I have always been a dog person. Not only am I allergic to cats, I have never had much interest in them, even though they invariably seem interested in me! Almost three years ago, my kids noticed a mother cat and her kittens playing early in the morning in a far corner of the yard. Every time we'd go out to see them, they would run away. It was clear that the mother was wild and, being concerned for the welfare of her kittens, we began to feed her. With absolutely NO experience with cats and no particular liking for them, I continued to leave food and water out for the mama and her two babies (and the skunks, racoon, possums and crows to boot!) At some point, months later I noticed that the little runty tortoise shell on the porch or lurking around, always watching me. I began to try to win both her and her brother who was all black, over with tasty morsels. The brother was much braver and eventually we could pet him while he ate. The little girl, whom I named Figgy because she reminds me of a black fig, was much more timid and we could never pet her.
A year later, both the mama cat and Figgy ended up with litters. I found myself caring for 9 kittens, 3 wild cats. The most interesting thing happened during this time that changed everything. I believe it was survival instinct, but during this time, Figgy, whom I had never been able to pet, suddenly became very tame, but only to me. She really attached herself to me and would allow me to pet her for short periods of time, even laying down and letting me rub her belly. In the midst of it all, completely unrelated, my marriage broke up. Finding it too much to deal with one day and after having found homes for two of the kittens, I trapped all the kittens and took them to a place that fosters and puts kittens up for adoption. The mother was also taken to a shelter and I decided to spay and keep the brother and sister, now named Tommy and Figgy.
Eventually, Tommy disappeared but Figgy is still here. She now lets me carry her and sleeps in my lap and loves to have her tummy rubbed -- but only by me. My kids can pet her but any time a guest or visitor comes around she disappears.
She remains a mostly outdoor cat, although more and more she has been spending time inside. When she is ready to leave, she sits by the front door. I would love to teach her to use a litterbox, that way she can stay inside during the cold nights. I bought one but I don't even think she knows what it is or that it is for her.
Last night she fell alsleep under my bed. At 2:00 am she got up and I let her out -- it was pretty cold but I figure she must know where to go (I'm glad it's California. It's been pretty frosty in the mornings though.)
This kitty has become such a wonderful companion! She is very sweet and I think she is very smart. When I say her name, she meows every time. She is so affectionate and loving. I am completely smitten and now find myself so interested in other people's cats! And they are so different from my Figgy! I have a whole new world opened up to me all due to this precious feral cat!
A year later, both the mama cat and Figgy ended up with litters. I found myself caring for 9 kittens, 3 wild cats. The most interesting thing happened during this time that changed everything. I believe it was survival instinct, but during this time, Figgy, whom I had never been able to pet, suddenly became very tame, but only to me. She really attached herself to me and would allow me to pet her for short periods of time, even laying down and letting me rub her belly. In the midst of it all, completely unrelated, my marriage broke up. Finding it too much to deal with one day and after having found homes for two of the kittens, I trapped all the kittens and took them to a place that fosters and puts kittens up for adoption. The mother was also taken to a shelter and I decided to spay and keep the brother and sister, now named Tommy and Figgy.
Eventually, Tommy disappeared but Figgy is still here. She now lets me carry her and sleeps in my lap and loves to have her tummy rubbed -- but only by me. My kids can pet her but any time a guest or visitor comes around she disappears.
She remains a mostly outdoor cat, although more and more she has been spending time inside. When she is ready to leave, she sits by the front door. I would love to teach her to use a litterbox, that way she can stay inside during the cold nights. I bought one but I don't even think she knows what it is or that it is for her.
Last night she fell alsleep under my bed. At 2:00 am she got up and I let her out -- it was pretty cold but I figure she must know where to go (I'm glad it's California. It's been pretty frosty in the mornings though.)
This kitty has become such a wonderful companion! She is very sweet and I think she is very smart. When I say her name, she meows every time. She is so affectionate and loving. I am completely smitten and now find myself so interested in other people's cats! And they are so different from my Figgy! I have a whole new world opened up to me all due to this precious feral cat!