meet Buggy

[imjustacatmom]

@bigbadbass
Yes all of that made sense...you say he's eating less...like how much less? This shouldn't be much of an issue unless he is eating dramatically less...he no longer has to hunt for food..so he's not burning the calories he used to...most cats are nocturnal so for him to be up at 3am...well that's kind of typical...and if you look at it from a feral cat standpoint...most predators are out at night...he's used to having to quote unquote watch his back...it may take awhile for his sleeping habits to change as well...as long as he's not destroying your house...it's all good...does he have any toys he can self play with?

 

[1CatOverTheLine]

 
I recognize more time is still needed...though I admit his mixed signals confuse me. Alternately meowing and hissing while rubbing up against me? Again, behavioral issues way above my understanding. 

A couple of questions for you experienced folks.....he's eating significantly less. I'm thinking between way less activity and successful deworming...both would account for his decrease in appetite? 

He's sleeping a lot....it would seem to me that neutering, the resultant decrease in sex drive, need to roam, decreasing testosterone/hormones and effective deworming all contribute to his being generally more relaxed and sleepy?  The Feliway plug in too....relax him to the point he's content sleeping all day? He is up at 3AM though.     

Does that all make sense? 

Yes - that all makes sense.  As to being up at three in the morning - assuming that you're not normally up at that dreadful hour - that's his job... being annoying.  Over time he'll begin to sharpen these annoyance skills, eventually to the point where annoying you will become second nature.  You'll think to yourself, "maybe if I adopted a playmate, it would take his mind off annoying me," and that's how it begins... a second cat, and then a third, and before you've time to collect what precious little's left of your wits, it's cats everywhere.  Cats on the tables, cats on the chairs, cats on the beds, cats in the drawers.  Familiar with that old saying, "these are the good old days?"  They are.  One day you'll look back at your Single Cat Days and say wistfully, "dear Lord, why did I have to get Bugs a playmate?"

No, no - don't thank me... glad to be of service.



There's a post replying to your "fox scratching" remark above which will doubtless appear in short order.

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[tabbytom]

Yes, more time needed. The whole process must be 200% complete. Mixed signals are sometimes it's the way with them. It's their character and temperament. Also it's just 3 weeks since after his neutering. It takes as long as 6 weeks for the testosterones to be fully flushed out of his system. You'll notice the difference every week.

Adult cats eats less, much less as when there were kittens. As long as he does not look scrawny and is still eating normally with the given amount, it should be ok. After neutering, his activity levels will decrease but please continue to engage him to play (make him chase the teaser or get him to climb up and down the cat tree. I know he's still reluctant now but keep on trying to get him up and about) if not he'll put on weight which will be unhealthy for him.

Yes, he'll be sleeping much more as the drive is no longer there. That's normal and the the Feliway is helping him relax too, but just keep that on. As for the 3am routine, it's also normal. Being an outdoor cat for so long, it's their instinct as they are Crepuscular creatures meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn.
My boy sleeps with me on my bed but he wakes up at 3:30 am and sometimes at 2:30 am and ask to be let out of the room and he'll return close to 5am to wake me up again to feed him :lol3: Not all cats are the same. Some sleep longer and some not so long. Moreover, they are still young, Bugs around 3 years old and my boy is only 14 months old. So still a lot of energy.

So most importantly, maintain routine - feed, talk and play with lots of patience and love. Get him active even if he dosen't chase the teaser, bounce a ball and hide it to make his mind work to look for the ball. You can or should be able to see it in his head action as he follows the ball and in his eyes to look for it when you hide it in your hands and showing him just a little of it. Don't just let him sleep and sleep, otherwise no interaction will cause him to form the habit of eat, sleep and hiss.

So answer to your questions is, yes, it all makes sense. Way to go dude! [emoji]128077[/emoji][emoji]127995[/emoji]

 

[bigbadbass]

Play is something brand new in his world. I'd submit he has never been exposed to play by or with any human. I'm just getting him in to playing little by little. I must initiate play, he simply doesn't conceive.  

A rough guess...his past encounters with humans left him with the impression he'd be dinner meat. In this regard, he may be true feral...brought up to perceive humans as predators, solely focused on survival instincts..  

He is generally very well behaved... overnight he does pace, look out the sliding glass doors....eats....goes about his "box business".  In car talk...his exhaust system is fully functional.  : )

Currently working on playtime, leisure and relaxing him. 

 

[tabbytom]

That's right, this is the closest he's ever got to human. So it'll take awhile for it to sink in for him to understand what play is.

 

[bigbadbass]

Solid info all.   

Ahhhhrrrgggh....NO MORE cats...my long term plan...he'll eventually be safely exposed to the other 2 fully domesticated cats and gain free run of the house. Having buddies to see, watch and learn the ropes from will, I think, be of benefit.   

