Thursday, February 18, 2010

Introducing Wicket

This is the new boy, or perhaps I should say ONE of the new boys I am working on. He is the one I mentioned in my last post that is not feral, but rather a stray, most likely dumped.

He has been here for a couple months now. When he first showed up he was wearing a collar, and the tag was very visible from a distance. I am unable to get close enough with all that hair he has to see if he lost the collar or just the tag.



He is very scared, and does not seem to be very street smart. He is finally coming as close as 10 feet to me, but not close enough to pet. He will watch and wait for me to put the wet food out for the other ferals on the back patio, and as I walk away he will come up and eat along with the others.



Unfortunately when he sees Karl or Storm, he panics, screams the most terrifying scream. I can actually recognize his yowling while I am inside the house, he has such a distinctive and unique sound. I have worked with hundreds of ferals and strays through the years, but I must admit, I have never heard the type of sound and panic that comes from this boy.

I am hoping to trap him this weekend. I am still not sure what I am going to do with him. I really do not want to release him to live outside as a feral. Knowing he had a collar once, tells me he is tame, he is just scared. If I can work with him, I will attempt to foster him until he will be ready for adoption.

He is such a magnificent boy.




The cats are keeping me quite busy lately. It was calm and quiet around here for awhile; I miss those days. We have many strays, perhaps some born feral, as I have spotted three young cats, possibly around 6 months old hanging in and around my shelter.

Busy days ahead!


26 comments:

las794 said...

Wicket's a handsome bundle of fluff. I wonder what happened to him to make him so scared? Poor kitty....

Suldog said...

Damn fine looking cat, he is. Good luck!

DayPhoto said...

Oh, he is beautiful! I hate it when people drop or dump animals. This is what happens to them. He was probably ALWAYS a house cat. I wonder if he has his claws? I hope they didn't declaw him and then dump him.

Of course he could have ran off..still I hope you catch him this weekend!

Linda

http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

That is one handsome kitty! good luck this weekend!

Jane said...

What a beautiful cat, but he looks so sad. I'm sure he will come around with you to love on him!

Jane

Freya's Staff said...

He looks very special... Please be sure to let us know how you get on with him...

Nedine Says said...

What a beauty and who knows what this poor guy has been through. Good luck with him.

jay said...

He is a handsome cat! I hope you manage to get him.

In my experience, a frightened pet cat will be a lot easier to tame once you get your hands on him than a feral would be. Good luck!

Daisy said...

Oh my goodness, he is a gorgeous big Mancat! And he looks like he is most hungry for some love.

Elin said...

He is very handsome that makes my heart melts.. =)

tula monstah said...

What a cute fluffball! He definitely landed in the right place with the right person:)

kissies,
tula

♥Caroline♥ said...

he is one beautiful cat!!! someone will love him!

Betty said...

You know what I heard in your voice as you told me about him? Love, and lots of it! He's already worked his magic on your heart. Once you catch him and begin to 'foster' him, I think he may become a fine addition to your cat room...teehee. You and your hubby are so soft-hearted; he may just be the luckiest little guy around! Great pictures; you always capture their 'expressions'!

Phyllis said...

Hey T,

Thanks for the compliment on my quilt :)

Wicket looks so sad. So many animals get dumped. I just received an email yesterday about 5 gorgeous puppies found along side the road freezing cold. They are about 7 weeks old.

It's never ending...Wicket is lucky that he ended up at your place where he will get some help.

elsieflynn said...

awww, what a beautiful boy!!!

Anya said...

Wow!!
Its a good looking boy :-)

Hugs Kareltje =^.^=

DayPhoto said...

Were you able to get Wicket?

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordprss.com

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

HEY T! I did the cat trapping go this weekend?

The Berner continues to visit but doesn't let me get close. At least she knows there is shelter,food and water here. I'll keep at it. I have a plan for catching her but am going slow.

Tracey said...

He sure is a handsome fella! I hope you are successful in working with him and finding him a home...the work you do is so wonderful!!
Tracey

Jan Mader said...

He is a handsome handsome guy. Just to see his photos doesn't capture the fear he has. You're an angel when it comes to animals. Somehow I know Wicket will learn to trust you.

Shame shame shame on the people who dumped him!!!

Anonymous said...

that darn cat :) he looks like a sweetie

gp

Andrea said...

What a handsome boy! As I have said before, these animals are so lucky that there is someone like you in the world to look after them. :)

RoeH said...

That makes me want to cry ... those sad eyes. Maybe he just got lost at one time from his family. Wouldn't that be great to be able to find them. Poor little baby..*sniffsniff*

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

T! I've been watching for an update from you! I can't wait to hear more! My lips are sealed until you say go!

I knew you dealt with feral cats, I didn't know dogs... I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to pick your brain. I have fostered feral dogs, but never brought them in directly from the wild. I think he was severely traumitized by his stay with me and wonder how i can get him past that. Just keep taking it slow with no pressure? you can email me at giantspeckledchihuahua(AT)live(DOT)com when/if you have time

I can't wait for the big reveal!

Carolina said...

Hi hi, good to be back and read about what's going on at your place ;-)
Wicket is gorgeous! But he has such a sad look on his beautiful face. Good luck with him.

Hope you are well?

Anonymous said...

So- I want to hear a happy ending to the Wicket story. I did that kind of "work" for over 30 years. Would still do it today if I was able. Now I just take in the ones that were someone's loved pet for many years and now are homeless. And feed all the strays that come my way across the fields.