Upon arriving two summers ago, I mistook this little guy for "Fred" but wondered at his skittishness. And his worried, wary eyes. On comparing photos, it was clear that his long hair (and those eyes) were of another cat, and so he got the name "Not-Fred". We see him around town, and he seems to be cared for by many. But daily he's here, and we buy him the good stuff...canned cat food...and how he loves it! Bit by bit he seems less wary, and daily I've set the bowl closer to the back door, then in the back hallway, and today, in the dining room. Another cat nearly knocked him over as she ran in hoping for a bowl of the same, but he hasn't run off! I'm overjoyed that I'm teaching him to trust.
I'll be looking to my next door neighbour to set food out for him when we leave, and when the musicians are here over a period of months, I'll ask them to set food out as well.
He deserves the love and comfort he's not yet quite ready to accept. He made my life happier this summer, and I hope I did the same for him.
@gilbertwood@parisouailleurs@radiogirl Thank you, each of you. This lovely cat s becoming so much more comfortable around me, and sits so still, I can take HDR photos (as this is!) Tomorrow Ken's going to build him a "cat house" on the porch, and I can even put a heated pad in it if it looks like he'll use it... Hopeful...
Not Fred is my favourite cat and I am thrilled that he has finally made it indoors with you! I hope he is ok through the winter while you are away but it sounds like you have made lots of plans for him. I think he will be fighting the racoons and Little Pussy No Name for Ken's cat house and the heat pad!! Such a gorgeous capture of him with that lovely golden background!! Fav!!
a beautiful portrait of him We had a cat like him once and his name was
Fred. So glad he is beginning to trust you and I am sure he will stay the winter if you can muster your helpers
@parisouailleurs Fabulous! I just showed that video to Ken (about building an insulated shelter) and he said he'd have no problem doing that! That's SO MUCH BETTER than my idea about keeping a heating pad plugged in on the porch! Thanks for being the sort of "helper" that Chris @cruiser mentions above!
Not-Fred is such a handsome long-haired kitty and you have the biggest heart, Louise! Happy to see the information on the outdoor shelter. Thank you for sharing, Helene @parisouailleurs . The cat we've been feeding the last few months may need one.
Lovely shot of not-Fred!
5 Tips For Helping Strays Survive The Winter http://blog.theanimalrescuesite.com/winter-strays-tips/
Fred. So glad he is beginning to trust you and I am sure he will stay the winter if you can muster your helpers