Oscar update

Hi all, just wanted to share a little update though I don't have any big news.   I've been getting Oscar his food every day though I only see him once every third or fourth day.    He looks healthy and is willing to make eye contact and do the slow blink thing.   But he will not eat with me there or come close at all.    From what the ex-neighbor told me she'd just fill the bowl on her patio and he'd come eat eventually but he didn't have direct interaction with her for at least the last year.   So he doesn't think of humans as sources of affection but definitely as food dispensers!    I called the only feral group here and they told me they couldn't help, only loan me a trap for TNR.   I called two local cat rescue/adoption groups, again they don't do ferals.   I'm leaving them my number in case they hear of someone wanting a barn cat.  I'm frustrated because I live in a very big metro area and I'd hoped there would be more resources.   Still I've got time - I won't be moving for about six months.

So I'm taking it day by day, hoping to get more interaction with him at some point.   On days that I feel bold and optimistic I imagine trapping him and bringing him inside to try to tame him.   On others days that seems daunting and I think feeding him outside is good enough.   I guess I'll take it one day at a time for now

Aw come on guys, nobody cares about Oscar?    If it helps this is what he looks like (not him, just a cat like him on the net)

Hi, I care. Just don't have anything to say.

aeevr said:

Hi, I care. Just don't have anything to say.

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for Oscar and you.

Thanks for the vibes Jcat!   Aeevr thanks for caring about Oscar - guess I just needed someone to send a vibe or an attagirl at me.   

Hi there 

I care about Oscar too, but I must have missed the earlier Oscar thread(s)

as I don't recall the situation. I'll take another look.  

At any rate, thank you for caring about Oscar!

If you have a room where he could be kept for at least several weeks,

you could likely successfully convert him to an Indoor Kitty.  

The Ferals I have converted have turned out to be the most affectionate and loving Kitties.  

Thanks Sevenwonders!   Do you have any tips on where I can read up on the best feral converting techniques?    I already have an indoor half-feral kitty that I took in seven years ago who I've never been able to fully tame (can't handle her, only pet her on her terms) and a hard time getting her to the vet.   This has made me a bit nervous about attempting again.  

Wow, it does sound like you could use some more ideas   

This forum will have some very helpful threads.

I can't remember the title, but there is a good one on this first "Caring for Strays and Ferals" page.

Also, click on "Articles" near the top of the page -

there are 2 good ones about Ferals.

I'd do some internet searches after that (taming feral cats or socializing stray cats or similar terms.)

My best advice is not to be in a hurry.

They need lots of space and "alone time" at first until they can feel comfortable in their new surroundings.

Also, put a closed box in there with a hole in the side and a towel or something soft inside for them to hide in.

Next step is more of the same.

Occasionally you can try to sit in the room when you feed them - just read a book or read these forums,

and let them get used to seeing and smelling you. Placing an article of your clothing (worn, not laundered)

on the floor in the room can help as well.

Also, keep the resident kitty away from Oscar until he is very comfortable in his room,

then (definitely) read up on New Cat Introductions before you try it - lots of good info here at TCS.

Again, it just takes a lot of time and patience,

but it can really be worth it!  

Thanks much Sevenwonders!   

Bastfriend said:

Aw come on guys, nobody cares about Oscar?    If it helps this is what he looks like (not him, just a cat like him on the net)

bailey-name-tabby2S.jpg

• bastfriend
• Nov 5, 2012

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I CARE!!!! I have been catching up her today on TCS and see that I have missed this look a like picture of Oscar. OH GOODNESS!! :love: Yeah, feral cats know that humans mean food, especially the kind hearted feeders. They have NO idea about how loving and affectionate we can be towards them. That is all part of socializing them and yes, can be a daunting task but so worth the efforts. The reward you will get in the end of this LLLLOOOONNNNGGGG process is so incredibly amazing. :heart3: I wish you the best and hope that in the next weeks you will be able to trap him. I think that this is all Oscar will give you right now.... just coming to eat and then :dash:. Best of luck, hun!! I think I might have already given you the following articles but here they are again, just in case. Might help you a lot.

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/handling-feral-cats
http://www.catnipchronicles.com/may2012/laurie.htm

Oscar thanks you Feralvr!        I need to dig into all these articles and links and get new ideas and inspiration, thanks!    The pic is not of Oscar himself but of an identical internet cat.   I am going to work on getting an actual picture of him for you guys though. 

Bastfriend said:

Oscar thanks you Feralvr!  :chescat:       I need to dig into all these articles and links and get new ideas and inspiration, thanks!    The pic is not of Oscar himself but of an identical internet cat.   I am going to work on getting an actual picture of him for you guys though. 

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:doh3: I see that it was a look-a-like so I edited my post :lol3: STILL ..... handsome boy!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see a "real" picture of Oscar. :bigwink: