My Semi-Feral Cat Finally Let Me Pet Her After 7 Whole Years !!
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- Опубліковано 31 січ 2024
- Our semi-feral cat Zoom has been living in our garden for 7 years and she's always been keeping her distance from us. But finally, after 7 whole years, she let me pet her for the first time ever!
You can find all the videos of our outdoor cats in this playlist (IN ORDER):
• All The Videos Of Our ...
And for the videos of Zoom, you can use her own playlist:
• Videos of Zoom | walte...
More videos from our channel:
Kittens meowing (too much cuteness) - All talking at the same time : • Kittens meowing (too m...
Two Cats and 500 Balls in a Ball Pit : • Two Cats and 500 Balls...
Goalkeeper Cat Got Snubbed from World Cup : • Goalkeeper Cat Got Snu...
Subscribe for more videos: ua-cam.com/users/waltersanti?s...
My email address: waltersantindy@gmail.com
Our Instagram page: / waltersantindy
Our second channel: / feedandtravel
About Our Channel:
This channel is about the daily lives and adventures of my 3 indoor cats Santi, Indy & Chewie and our 14 outdoor cats and my dog Walter.
Our outdoor cats are living in our garden and their names are D'Artagnan, The Rolling Cat (Princess), The Purring Cat, D'Artagnan's Girlfriend, Porthos, Zoom, Junior, The Mom Cat, The Big Head, Ruzgar, Nope, Pamuk, Pamuk Jr. and Vasak.
If you are a new visitor to our channel, I suggest that you watch the two playlists called "All The Videos of Our Outdoor Cats (In Order)" and "All The Videos of My Indoor Cats (In Order)" first.
Apart from the videos of our cats, from time to time I also upload videos of other animals I come across. So it's all about animals here! Enjoy!
#waltersanti - Домашні улюбленці та дикі тварини
I found a feral kitten in my backyard in May of 2014. He was terrified of people. I tried trapping him for months, but he never would go into the trap. Finally, in December of 2014, I opened my back door and he walked in. He's been in my house ever since. Getting him into a carrier for his shots and neuter was an adventure, for sure. He still lives in my house and I still can't touch him. He has made friends with my other cats and they love and groom each other daily. He sleeps on my bed and couch right near me, but if I stand up, he runs away. I pray one day he will let me pet him. Love from Texas ❤
Same here, cannot stand towering over a cat (a four month old kitten that was I think placed in a sack to abandon). It took a long while to get her to trust me but at least now she’s no longer afraid to explore the small house I reside in.
You are wonderful- I have a similar issue, I can tickle under my cat’s chin, and get her into a carrier to go to the vet, but picking her up- no chance. Applying flea treatment and worming are challenges. The human brain is no match for a wiley cat😂❤
Cats!! They can be so aggravating, and yet we are compelled to keep trying. I found petting the other cats nearby really helped. Also squatting down or making yourself smaller, talking calmly and softly well before you start approaching to give them a heads up, walking at a diagonal to them instead of approaching head on, and holding out a finger and just letting them approach when they are ready.
Having said all of that, I have lived with my two buddies for fourteen years and they still won't sit on my lap and frequently run away from me. Cats are cats, and that's why we love them so. 🐈
Try lying down with treats, and gradually build up to sitting with them on the floor.
Kitty loves you
We recently rescued 3 feral kittens from the woods across the street. We caught Mom too. We had them all spayed and neutered. It took a long while before we could actually love on them, but it sure was fun trying. Stay safe. Hugs ❤
Congratulations! One of my house cats didn't let me pet her until I had her for 5 months. I felt so honored when she let me pet her. Now she comes to me for pets first thing every morning. You had to wait 7 years!
An abandoned kitten took shelter in my house. She would not leave but is so afraid and wary of me. But what is amazing she take treats from my ginger. After a year, she lets me pet her although whenever I tower over her she is still anxious
I have had similar experiences and you are right when you said it made you feel honored, that is how I felt also. It feels like getting the stamp of approval from these wise and noble animals and it makes one feel very special. It is always worth the wait!
@@remglo60 The thing is, you will never know what your kitten may have experienced at the hands of another person before he or she found you. They can't ever tell us what they have seen or experienced. It is wonderful that you are hanging in there for this kitten and that it has found a friend in your ginger. Once he or she learns to fully trust you it will be worth your patience and I hope it happens soon :)
I was given two feral farm kittens, siblings. I named them Boris and Natasha. For nearly three months after I got them they hid behind my stove any time I entered the kitchen, even coming out only to eat after I left the room.
They finally started letting me in the room when they were eating, and eventually they let me pet them after about four months.
Boris turned out to be an incredibly affectionate cat, always looking to cuddle. Natasha was more standoffish, but still enjoyed an occasional scratching under her chin.
Due to severe illnesses they had as kittens, neither lived very long. I had Natasha for only five years, and Boris for only seven. But those years were wonderful.
Even cats born in your own home, with an older sis and a loving 🐾mother always with them, can still be farouche in the extreme. My middle one, surely a faerie cat she was so very tiny all her life, didn’t welcome touch, let alone cuddling, til she was over six years of age! (Her mum and sister are so different: wanting cuddles all day and night.)
