He came passing through one day after I finished mowing the lawn about 3 yrs ago. He was navigating the sprinklers and eating bugs. Pretty pathetic. I couldn't get near him but I went and got some meow mix. I'd never feed my cats this unless emergency as it seems to be like cotton candy or something to them so I exploited that and in a few days I got to pet him.

Was like petting a skeleton. I let him in but could tell that wasn't gonna fly with my other 2. So I installed a cat door so he could access the garage. I'm not sure he's very bright as it was exhausting getting him to figure out he could simply walk through it. He's been around ever since aside from those mysterious 6 weeks.

He's not handsome anymore but he's cool. I'll give him some scritches as you requested, just not on the belly! Like another rescue he forgets that he is safe now and instincts take over when touched the wrong way. Thanks for listening to my dumb cat story!

[–] angrystego 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I love cat stories with good endings like this one. I also have a rescue at home. She was found in a street being very skinny and telling everyone how hungry she was (she's very vocal). The doctor who did the basic necessary treatment and who fixed her said her age was about 3 years, but she was rather small and very very naive at that time, so I'm pretty sure she was no more than a year old.

Her youth probably helped her to adapt to mostly indoor life. She still tends to eat too much too quickly, so I leave a spoon in her bowl to make it more difficult for her to suck in everything in 3 seconds and then throw it up.

At first her belly was 100% a trap, but now, 4 years later, she's quite fond of belly rubbing.

[–] Cihta 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That's great you rescued her. And if you can rub the belly that means 100% trust. Not that mine don't trust me.. some just don't like it. One of mine does, the other gets confused and flips over so I rub topside and the other nutcase just seems to find great amusement in setting a trap.

Interesting about the food. Mine won't tolerate a low food bowl.. they get super nutty when that happens. My primary 2 share an always full of healthy food bowl. While they eat the same amounts one is super skinny and the other obese. It would be impossible to try and separate their diets so as long as they are active, healthy and happy I see no reason to change it up. But I'm noting the spoon trick if it should ever be needed!

I hope your rescue brings you happiness for your efforts. :) I've always found cats complex and often annoying but they have a way of being quite loving.. when It suits them anyway.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I finally found a way to repay with my own cat tax - hopefully you'll see the pic - her name is Carmen. It was a lovely conversation, hope to see you around!

[–] Cihta 1 points 1 year ago

It was indeed fun! All my rescues have an interesting sometimes tragic story. I'll have to compile a book someday. Short of one kitten, I never posted anything on reddit. Though my first, who had to be put down at 18 because she was miserable, gained a little fame on fark back in the day.

Anyway, Carmen looks great! Healthy and happy and I love the black nose! It looks almost fake.. you didn't spray paint your cat right? Jk! Hard to believe you found her alone and crying years ago, but I'm glad she found you

Oh, FWIW I couldn't see your pic on lemmy (boost) and had to log in to kbin on desktop and find this thread and then could see it. I thought fediverse stuff was all connected? Oh well, I got to see her and your cat-tax balance has been cleared. Have a good w/e!