Feral Cats and Humans.
What are feral cats?
FERAL CAT MEANING Animal Story of Feral Cats Scarface & Nipper
Are they really Feral Cats?
After all, we all started out living in the wild. We domesticated ourselves first, that’s all.
Then we took wild wolf pups into our crude homes. And thousands of years later our dogs happily live with us.
After we settled down as a farming species, cats slinked into our Granaries. They loved the rats and mice who lived there. And after a while, some of those cats deigned to come into our homes and live among us.
Feral Cats vs Stray.
Some of our feline pets wander away. Lost cats. Stray cats. Sometimes they’re found. Or find their way home. Sometimes they rewild. Have kittens. We call them Feral, eh? I call them cats.[1]
Here, from author Bobbee Cera, is a wonderful animal story in a class by itself.
In an unexpected twist of fate, a self-professed dog lover recounts the heartwarming saga of a feral cat named Nipper and her protector, Scarface. This narrative explores the peculiar dynamics of animal relationships and the profound impact they can have on human lives.
He had an initial reluctance. But the author’s life becomes intertwined with these feline characters. Leading to a journey filled with surprises, affection, and life lessons.
“The Unlikely Bond: A Tale of Nipper, Scarface and Their Human Companion” by Bobbee Cera
An Unwanted Visitor
I never considered myself a cat person; dogs were my preferred companions. Cats, with their independent streak, never quite appealed to me. However, life has a way of presenting us with the unexpected. One day, a pregnant feral cat appeared at my doorstep, pleading for sustenance. Despite my reservations, I couldn’t resist her plea and offered her some milk, which led to an unexpected bite and the cat earning the name Nipper.
The Cost of Compassion
After the bite, a visit to the vet set me back $84. A sum I begrudgingly paid to ensure Nipper’s health. Yet, her persistent cries outside my door, both day and night, became a nuisance to my neighbors and myself. My attempts to ignore her failed when she presented me with her litter of scrawny kittens. Feral kittens. Accompanied by a rugged tomcat with a half-missing ear, whom I named Scarface.
The Feline Family Dynamic
Scarface, with his battle-scarred appearance, seemed to be the dominant male. He was fiercely protective of Nipper and her kittens. It was fascinating to observe the family dynamics. Scarface would babysit the kittens while Nipper hunted — a behavior rarely discussed in feline studies. According to a study by the University of Georgia, only about 1 in 10 male cats show paternal behavior towards their offspring.[2]
A Bond Beyond Nature
As time passed, the kittens grew and ventured off on their own, and I faced the prospect of moving away. I decided it was best to leave Nipper with Scarface, as she was a wild cat at heart. However, Nipper’s attachment to me proved stronger than expected, leading me to bring her to my new home after she caused a commotion at my old residence.
The Cycle Continues
Settling into our new home, Nipper quickly adapted, but not without a surprise — she gave birth to three kittens resembling Scarface. Despite being spayed, Nipper continued to wait for Scarface’s visits, demonstrating the complexity of feline relationships. After another move, Nipper’s attempts to reunite with Scarface were heart-wrenching. But our return to the vicinity of their first encounter brought an unexpected reunion.
Lessons Learned from Feline Friends
Scarface has since passed away, but Nipper, now an elderly cat with failing health, remains with me. As she approaches her twenty-first year, her presence is a constant reminder of the miracles and lessons that come from opening one’s heart to the unexpected.
In the world of feline behavior, it’s rare to hear about such enduring bonds between feral cats and humans. A study by Oregon State University found that cats can form secure attachments to their caregivers, similar to children and dogs.[3] Nipper’s story is a testament to this, showcasing the depth of connection that can exist between species.
Lessons from the Feline World
Observing the feral cat community has been a transformative experience. It has shown me the power of empathy and the impact of small acts of kindness. As I contemplate the future of this feral family, I am reminded of the broader implications for human society.
If we could emulate the compassion and cooperation exhibited by these cats, we might just create a more harmonious world for all.
– Bobbee Cera
Do You love Animal Stories?
Read my story of the Wolf who rescued a Husky!
READ WOLFBLOOD — MY MOST POPULAR ANIMAL YARN: “I LOVE THE HAPPY ENDING!”
“I JUST READ WOLFBLOOD AGAIN FOR GOOD MEASURE. ONE FOR ANY WOLF LOVER. ENJOYED IT BUT WISH IT WAS A FULL LENGTH NOVEL.” – Gina Chronowicz @ginachron
“GREAT SHORT STORY! DOES REMIND ME OF CALL OF THE WILD, WHITE FANG…” – Evelyn @evelyn_m_k
An “entertaining and affectionate” narrative in the Jack London Tradition. Story of a lone Gray Wolf and his quest for a place in the far-flung forests of the feral North. WOLFBLOOD: A Wild Wolf, A Half-Wild Husky & A Wily Old Trapper
“BOOKS. CATS. LIFE IS GOOD.” – Edward Gorey. SEE Writers’ Cat Quotes: Loving, Sentimental & Funny Cats Quotes.
Author Bobbee Cera Source: Free Guest Posting Articles from ArticlesFactory.com.
[1] “A feral cat or a stray cat is an unowned domestic cat (Felis catus) that lives outdoors and avoids human contact; it does not allow itself to be handled or…” Feral Cat.
[2] “According to a study by the University of Georgia, only about 1 in 10 male cats show paternal behavior towards their offspring.” University of Georgia.
[3] “A study by Oregon State University found that cats can form secure attachments to their caregivers, similar to children and dogs.”
Oregon State University.
TAGS Animal tale, Feral cats Australia, Feral cats info, feral cats advice, feral cats near me, feral cats for adoption, Feral cats, Feral cats meaning, feral cats vs stray.