But right now I'm focused on calming and gaining trust with him... the path is clear...fully intend to keep on. 

 

[ondine]

SSSHHHH!  NEVER, NEVER say "no more cats!"

When I moved to North Carolina, I thought I left the invisible sign that was in my yard in New Jersey (responsible for more than 60 cats finding their way to me.  I found homes for 54 of them and kept the rest).  But yesterday, just as I was breathing easy, who shows up in our yard?

I would not have known about it except our inside cats started crying and pacing.  As it turns out, he's a neighborhood cat - several people feed him.  One neighbor said there were several others.  Not sure if they are fixed but they will be soon.

So, SSSSHHHH!

 

[simonschuster]

I'm really appreciating reading of your progress (and slowness thereof in some areas) with Bugs. I'm going through much of the same with Mama (now Mama Mae - Mabel officially) and the insights posted are most valuable to read for my situation as well. I wish I had a camera like yours- I have no idea what Mama is up to (hopefully something) overnight. She is around the same age as Bugs (thinking she'll be 3 in the spring) and she has no concept of what play is. I cannot get her to engage at all. She's also eating less than when I was feeding her outdoors and sleeping a lot and sending me the mixed signals (purs and thoroughly enjoying being pet (albeit in her under the table safe spot) followed by hissing at me. Your thread reminds me this is a process and progress is being made!

 

[bigbadbass]

Her progeny, however, are thoroughly delightsome in their every facet, and this Spring past I was treated to the kits dashing 'round on the back lawn each night, and escorting me to the stone slab which serves as their feeding station.

I see you're on the Island.  Smithtown, Great South or Gardiner's side?

.

Again, WOW...no way I'd go near that fox. Yup, you've got guts. Though I can understand that after years of repeated feeding, some interaction could be gained....but not from me....NO WAY.  I've even found the Bug a huge project (though worth it) but enough...my cup runneth over. No more cats here.   

I am within the Smithtown/Stony Brook area.  

 

[1CatOverTheLine]

 
Again, WOW...no way I'd go near that fox. Yup, you've got guts. Though I can understand that after years of repeated feeding, some interaction could be gained....but not from me....NO WAY.  I've even found the Bug a huge project (though worth it) but enough...my cup runneth over. No more cats here.   

I am within the Smithtown/Stony Brook area.  

That's a lovely place indeed, and not unlike this little spot - though here the big water is just Lake Ontario, and not the Atlantic.  I had a Friend who lived in Saint James for some time on Long Beach Road, but who felt, inexplicably, that he had to move to East Hampton.  I suppose I just don't understand the allure.

I believe you about, "no more cats."  We all believe you, don't we?

Say good-night to the beautiful Bug for me - and do call me, "Joe."  Perfectly good name, if a little short.

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[bigbadbass]

I ride motorcycle both Long Beach (the town of Smithtown Long Beach) Short Beach, East Meadow beach....and Easthampton routinely during summer. Astro Pizza in Amaghansett is my lunch spot out there. Do Montauk and Napeague too. Great riding out there. Both a Honda VFR800 and Ducati 900SS in my stable. The 2nd pic is actually taken at Short Beach, Smithtown.

The allure in Easthampton?....Astro Pizza , no doubt. 

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• bigbadbass
• Feb 7, 2017

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• bigbadbass
• Feb 7, 2017

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• bigbadbass
• Feb 7, 2017

 

[bigbadbass]

The bad....petted Bugs' back this morning and was presented with a major, nasty hiss and (see avatar pic) a look to kill.

The good....he ate a whole can of food! (back to the old days?)  Now THATS my Bug.

AND we played with the wand/string toy for a good 15 minutes...he was watching, interested and engaged consistently.

Showing major improvement the last couple days now.

Man, looking close...did the vet ever do an over the top "ear clip" on him. Ouch.  My error...I should have given the no touch order. I lost it..being so focused on getting him there, neuter, shots, health concerns etc.

 

[tabbytom]

Was he facing you or facing away? He might not like to be touched at a certain spot? It's good to test him out by letting him smell your fist and let him make the first move. If he's ready and comfortable with you, he'll nuzzle your fist. Anyway, since he brushed your legs the other day, that was a first move made by him. So let him initiate till the day he is totally tuned to you.

He got his ear clipped? Guessed that you are overwhelmed with the vet visit and overlooked this part.

Good to hear that he's showing improvements. It's full steam ahead!

 

[1CatOverTheLine]

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• bigbadbass
• Feb 7, 2017

I don't think it was Astro Pizza - I think it was the taxes.

