In recent years there has been a rise in the stray cat population. Many of these were born in the street. Street colonies can be the hidden element of cities, finding shelter and food in areas of human habitation, often near food outlets, sleeping in drains during the day and coming out at night for food and breeding. Often these cats have missed the 'window of opportunity' of a positive interaction with humans.
Pepper was observed to be the most aggressive of the three cats we recently had trapped. The plan was to return them to the feeder after vet work was done but that idea was overturned. As they say 'it's complicated.' Sigh. So we brought home Pepper, her sister Penny and her mother Priscilla and set them up in individual crates next to each other.
Plan B was to place as barn cats after recovery from surgery. We are now up to Plan C, which is to rehabilitate for adoption.
There were also five kittens belonging to Priscilla. They have gone to an adoption centre.
This video shows Pepper being introduced to the wand. Pepper had witnessed me use it on her mother in the crate next to her a few times before this. Her mother did not react. Pepper looked on anxiously and there was a look of disbelief that made me laugh. Most cats that have never been touched will argue and attack the wand. Neither her mum nor Pepper did what was expected. Pepper is now being spoon fed , by using a spoon on a long pole. I had initially side stepped this step but feel it is required with Pepper.
Pepper is a very anxious cat. She greets me with flat ears and growls uncertainly the whole time I am there, except when I am using the wand on her or feeding her.
She relaxes with the wand. It gives her a lot to think about. Lol.