Zoom is an Empress. She's got power in her eyes.
I hope the creator of this channel knows how much happiness he brings to his viewers through these videos (not withstanding how happy he makes his cats!)
So true. ❤ ps funny name 😂 Phoebe represent. 😉
I currently have a four year old, neutered feral female that I rescued from a road accident in town. The culprit didn't stop. She's a hider. Crawls into the most inconvenient places you can imagine. If I crawl on the floor, under the table, she'll let me pet her after two weeks of trying and I even got a short purr out of her this weekend. I'm hoping she'll warm to my four year old neutered tom who was a rescue as a feral kitten. So I guess I'll need to be patient if you've waited seven years.
Beautiful girl, imagine what her life would be without you.
A feral cat used to come in my window every evening to eat canned & dry food. After a few months, one night before I fed him, I reached out to touch him. He slapped my hand with his soft little paw, claws retracted, as if to say, no touchie. Eat only.
Great it took me 10 years to be able to pet an outside cat. She would let me pet her but just one pet. At around 10 she walked up to my truck jumped in and sat in my lap. Hell of a feeling . She is around 23 now.
23 is quite a milestone. You have obviously been very good to her :)
@@dao8805 Just made sure she had food and water. Got her to stay in the garage this winter. Won't use a litter box, but it is a price I am willing to pay.
@@johnscott2849 Obviously you are a godsend to her. Having safe shelter can be the difference between life and death for even the most seasoned feral. I keep two little heated cat houses on my front porch that get used all the time. I'm not sure what the cat(s) look like but the houses have been there for years and have never gone unused, so it's worth it to have them there and food and water disappears too . I think for the most part, even the most wary animals know when people are trying to help them, but it's rare to have one jump in your lap so you are ahead of the crowd in that respect!
❤️
wow,
I just want to thank all the commenters who have ferals as part of their families! They don't have to be cuddle bugs to give joy.
We have 7 cats right now - 2 of them are feral and I can grab them once a year if I'm lucky. I also had 2 ferals for 18 years and only got to hold them on their last days. The four of them gave me lots of laughs and happiness through the years. Little goofballs.
I agree. Earning the trust of a nervous/feral cat, or any animal for that matter, is incredibly rewarding. Especially when you know that it's going to greatly improve their life (even if they may not be aware of that fact).
It always has to be on their terms - it's just their nature. All of us who love and help the ferals - it's a big and special club. All the best to you :)
I got my Nancy from the SPCA the very day she was brought there. Someone had dumped her in a cardboard box with her six kittens under an overpass. She wasn't even full-grown yet. I think she was semi-feral; she wasn't wild or aggressive, but she wasn't very social either.
As soon as the kittens were weaned she was brought from her foster home to the SPCA for adoption. She was always very calm except about food, which she begged for constantly. She was very independent too and it took almost a year for her to understand that she would have food consistently and that it was always safe to be around me. I have had her 14 months now and she gets cuddlier and cuddlier. She is making biscuits on my lap as I write this.
I keep her inside. Interestingly, she has never, ever, not once shown any interest in going outside. I think she has had her fill of being cold and afraid while trying to stay alive and protect her babies. Inside and warm with a full belly in the company of the Hooman is a pretty good life now.
That Is one of the things that are SOO sad about ferals, the years they spend NOT letting us care for them! Like my story about Bob I posted in the comments about how it took 5 years for her to find out how great INSIDE is!
most of the 23 cats I have had over the last 50 years have been ferals; some are instantly friendly, some have moved in before we knew they were there, and a few took longer to accept us as safe. Two never did, sadly, they had been so abused elsewhere they never quite forgave humans for anything. Only when the last of the pair was deeply ill did he allow me to stroke him. You take what you can, and let the rest go, with cats. They make the choices.
and isn't it a wonderful feeling to be able to gain their trust...
I had a stray that only bonded with me. I had her for 21 years. She was the love of my life. I also warned any visitors not to go near her that she would punch them in the eye. She never scratched but had a mean right hook. I've lived alone my whole adult life. It took me ten years to adopt again. I lost her recently to cancer. Broke my heart again.
I'm so sorry to hear. I know each kitty we have has their own personalities but I know when I have grieved the loss of a best friend God has always sent me another " never a replacement" but I've seen some of the same endearing characteristics in the new baby and they've always added joy to my life. I know you gave her the best life, maybe there's another one waiting for you to change their life and bring you some comfort. The Lord is our greatest comfort and peace and He created these beautiful fur babies for us to be loved, comforted, and for us to take care of. Thank you for sharing. God bless
Im very sorry for your loss. Ive lost four upto now, one was poisend. I watched three of them put to sleep. We have one more cat, and i know it will break my husband and me's heart. It always does.
There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this special place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather.
The old and frail are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again.
They play all day with each other. There is only one thing missing.
They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth.
So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up !
The nose twitches!
The ears are up!
The eyes are staring!
