for the ferals heartpump.gifwavey.gif
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post #4 of 5
1/31/12 at 7:02am
Thread Starter 

THanks!  Although I dont feel any better   :)

 

He just is so adorable I want to hug him every time I see this.  Do you think it emotionally hurts him???  I also think how he no doubt has  anyone to sleep with to keep warm either.

 

I would bring him inside if I didnt have 2 already.  Actually one was from the colony.... we are at this moment playing fetch.   He brings the mouse to me and I throw it down the steps over and over.

 

I never knew cats even did that- let alone a once feral cat.

 

Amazing!

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post #5 of 5
1/31/12 at 8:03pm
laughing02.gif Special kitty you have clap.gif. I have a "play fetch" cat too. Pipsqueak drives me crazy wanting to play this game all day long.... biggrin.gif

Try not to worry so.... You can't see this cat 24/7 and it is quite possible that at night he has a buddy agree.gif No, I do not think this cat has hurt feelings over his ranking in the colony. Actually, it is less stressful at times to be the low-man ...... He can be lazy that way bluelaugh.gif. Would be great to consider bringing him indoors someday, you will know when the time is right and if you have the time to commit to socializing this adorable boy happy2.gifvibes.gifvibes.gif
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