my cat went on a 14 month vacation and came home feral. what do I do?

demo

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My cat disappeared when I moved 14 months ago, he was found 1 week ago hanging around the place I had previously lived with him before our move. it was 60 kilometers away. He doesn't recognize me, and I barely recognize him. he's skinny, and well... feral.

After an hour of sitting in the sun reading in the area he had been spotted he found me and made himself known. I was able to coax him close enough to catch him and receive a few good wounds in return.

I have him home now in a big cat carrier with my comforter wrapped around it so he can smell something familiar (well maybe familiar after 14 months). 

I'm curious what I should do to calm him down, I've given him his favourite type of fancy feast but he just hissed at me and wails like a banshee from hell whenever I come near. abandonment issues?

My other question which I will also post in the grooming section, is after 14 months his markings have changed a little. the white around his face has receded a few millimeters to black (he's black and white) and his white legs have 2 spots with black fur which he never had before even in pictures I dug up.

I thought at first when I saw him that it was just a very similar cat found in the area I moved out of, until I checked his ear tattoo, which matched up perfectly. 
 

Willowy

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Give him time. It's been more than a year, and who knows what kind of things happened to him during that time. The fact that he came close enough to you that you were able to catch him is hopeful. I think he'll remember you soon.

Once he's settled down, be sure to get him to the vet for a full checkup. I'm sure he's picked up all kinds of nasty parasites.

How old is he now? Is he neutered?
 
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demo

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yes he is neutered
 

StefanZ

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I agree with Willowy. Time and being unstressed are the keys. When he has settled down, the memory will return slowly but surely.

Can you confine him in a room? Without difficult hide places. (feks, take down the bed so it lies on the floor, you dont want him to hide deep down under the bed). But make sure he has some cover places. Like this carrier, or cat igloo.

When you have the room ready, open the carrier door and let him come out if he wish...

There is this room, you do as you did: be there. Use the computer / surfing plate, read.  Do talk much!

So you are doing all right, just take it easy and give it more time. Perhaps a lot of more time.

Luck he has his tattoo. Otherwise he would be taken for a very similar cat...

Welcome to our Forums!

Good luck!
 
 

feralvr

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Welcome!! That is amazing that you have been reunited with your long lost cat :clap::clap: Wow a whole year! I agree that you should confine him to a quiet room filled with his necessities. He will need a few weeks to recover and readjust to living indoors. Be patient and loving, and soon enough your cat will settle and calm. He has been through a long stressful ordeal and many lost pet cat's do revert feral to survive, but once recaptured they turn around quickly. :vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes:
 
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