The street life is not what all cats would choose if they had a say in the matter.
For one tomcat that got a taste of the “good life” indoors, he clearly told his rescuers that he wasn’t going to be a stray any longer.
An unneutered male cat was trapped by dedicated volunteer, Ashley, and the Community Cat Coalition. He was caught while they were working TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return) on a large feral colony in Everett, Washington.
The poor fella was clearly suffering from an illnesses.
Ashley was an experienced fosterer and welcomed him into her home. Here, he would get the care and attention needed to heal and eventually be neutered.
Ashley was an experienced fosterer and welcomed him into her home. Here, he would get the care and attention needed to heal and eventually be neutered.
She Named The Big Boy Stud Muffin.
He was taken to the vet who found that he had and Upper Respiratory Infection and Periodontal Dental Disease. They began antibiotics right away so he could be fixed ASAP.
Stud Muffin is estimated to be between 6-8 years of age. With the average life expectancy of a feral cat only ranging about 5-7 years, he is one lucky boy!
But sadly, the repercussions of that many years on the streets and NOT being fixed, was devastating to imagine.
Think about how many kittens this burly boy could have fathered in his life!!! =(
Happily, he was now on a different path. He just needed to be shown love and Ashley was the purrfect human to teach him.
Stud Muffin Was Weary At First Though.
He hissed at every meal time and clearly had fought for food for many years.
Ashley is a patient soul however, never giving up.
She cautiously approached his cage, placing his food near him and didn’t push for interaction. With ferals, time is key to earning their trust.
He had been given a cat condo where he would “supurrvise” her from his safe zone. Little by little, the hissing ceased.
He was ear tipped, neutered and the reproduction cycle that was left to run rampant was finally ended.
Stud Muffin had slowly began opening up to Ashley and was finally coming out of his shell.
He allowed her to praise him with head rubs, eventually smushing his head into the corner of the comforting condo, purring for more.
Although he was still cautious, his silly personality was starting to show.
In a post she shared on her Youngest Old Cat Lady Facebook page, you can see first hand.
“He cracks us up because he likes to sit on his hind legs in the two level cat house and just watch us. He’s winking because he’s very sly with the ladies.”
Stud Muffin began enjoying living in the lap of luxury.
He obviously quickly trained Ashley as to how he preferred his meals to be served! HAHA
If Stud Muffin’s feral cat instincts were permanent, he would have to be returned to where he was found.
It’s the difficult part of the TNR aspect as rescuers never like to admit a cat is better living outside. We do all we can though.
Sometimes providing medical attention, confirming they are clear of viruses and ensuring they cannot reproduce, gives them the best chance at life.
She would make sure that he had a warm shelter for the winter months and releasing him where he was caught, meant he knew how to survive in that area. Since the colony had caretakers, food and water would be provided.
Ashley And Stud Muffin Drove To His Former Home To Release Him.
She opened the cage door and stepped back to allow him to emerge on his own.
He had other plans though.
We can only imagine that his pleas were his voicing his refusal to leave now that he knew the “creature comforts” of indoor living.
How could Ashley argue with him?
She closed the door, got in the car and drove back home with the once feral cat.
Stud Muffin Still Isn’t Ready To Be A Full-Fledged Lap Cat, But He Is Loving Reigning Over Her Garage-Kingdom.
Being from a colony, he is used to other felines. This means the kittens ALSO trapped from the same location that are temporary residents at Ashley’s, get to be his roommates!
In all likelihood, there is a very good chance they are related anyways….eeek.
He does still have a safe spot he can retreat too when their shenanigans get to be too much.
His Life May Be Changing For The Better Next Week Yet Again.
A potential adopter is coming to visit him!
Not only that, another caring person contacted Ashley wanting to cover the adoption fee for whomever wins this handsome cats heart.
Something heartwarming happened that left no doubt that this boy is going to make a place for himself in the hearts of those around him. Ashley was invited to join him during his dinner, and he accepted her with open arms, as if he knew her for a lifetime. It was a great moment for everyone who witnessed it, and it was clear that this was just the beginning of a beautiful relationship. If this little gesture is any indication, we are in for a lot of love, loyalty, and companionship from this special boy. He is sure to win over our hearts, one day at a time.
