Gabriel, my semi-feral foster cat is coming along well, meaning his socialisation is progressing. Although I do work at it. I give him masses of play (about 3 hours daily), the best cat food, plus tons of company from me.
This evening he came on my lap to play at first and then rest. He let me stroke him which I did very gently. I stroked his forehead, back, side of face and under his chin. This seems like normal stuff but not for Gabriel. It was a breakthrough because it is the first time he’s let me touch him other than fleetingly while he runs off.
He is very camera shy. Quite distinctly so. As soon as a good photo opportunity arises he runs 😉
It must be something to do with the camera structure and lens giving him the impression that he is being watched by a predator or something like that.
He can be fine and happy on my lap, for example, but as soon as I gingerly bring the camera up to take a photo: bingo, he scarpers (English slang for runs away fast).
I had a great photo op today. He was sleeping on his back on my lap purring. Can you believe that? Up until then he’d been in hiding most of the time. It about the second sound he has made. It is the first time he has purred. He made a bird-like sound this morning. I think he was calling me as a mum.
I wanted to capture the moment but it was impossible. He is super sensitive to the camera. He knows when it is coming and goes. The iPhone looks less like a camera and seems to be more acceptable to him.
I have to find a way to outsmart him. Perhaps a disguised camera?
Ohhh… so cute.. cuteness at its peak.. don’t worry after becoming older, his shyness with camera rectified.
Thanks Caitlin. I agree his camera shyness will fade. I love to photograph him 🙂 He is very photogenic. In fact the more I get the camera out the more he gets accustomed to it and so more pictures….I have some more. I will become very boring indeed, I’m afraid.
Another lovely photo of the gorgeous Gabriel! You’ve done wonders with him Michael, to be sitting on your lap is such a breakthrough AND what’s more to lie on your lap on his back and purr is amazing. A cat exposing his underneath to you is showing how much he trusts you!
I wouldn’t push too hard with the camera if he doesn’t like it, delightful as photos are I wouldn’t risk any setback.
Beautiful photograph.
Thank you Rudolph. It was a quickly taken snapshot with the iPhone. Because it doesn’t look like a camera with a lens, he seems to accept it a little better but still runs. He was in that position for about 3 seconds.
SO HAPPY YOU ARE MAKING PROGRESS WITH YOUR LITTLE SWEETIE PIE.HE HAS SUCH A PRECIOUS FACE.
Thanks Nancy. It gave me great joy to hear him purr and to let me touch him. That was a big step. He is still extremely nervous. He wants to be close and be a lap cat through.
Thousand thanks for sharing updates of your Gabriel.
Do you know who he is?
He is specially sent for you … An angel … GABRIEL … Specially made for Michael (The second helping angel).
Just feel it with your spirit, Michael.
I feel it <3 <3 <3 Love you Gabriel baby <3 <3 <3
Now let me give you a suggestion but it seems that a person like me who have insuffisient knowledge about the topic may keep silent instead because you are the master Phd type of cat lover. It is like showing a torch to the sun but here is my experience and try it if it works 😉
When you put some toys on the ground where Gabriel is used to play, the favorite place. Put your iphone and camera with the toys, and some treats in your hand. let yourself stay 5 feet away and pretend that you are not watching him. he will come out from the hide and start touching the camera in curiosity. just watch with a bird’s eye.
You know that a kitten is like human baby in the kittenhood? curious, anxious to learn? just do it for several days and then you will see the results. When the curiosity will vanish from his mind, He will have some beautiful snap shots with you and perhaps according to your own choice.
thank you <3
Well that sounds like a great idea! Something I wouldn’t have thought about.
This is a nice idea Ahsan. I’ll try it. It may work. He seems to fear cameras. Not quite sure where the fear comes from.
Yes, good one. Gabriel is a Hebrew name meaning strength of God as far as I remember.
Gabriel is also the angel of revelation, the deliverer of messages.
I like that. Gabriel has reveled to me that I love the purity of innocence and the message he has delivered is that I need a cat companion at all times.
Perfect.