My feral yellow cat comes home to feed

I was pleased to see this comment, as it has been well over a year that Yellow decided our property was a safe haven for her. She is consistent, and we have a great relationship. But there are rules....HER rules. She'll come up to the back door, very early in the morning...and rub on the screen door, and look like a loving little cat. When I slowly open the door, she darts back about 4 feet, and sits. Watching me. Looking at the food. She waits. When the door slides closed, she watches it closely until it snaps shut...then she eats. It is almost like a game. I've decided that maybe after these two years, she is probably NOT going to cuddle with me, and that's okay. She thanks me by doing her after eating cleaning somewhere where I can watch. She sleeps in the yard in plain view, so I can see her many times during the day.

I shared a little video of Yellow and her friend Shadow, resting on the heated pad I put out for them in the winter
https://pictures-of-cats.org/outdoor-heated-kitty-pad.html

She is sweetly bathing him. He is let out of his house early in the morning during the week, and she always eats a little of her food, then waits under the bush by his house until he comes out, then she eats with him. She loves it when they are touching heads while they eat. It is like a 'play' presented JUST for me, daily.

I think it is important to help the feral cats. Especially if there is a need for TNR. But I never thought I'd be so rewarded by having my beautiful outside cat. Miss Yellow.

Dorothy

I know the feeling, of each new cat that comes by and thanks for all the kind people that take the time to feed and put out clean fresh water for the carefree little souls. They still need us just as much as we need them.
But there is a PROBLEM OF STRAY DOMESTICATED CATS through out the world, Greek, Italy and those countries treat their homeless animals terribly.

Hi Dorothy,

Thanks for the kind words. If I can find my camera again, I'd love to snap a photo of our Mr. Big Tuxedo cat. He's still skittish, but not so much when he sees food. Sometimes he comes right over, sometimes he doesn't...just like a cat...when he feels like it, LOL!

Our little long-haired miss with the fluffy tail hasn't quite allowed me to touch her yet; however, she's no longer shy when it comes to being hungry. She'll stand outside the porch door and sing away until she gets her food. She converses too should anyone decide to chat her up.

Meanwhile, my Sadie only cares that she gets fed FIRST! Providing I do that, she doesn't much care what happens outside, except to be picked up periodically to see the birds eat dry cat food on a higher perch whilst the ferals enjoy their wet/dry combo on the ground. Once she sees all is right with the world, she'll give me a love tap, jumps down and off she scoots into kitty play!

Hi Dorothy. This cat looks absolutely fantastic. It's so nice that he has gained enough confidence to eat right outside your windows. Getting close to him will take patience, yes, but we all know from some of Bob's stories how fast things can evolve once the cat decides to trust the human.
With a bit of luck you'll be able to touch yellow cat this summer and in the fall he'll move in with Bigfoot. 😉

I am encouraged that you were able to 'touch' your feral after two years. I'm in it for the long haul. He certainly is doing fine in NOT being pet by me but I think it would be a mutually nice experience.

Good to hear you agree with the ear tipping. I was sure they did it under anesthesia, and I'm glad I noticed it was clipped. I was dreading the the thought of the trap neuter routine. I'm sure I read about the ear tipping somewhere on this website.

Is Tuxedo cat still with you? Is there a picture here somewhere? I'm sure Michael would LOVE to see him, as would I.

dw

Dorothy, I felt somewhat the same way about tipping a feral cat's ear to indicate it's been trapped/neutered. I've changed my mind somewhat since volunteering at our local shelter.

I wondered about the procedure and was told by the shelter manager that it is done whilst they are under sedation during neutering. The reason for tipping is precisely your experience - with tipping, it is an obvious TNR sign so we don't have to stress them out trying to trap them again.

Your yellow feral is just gorgeous! Hopefully, he will allow you near him some day. It took me 2 years with a huge tuxedo feral to be able to pet him. He's still a bit apprehensive, but he sees the food dish and comes willingly now.

I know, I know Joyce. I'm begging to get the chance to sink my fingers into that fur. I'm okay if it doesn't happen, and I'll take it very slow. Meanwhile...It is so good to have him around. Fortunately, we live in an area where there aren't dozens of feral cats. There is a lovely cat lady (not crazy, lol) who works at the local school who I've learned is responsible for trapping and neutering. I'm not sure how I feel about the nip off the ear, but it does save the animal the trauma of an unnecessary trapping, only to find out they are already neutered. Is there another solution? I don't know. I think the biggest risk to the small number of ferals we have here are the foxes and coyote's. But Mr. Yellow has lived apparently a good long life escaping those perils.

Kiss that little Furby boy for me.
dw

I would make it my life's mission to pet this cat. I'm glad he has you to spoil him.

I think Mr Yellow is gorgeous. He looks big and brave! I'd prefer him to a purebred cat but that is just me.

I am very impressed by the igloo, and the interior looks absolutely deluxe. As cosy as you can get it.

I hope that you aren't upset by him because feral cats can wander and disappear etc.

In the meantime, well done. I like this story.