Hi there. I'm curious about the feral I am taming. As I'm typing, he's trying to get to my hands for a scratch, purring wonderfully. We have made a lot of progress in three weeks. His body language baffles me...he comes willingly for a scratch, sits with me, lies with me and allows me to touch his ears etc. However, when I pet him he tucks his tail in tight, either to the side or between his legs. Ears, eyes and whiskers are normal and when I stop he initiates contact. He is a very laid back cat and not interested in my other cats' issues and has never willingly got involved in cat fights before I trapped him. Any suggestions? Thanks!
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2yr old feral boy
- Thread starter deebotha
- Start Date
To me it seems that he is just in protection mode. Ferals often wrap their tales around themselves for comfort, when they are afraid and even when relaxed. My 3 do it daily.
Since you trapped him, has he been to the vet for neuter, check up, vaccines and tests?
If you are introducing him to your other cats, do it slowly. There are many techniques for introducing cats. Just putting them together and hoping for the best is usually not the way to go. When I brought my feral boy inside, it took him months and months to get used to my other cat and large dog. It was a full year before all 3 were integrated together. Some cats will move more quickly through the process. I can post some articles and a video for you on cat to cat introductions if you are interested.
Thank you for rescuing this sweet one. He sounds more like a stray who might have developed some feral tendencies. Usually a feral will not be so quick to socialize or pet.
Since you trapped him, has he been to the vet for neuter, check up, vaccines and tests?
If you are introducing him to your other cats, do it slowly. There are many techniques for introducing cats. Just putting them together and hoping for the best is usually not the way to go. When I brought my feral boy inside, it took him months and months to get used to my other cat and large dog. It was a full year before all 3 were integrated together. Some cats will move more quickly through the process. I can post some articles and a video for you on cat to cat introductions if you are interested.
Thank you for rescuing this sweet one. He sounds more like a stray who might have developed some feral tendencies. Usually a feral will not be so quick to socialize or pet.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #3
Thank you for your reply. Yes, he's been to the vet and neutered and tested. I would love to see some articles and videos. Am struggling with my other feral girl and my bottle baby...they cannot seem to get along and it's causing great frustration as I have to seperate them when we go to bed. My feral girl seems to be ok with him but my bottle baby hisses and I'm scared I'm sitting with another feud...
At this point, all of the cats should be separated and have rooms of their own. If the feral girl is ok with the new one, then they can remain together, but keep the other cat separated. It does take lots of time.
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/the-ultimate-yet-simplified-guide-to-introducing-cats
http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/a-simple-little-trick-to-use-during-new-cat-introductions/
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/introducing-your-cat-new-cat
http://jacksongalaxy.com/2010/10/01/cat-to-cat-introductions/
