Question about a stray cat I have.

[finola]

I have (well sort of have) this black
cat that lives around my ranch and ONLY
comes out at night. He used to run away
whenever anyone even looked at him,
but now he is starting to come closer and stay for a while longer.
I haven't been able to pet him or anything yet....... but my question is:
Do you think he is a STRAY who never really had a home........
or is he a cat that was abandoned by someone and just a bit leary of humans now?????

 

[lorie d.]

First of all, welcome to TCS!
I'm not an expert on this subject, but it's possible that the cat is a feral who never had a home, and has always lived in the wild. Feral cats can learn to trust people and they can be socialized. There is a feral forum on this board, and also several members here who rescue ferals and are very knowledgeable about them.

Hopefully, one of these people will see your thread and respond soon.

 

[lotsocats]

It is difficult to tell whether he ever had a home. A cat who was abandoned and who hasn't been around friendly humans for a long time will "revert back" to feral (wild) behavior. So, your stray might have had a home sometime long ago, but might not have as well.

 

[finola]

Originally posted by Lorie D.
First of all, welcome to TCS!
I'm not an expert on this subject, but it's possible that the cat is a feral who never had a home, and has always lived in the wild. Feral cats can learn to trust people and they can be socialized. There is a feral forum on this board, and also several members here who rescue ferals and are very knowledgeable about them.

Hopefully, one of these people will see your thread and respond soon.

Thanks Lorie D.
I'll have to visit that forum.

 

[finola]

Originally posted by lotsocats
It is difficult to tell whether he ever had a home. A cat who was abandoned and who hasn't been around friendly humans for a long time will "revert back" to feral (wild) behavior. So, your stray might have had a home sometime long ago, but might not have as well.

My guess is he was abandoned as a young
cat and became feral. But who knows.
ALl I know is he is my ABSOLUTE favorite
I just LOVE him and I wanna be able to one day cuddle with him on my lap.