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?
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.
Beautiful photograph.
Well that sounds like a great idea! Something I wouldn’t have thought about.
SO HAPPY YOU ARE MAKING PROGRESS WITH YOUR LITTLE SWEETIE PIE.HE HAS SUCH A PRECIOUS FACE.
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
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