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I am no vet and this relationship you have w/ him is special: YOU are more finely tuned to what he needs. Maybe chat w/ you vet and see what they say? He does look hardy and healthy.
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Feral in my garage
- Thread starter Bitsy's Mom
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I HAD NO IDEA!
So I went in this morning to feed him. The entire time I had no idea he was right in front of me as I did my usual talking to him and changing his water and opening a can of food. I assumed he was up in the loft. I am so used to NOT seeing him that I did not see him on the perch. I always look up to his loft and that is what I was focused on. His two beds were hanging off upside down and I was puzzled as to why that was? Had an animal gotten in and perhaps they tussled? Maybe the animal Was dead up there? Anyway - watch the video and midway I suddenly see him in front of me and jump. I had been talking to him thinking he was up in the loft - not in front of me. ThenI did about 5 slow eye blinks and left.
I watched on the camera and he hesitated to go back up. I can get on a ladder and try to look but it will freak him out for sure. Plus my ladder is not that tall. I may have to buy a telescoping mirror?
Never a dull moment.
So I went in this morning to feed him. The entire time I had no idea he was right in front of me as I did my usual talking to him and changing his water and opening a can of food. I assumed he was up in the loft. I am so used to NOT seeing him that I did not see him on the perch. I always look up to his loft and that is what I was focused on. His two beds were hanging off upside down and I was puzzled as to why that was? Had an animal gotten in and perhaps they tussled? Maybe the animal Was dead up there? Anyway - watch the video and midway I suddenly see him in front of me and jump. I had been talking to him thinking he was up in the loft - not in front of me. ThenI did about 5 slow eye blinks and left.
I watched on the camera and he hesitated to go back up. I can get on a ladder and try to look but it will freak him out for sure. Plus my ladder is not that tall. I may have to buy a telescoping mirror?
Never a dull moment.
Absolutely still, not flicking a whisker or a tail feather.
I'm thinking you're very close.
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I think he was frozen in fear!! He was starring hard at me. He used to do that outside. Like holding his ground. I don’t know and want to see what the deal is up in his loft. But don’t want to traumatize him.Absolutely still, not flicking a whisker or a tail feather.
I'm thinking you're very close.
He didn't flinch at all! He didn't hunch down like he was frozen, he looked calm from what I could see! Such progress, and how heartwarming!
I don't think he was frightened at all. He was just watching you. He didn't have deer in the head lights look at all. He seemed very calm!!! So happy to see this!!
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Can you believe how clueless I was!! I’m standing 2 feet from him and starring up in the loft to try to see him!! Idiot human!!
Oh yeah, now you have the idea. What an amazing time. You know what? Oscar said, let’s give this hooman a surprise. Oscar making the move and it’s happening.
Oh, I love it !!!!! Had to watch twice, and 2nd time focused just on Oscar. He looked down when you bent down, and he blinked a few times. IMO, he did not seem nervous at all. And unless there's something really odd going on in his loft, he had plenty of time to dash up there when he heard you at the door. So I say this is a mega pawsitive step forward for Oscar and his maid, slave, er, Mom.
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SlaveOh, I love it !!!!! Had to watch twice, and 2nd time focused just on Oscar. He looked down when you bent down, and he blinked a few times. IMO, he did not seem nervous at all. And unless there's something really odd going on in his loft, he had plenty of time to dash up there when he heard you at the door. So I say this is a mega pawsitive step forward for Oscar and his maid, slave, er, Mom.
I agree with the other posters and reiterate, YOU ARE CLOSE. Keep up the great work. You're doing all the right things.
Ain't it the truth!
A loving slave to Oscar and that's the most important job.
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It’s slow and steady. I went near him and he hissed at me so I lost a bit of hope. Then today I went in to scoop the litter and feed him and I heard a noise behind me and he had jumped down! He was perched on a platform. So I just sat down and talked to him and then played with one of the toys. He stayed there (pic attached) and then I thought it best if I leave first. So I left and he came down and ate the food and then sat in the window. (Pic attached). I went over and talked to him again and then left.
I don’t know if things are better but I do think he no longer fears me so!!
Definitely things are better. He no longer fears you and the hissing is just to tell you that he is still the boss.
Have you tried going nearer to him instead of standing from a distance? If you can, go nearer to him and break the ice. Sometimes standing from afar gives the idea of that's the limit and maybe that's why he still hiss.
Yes, slow and easy and that does not mean no progress. He's is so handsome
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It is great to see him outside in the catio! It seems he was only sitting in the window before, not actually venturing out if I am remembering correctly. So that is a good step forward! He is a handsome boy and you have made a lovely home for him.
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I haven’t tried going over to him since I wanted to encourage him to be OK with me there and seeing him and it not becoming stressful. Like if he shows himself to me - that it doesn’t end in stress. Today was the first time he actually came down when I was there and I’d prefer he do that a few times before I approach him. Like if he shows himself to me - it’s no big deal.Definitely things are better. He no longer fears you and the hissing is just to tell you that he is still the boss.
Have you tried going nearer to him instead of standing from a distance? If you can, go nearer to him and break the ice. Sometimes standing from afar gives the idea of that's the limit and maybe that's why he still hiss.
Yes, slow and easy and that does not mean no progress. He's is so handsome
Both of you made tremendous progress. Oscar coming down is a huge progress. I don't think that there's much stress in him in seeing you and Oscar is making his little move as he is getting more comfortable with you while you are inside the catio with him. Let him have it his way in his own time. I don't think you want to jeopardize this relationship since you've already come so far.
I can see in his eyes that he is pretty contented and he knows you love him and care for him. Please keep up the good job that you are doing.
