- Joined
- Jul 26, 2017
- Messages
- 14
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- 32
I have a stray, probably abandoned cat living under my back deck. We’re calling him “Jack” for now. I started seeing him a few weeks ago in the woods around our house, and about 10 days ago he was on the edge of our yard one evening crying for food. My wife and I have been cat lovers for 30+ years, so when it was evident this guy was in need of help, we gave it. Within just a few nights of feeding him I was able to sit on the ground about 8 feet away while he ate, and then coax him over. He was skittish at first but it didn’t take long for him to come over and rub his head all over my hands, and plop down on the ground and roll around.
I’m guessing he’s 2-3 years old, a male tabby, not neutered. He’s quite long & lanky, he'll be a big cat when he fills out. Nice white teeth, no obvious health issues or injuries. He eats a full can of Friskies every morning and evening, good appetite. I’m certain he was someone’s pet. I was able to carefully put a flea collar on him one night while he ate, he didn’t even seem to notice. He also tries to come in the house when we go in, so I’m pretty sure that was something he was used to.
Now there is one issue with him, and that is his tendency to hiss & swat. It seems to me like he is starved for attention, he just can’t get enough. I am only able to spend 10-15 minutes a day talking to him and petting him while he rubs all around me. The problem is when I get up to leave, that’s when he’ll swat. He doesn’t want me to leave, and the swat is his way of showing his displeasure. I also have to be careful when he’s rolling around, one time he flipped and suddenly my hand was on his belly which some cats don’t like, and he took a swat at me. This hissing usually happens when I’m bringing his food out, or picking the bowl up when he’s done. It’s like he wants the food instantly put down, not wanting me to walk the 10 feet to where I want to put it.
We are not going to be able to keep him, which is said, because I'm already attached. We have 2 indoor only females in a small house, these two tolerate each other, and each has some special needs. If we brought in a third cat, everyone’s lives would be turned on their ear. We are able to take care of Jack for now because the weather is mild, but once it starts turning colder here in the northeast, he’s going to need shelter. I’ve been all over the internet, first searching for anyone looking for him. Sadly, no one is looking for this cat. Another thing that makes me think he was dropped off. I’m trying to find a new home for him.
My question/concern is that I don’t want to give him to someone if he’s got serious behavioral problems. While I’ve had cats for over 30 years, it’s only been a total of 4 cats, so I don’t have broad experience. Every one of mine was different, of course. Some loved their belly rubbed, others hate it. My feelings about Jack are that if he were in a home, he would chill out a little bit, as opposed to being "on defense" when outside. But I think he needs to be trained to not swat. If he was in fact dumped by someone, that someone probably didn’t understand cats and was the cause of the problem. For example, you don’t “play” with a cat with your hand, you use a toy. Otherwise you’re training them to swat at hands. I’ve seen my share of people over the years who didn’t “get” cats and they made things worse instead of better.
To sum up, I don’t want to give someone a cat that will be a problem. I need to find someone mature enough, explain what Jack needs, and hope they have the patience & love to train him. I think this cat has so much potential.
So, I’m looking some insights on Jack’s behavior. Am I on the right track in my thinking? Any input and suggestions would be welcome!
I’m guessing he’s 2-3 years old, a male tabby, not neutered. He’s quite long & lanky, he'll be a big cat when he fills out. Nice white teeth, no obvious health issues or injuries. He eats a full can of Friskies every morning and evening, good appetite. I’m certain he was someone’s pet. I was able to carefully put a flea collar on him one night while he ate, he didn’t even seem to notice. He also tries to come in the house when we go in, so I’m pretty sure that was something he was used to.
Now there is one issue with him, and that is his tendency to hiss & swat. It seems to me like he is starved for attention, he just can’t get enough. I am only able to spend 10-15 minutes a day talking to him and petting him while he rubs all around me. The problem is when I get up to leave, that’s when he’ll swat. He doesn’t want me to leave, and the swat is his way of showing his displeasure. I also have to be careful when he’s rolling around, one time he flipped and suddenly my hand was on his belly which some cats don’t like, and he took a swat at me. This hissing usually happens when I’m bringing his food out, or picking the bowl up when he’s done. It’s like he wants the food instantly put down, not wanting me to walk the 10 feet to where I want to put it.
We are not going to be able to keep him, which is said, because I'm already attached. We have 2 indoor only females in a small house, these two tolerate each other, and each has some special needs. If we brought in a third cat, everyone’s lives would be turned on their ear. We are able to take care of Jack for now because the weather is mild, but once it starts turning colder here in the northeast, he’s going to need shelter. I’ve been all over the internet, first searching for anyone looking for him. Sadly, no one is looking for this cat. Another thing that makes me think he was dropped off. I’m trying to find a new home for him.
My question/concern is that I don’t want to give him to someone if he’s got serious behavioral problems. While I’ve had cats for over 30 years, it’s only been a total of 4 cats, so I don’t have broad experience. Every one of mine was different, of course. Some loved their belly rubbed, others hate it. My feelings about Jack are that if he were in a home, he would chill out a little bit, as opposed to being "on defense" when outside. But I think he needs to be trained to not swat. If he was in fact dumped by someone, that someone probably didn’t understand cats and was the cause of the problem. For example, you don’t “play” with a cat with your hand, you use a toy. Otherwise you’re training them to swat at hands. I’ve seen my share of people over the years who didn’t “get” cats and they made things worse instead of better.
To sum up, I don’t want to give someone a cat that will be a problem. I need to find someone mature enough, explain what Jack needs, and hope they have the patience & love to train him. I think this cat has so much potential.
So, I’m looking some insights on Jack’s behavior. Am I on the right track in my thinking? Any input and suggestions would be welcome!
) and then find him his forever home.