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• 1CatOverTheLine
• Feb 8, 2017
• 1

The guest house is now home to my last, final, ultimate (read: "no more cats") two ferals, Friday and Clawed-Ya, while they prepare for assimilation into the "house cats."  After more than a year, they're just about ready to come in and meet their eight new Brothers and Sisters.

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• 1CatOverTheLine
• Feb 8, 2017

Despite an hiss or two, it sounds like you and the Beautiful Bug are making faster and faster progress with each passing day.  All that aside, what happened to Winter in New York State?  Fifty and Sixty degrees in mid-February is just astounding.  Two years ago, on February 16th, we had -20º F, and predictions for that coming week are in the mid-forties.  It's either Astro Pizza or Global Warming I tell ya !

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[bigbadbass]

Actually 6"-10" of snow forecast for tomorrow...so much for global warming. 

Mmmmm, then you've never been to Astro?  Taxes in the Hamptons obscene, of course. 

At 65, I frequently ride my sporty bikes with friends, acquaintances, co-workers...some kids actually 1/3 my age. Riding all my adult life...not about to quit at all.

Wow, nice pad(s). Guest house just for the cats? Ferrari, Camaro, 'vette?  ...damn if I can tell which...but nice...and the fastest color too! 

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• bigbadbass
• Feb 8, 2017

 

[1CatOverTheLine]

 
Actually 6"-10" of snow forecast for tomorrow...so much for global warming. 

Mmmmm, then you've never been to Astro?  Taxes in the Hamptons obscene, of course. 

At 65, I frequently ride my sporty bikes with friends, acquaintances, co-workers...some kids actually 1/3 my age. Riding all my adult life...not about to quit at all.

Wow, nice pad(s). Guest house just for the cats? Ferrari, Camaro, 'vette?  ...damn if I can tell which...but nice...and the fastest color too! 

Yep - the weather's just been crazy this year.  Never been to Astro Pizza, but I do my part as an American, and include the Pizza Food Group in my diet at least once a week.

Taxes everywhere in New York are an obscenity; here in Niagara County - as they are out your way - they're obscenely obscene, given the combined basis point rate of $52.70 (that's a Real Estate / School Tax Rate of roughly $54,000 per annum per million Dollars of assessment).  That's a mortgage payment in some areas of the country.  Maybe we should start a Protest.



Good eyes; a Boxer Berlinetta, 512 BBLM Koenig twin turbocharged, underneath the Carrozzeria Scaglietti alloy coachwork, though despite its 552 HP advantage over the Ninja (rear wheel HP), it's really less than two tenths of a second faster at the quarter - about 9.55 seconds, just touching 150ish.  No electronic speed limitation though - perfect for city driving, and about six hours after shutting it down, you get a large percentage of your hearing back.  What?  What?

You're out there in the open air at age 65?  Man, you really do have guts.  My foxes would sense that and run away from you pronto !

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[bigbadbass]

I'm exited to report.....right before feeding time the Bug saw fit to lay down right next to me and stretch out on the floor!  Just inches away! 

I had already put his food down....whispering, I slowly, quietly convinced him to eat (almost seems he understands!) 

He ate pretty good. Cleaned (as usual) and when completed ,his highness retreated to his L-box to complete yet another task. And did he ever.  Wow.    : )

I then tried to play some with the string wand...obviously the strenuous work he had completed stretched his endurance...play was out of his agenda....I was reprimanded via a loud hiss...how dare I attempt to modify his to-do list.   

He retreated to his safe spot. Thats ok....another big step accomplished tonight. Just 5 weeks from trapping, 3 from neutering. Yet more progress today.  

 

[1CatOverTheLine]

 
I'm exited to report.....right before feeding time the Bug saw fit to lay down right next to me and stretch out on the floor!  Just inches away! 

Just 5 weeks from trapping, 3 from neutering. Yet more progress today.  

Beautiful !  Lying down really pays big dividends.

.

 

[tabbytom]

That is good report. Coming out and do his stretch next to you. It's a showing that Bugs is confidence around you.

Seems it's going the right direction. As he is different from other cats (some) as in from outdoors to indoors, he won't play at random. Try a short play before meal, whether he plays or not, form this habit as in play before food. So as he associate you with food, add one more item for him to associate with and that is play then food. Usually after food they are not interested in play on a full stomach. It's siesta time for them. As you don't free feed him, this is good to re-train him. It's worth a try.

 

[bigbadbass]

Thank you TT for solid suggestions yet again.  Your experience shows...you guys rock!  I'll try commencing with morning feed. 

Tonight the little Prince has once again declared my chair his domain!  And thats ok...I said I'd be spoiling him....its all yours Bug.....anytime you want. 

Seems His Majesty's strong little personality has finally returned. I can't convey how relieved I am.