For the past few years I've been feeding a kitty outside that I named "Mo" because he looks so much like Morris. He has always looked very well cared for so I've never worried that he didn't have a home, he's just a neighbor kitty who likes to stop by for a snack each night. (I just wish I knew where he lived!)
Here's the thing about Mo - he's incredibly skittish and even after feeding him all this time he's never allowed me to touch him or even come near him. I'm expected to drop his food out the door, and then close the door immediately, thank you very much. He always comes after 8PM once it's gotten dark and waits for me to look for him from under the car where he can't be seen by passersby.
Things started to change the past couple weeks though as the days are getting longer and Mo is starting to arrive when it's still light out! He has even started to wait for me in the driveway as opposed to under the car, and then come down to the back step while I'm preparing the food! He still runs when I open the door, but I feel like I'm making progress in gaining his trust.
These pictures aren't great because they were taken through the door, but isn't he adorable? While I named him Mo after Morris, in these pictures he makes me think of Puss in Boots from the Shrek franchise.
Strangely enough, while Mudpie can't stand other animals in her yard, she watches Mo with fascination! She's never really reacted to his presence and has even watched him eat through the door. Maybe she feels bad that he's such a nervous wreck and is trying to tell him he has nothing to fear here?
We hope you enjoyed meeting our little friend Mo. Cross your paws that one day I get to take a picture of him while he's actually allowing me to pet him!
I wonder what the story is behind Mo!
ReplyDeleteOh, that face! I’m glad he’s warming up to you. Keep at it. It took months to get a stray to let me touch him. Now, he’s another part of my fur-family.
ReplyDeleteHow nice that Mo is coming closer! We do hope he has a home of his own.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Mo wants to get to know you a little better!
ReplyDeleteCats always have relationships with all the other cats around them, even the ones that don't live inside their house, or in their group. Mudpie has also been watching Mo all this time. After some feline conversation she decided he was okay and could stay. Probably it's the only reason he's continued to show up--she accepts him into her territory, which includes everything she can see. So they are way ahead of you, human! People think kitties sleep all day, but they are very busy critters!
You could try stepping outside to set down his food, then going back indoors to see his reaction. He may move farther away, but he probably won't leave. Let him get used to that. Whatever you do, being absolutely consistent is the best way to gain a kitty's trust.
Mo is adorbs!
ReplyDeleteI hope he chooses to trust you soon!
An orangie! Good on you. I hope he continues to make progress.
ReplyDeleteWhat a handsome ginger! Fingers crossed that you get to pet him someday.
ReplyDeleteHe is a handsome boy. Maybe Miss Mudpie will have room in her heart for a brother :)
ReplyDeletewhat a cutie! Love to hear that he is starting to trust you more and that Mudpie seems to have accepted him!
ReplyDeleteHe sure is a handsome guy and I hope you get his trust eventually. Before I came here there was an orange boy named Mo and I hear he was pure orange goodness. Enjoy your chow Mo!
ReplyDeleteHAH! There were so many Mo's we were thinking of. Pop had a boss/good friend nicknamed Mr. Mo and the best closer ever in baseball was the Yankees' Mo Rivera. What a good boy this Mo is. You think he's seen your bumper sticker so he's not sure he trusts you.
ReplyDeleteAww..Mo is such a cutie, what a sweet face. He's a good replacement for the mewsic, he's all mewsic 😸Clean Pawkisses for a Happy Tuesday. Stay Safe Healthy and Yourselfie🙏🐾😽💞
ReplyDeleteMo is so handsome! I bet he really enjoys visiting you, and thank you for giving him a nightly meal. I give the neighbor's cat treats whenever he visits. He's a sweet little guy and I love when he comes to see me. There are also some strays and feral cats in my area. I always leave food and shelter out for them, and for the first time ever one of them has actually allowed me to pet him. There's something so magical and rewarding about a stranger cat trusting you. I hope Mo lets you pet him soon!
ReplyDeleteMo is lucky to have you!
ReplyDelete