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?
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.
Gabriel is also the angel of revelation, the deliverer of messages.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, good one. Gabriel is a Hebrew name meaning strength of God as far as I remember.