I first introduced you to Stubby Legs, back in January - a new stray cat in town. We are making slow progress. He now doesn't run quite so far away when I go to feed him. Sometimes not moving at all. But he will still not eat when I am near him. He waits until I walk away and start back up the stairs before eating.
Now that it's warm, I did try waiting him out. I sat his food down and sat down right beside it. He was only a couple of feet away, but he just made himself comfortable and appeared to be willing to wait as long as I did. After, what seemed like an eternity, while in reality was probably 5 minutes, I gave up, stood up and walked away. He immediately got up and walked the two feet to his food and started eating. He wins this round.
He's really good at staring. I talk to him, but as I mentioned in my other post, I think he is hard of hearing. I was once right behind him talking to him and he had no idea. His ears don't move at all like other cat's ears do. Since my weapon of choice with strays is relentless baby talking - I've lost my power!
Roxy says
He is gorgeous and deserves a good home. I hope he will start trusting you soon.
Kayte says
This is so endearing...the whole process just slow and sweet and rewarding. He is adorable. And he is developing a nice relationship with you, making sure you don't want to eat that food before he helps himself! 🙂
The Island Cats says
Thanks for taking care of Stubby Legs. It will take for him to trust you. When he stares at you. try slow blinking at him and see if he will slow blink back. That's a sign that a cat is trusting you.
Ann says
One day I will tell you the story about my cat who used to pretend to be a stray and eat his way up and down the street.
Kyle Burkhardt says
I think food is a pretty powerful motivator for strays. Just keep trying--he's easing up very slowly but he is easing up! I wonder if he is deaf or just needs his ears cleaned out. I think he is very cute and I love his name!
Tina says
Now that is a good looking cat. He is very photogenic and I want to say it is so kind of you to look after him. One day he will trust you and he'll be twining between your legs while you set out food.
By the way, I meant to write you because I think it was you who turned me on to trying Hendrinks over Sapphire. If I am mistaken, apologies. If it WAS you, big thanks!!