Cats and Dogs

[Cariad]

We have always had cats on the farm, too many at times but over the last few years their numbers decreased to the point where we offered a home to several cats which had arrived at the local cat rescue.  Last year I was on the look out for a black and white cat and so got my eye on one but it was feral. We have never had feral cats on the farm so this was a challenge.  When I got her home I put her in a large barn but she dug her way out gouging a hole under a door. She actually scratched concrete away to get out.  I never saw her again for two weeks, I assumed she had scampered. When she did appear she spent the next 6 months getting closer to the house. All I could do was to leave food out for her. Eventually I was getting closer to her and could almost touch her at feeding time. Once I actually picked her up but she nearly took my finger off.

The turning point came a few weeks later when I found her lying in the garden one morning obviously injured and in pain, she had been run over. Had she gone off and hid as cats do she would have perished but she had the good sense to look for help.  I put her in the cat travel box and took her to the vet where she had surgery for a broken back leg.  It was touch and go and the vet had to put a pin in the leg joint. She spent two weeks in a wire box at the clinic and when she came back spent 4 weeks in the house.  She is a completely changed cat now but still very nervous.  She will jump up and sit on my knee now no problem.  She does not associate with the other cats though.

Feral cats can be domesticated but they are hard work.  I will post a photo of her later.



Naughty TESSA, some weeks after the operation to save her leg.

What a lovely story and a beautiful cat!

I used to foster kittens for a cat charity. If they were over 12/14 weeks they were usually considered un tameable. I had one who bit me so hard she made it through my thumb nail! She's the only kitten that I couldn't rehome. She was destined for a life as a mouser on a farm but I asked for one more go with her. 10 years later she's still here.

She hates most people and will run from my husband and 2 sons, but she seeks me out for cwtches and love. 

[John]

I couldn't resist this caption having seen it earlier on the dogs thread.

 
Tim and his mut parachutes in.   

[ActualMat]

I've just bought a French Bulldog Puppy.

Not going to lie, 3 weeks in - he has me in love with him.

[Myster]

I've just bought a French Bulldog Puppy.

Not going to lie, 3 weeks in - he has me in love with him.

... and after 3 years in just think about how much pee & poo you'll have cleaned up, and the vet's lamborghini you've helped to pay for!

[puglove]

I've just bought a French Bulldog Puppy.

Not going to lie, 3 weeks in - he has me in love with him.

Oh Mat!! I bet he's scrumptious!! I'd love a Frenchie, they're a cracking dog. How do you get Toby to leave him and go to school??!!

[ActualMat]

... and after 3 years in just think about how much pee & poo you'll have cleaned up, and the vet's lamborghini you've helped to pay for!

Oh, I know. 

Oh Mat!! I bet he's scrumptious!! I'd love a Frenchie, they're a cracking dog. How do you get Toby to leave him and go to school??!!

It was love at first site. They are now best friends forever.

[sika]

Hi Mat, any chance of a picture?

[ActualMat]

I will sort one out for tomorrow! :)

[ActualMat]

[Tim Invictus]

Cute pup or, as my dogs would call him, amuse bouche! 

[sika]

That's it! I want one!!

My 8 year old desperately wants a husky though!

[Anna]

What a gorgeous dog .......I love all dogs.

 Husky is also a beauty. We used to enjoy the husky races in Aviemore.

 A relative who lived with us for a while, left his dog here, when he was transferred to another area, with his Job, He is a well behaved and intelligent dog, now 3 years old, but I am afraid of getting too attached to him, and having to give him up. He's a Labradoodle ((big)

[puglove]

He's perfect, Mat!! What have you called him?

[Holly Goodhead]

I can feel nothing for pets.  I just them as being dirty smelly creatures.  Is there something wrong with me?  I am a bit OCD in terms of cleanliness and tidiness. 

[ActualMat]

Hes called Charlie. :)