And this one suddenly runs from the group !
You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her into your arms and embrace.
Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.
Thanks to everyone who responded. My heart goes out to all that have gone through this and those living with their sick fur babies.
Oh how awesome! A 6-month old gray tabby kitten showed up on our porch 7 years ago. He was so wild! He'd hiss and lay his ears back. We put food out for him. Our the years he got bigger, and he let me get closer. But he bloodied me twice when I tried to pet him. Two summers ago, husband bribed him with treats and got to really pet him. Now he jumps in our laps and purrs and demands food. He's still a little wild and sometimes puts his ears back. We were able to trap him 2 years ago and get him neutered. Now he's getting a bit chunky 🙂
I have a cat that I adopted at 7 weeks old and at 8 years of age, she is finally letting me pet her with my hands!!! She was always so scared of getting caught. I still can't pick her up with my hands unless she has to go to the vet and I have to get her cornered and then I go in and get her and put her in the carrier. It is always a trial and I'm not getting any younger. But she is now sleeping in my lap when I'm watching TV. She sleeps behind my knees at night. And she likes getting petted now. She's not a mean cat. She's just a scaredy cat.
Understood. My last two cats were not huggers, so I respected that.
How sweet your little darling is now sleeping with you. Very affectionate. 💕
@@sleepinglioness5754 She is a sweetie. When my other cat (who is also very special and is18 1/2) passes, I'm going to let Trulli be the Queen Bee in the house. I believe she will be most happy not having to share my attention with anyone.
@@9liveslisa Sending your two sweeties a hug and a😘
@9liveslisa If you have space, what works for me is to leave the carriers out with the doors open. Each (of 2) has a comfy pad inside and they can see it’s no big deal and sometimes go in on their own just to nap. Even after trips to get vet care or shots, they continue to use the carriers. It could take some time for yours to get the idea, but it has the potential to eliminate the stress for both of you.
For a moment I thought this was my comment- I have exactly the same experience, but close contact yet. I just have to admire her furry beauty from afar❤
CONGRATULATIONS!!! 🎉
My feral rescue was one year old when I brought her home from a shelter. She made friends with my “normal” cats immediately before they could protest the stranger, to their surprise and mine. She even accepted the rescue dog brought in later after keeping her distance and both eyes on him for some time. If I was quick and clever, I could sneak in a stroke. After 8(!) years indoors, she started coming to me twice a day to demand pets. Mistreated cats have long memories and are not quick to change their minds about humans. She lived to be 16.
What a beautiful story :)
Wow! That's great! As someone who rescues feral and semi-ferals, I share your excitement at reaching this milestone!
I’m glad she’s running the back garden sanctuary and feeling secure, has kitty friends and maybe one day will decide that she has a human friend she can trust. Thank you for continuing to care about her ❤️🩹
What a milestone for sweet Zoom!❤😻 She's even on the table with the other cats. So happy for human and cat. In the end love always wins.❤
NO ONE understands what an accomplishment it is to pet a skittish feral cat!! It truly makes you feel so special when a feral let's you do that. I am one of those people. Congratulations on your achievement, hence the name zoom...cause you were only able to zoom in on her. Now look, it's beautiful 💚
Ferals, friendly with other cats, but those two-leggers? No touching allowed.
My son feeds a few strays. Some have been coming around for years, finally a few days ago I was able to pet a sweet girl. She's probably been here at least 8 years perhaps more. I felt honored. Love your videos. ❤
I adopted a semi-feral it it was months, if not years, before I realized she can purr. I never pressured her, always inviting her to come but only on her terms. Now she cuddles with me for hours in the evening. You just need to give them time and associate your presence with positive things like play, treats, etc.
Zoom has such worried/serious eyes. Makes me wonder what her life was like before she found a home with you. Poor baby.....she is so lucky to have you to make her life easier. ❤
Yes! Cats like to be the ones to initiate contact… and if they were ever abused by a human… they have very long memories!
Awww that is a wonderful story. She probably still thinks of you as that annoying papparazzi guy, but it's a step in the right direction.
Zoom has the face of a wise lady who has definitely seen quite alot!
It's so rewarding when they let you pet them, that's trust ❤
Cats are only allowed to be petted by the people they love. You should be happy because she loves you even if she doesn't like to show it. Thank you very much Walter, you have several blessings at home!!! 🐈❤️❤❤️❤️💌💌💌💌❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏😊
Walter and Santi are the names of a golden retriever and the white kitty in the profile picture. Everyone makes the same mistake, so don't feel bad.
Wow! What an honour! It's such a wonderful thing when an animal places its trust in us, hopefully over time you can build on this little by little, it may make any care and taking to the vets an easier job! Your respect for these animals is why I watch this channel, no staged tricks, no exploitation, just a window into the garden idyll you've provided for them and letting us watch them go about their day.
You will be richly rewarded for caring for God's creation I'm sure, though your earthly reward is the love and trust of these precious creatures, and that is very special too!
Yay for Zoom! She's a beauty. You could just tell how anxious she was. Patience and consistency wins out.
Yay! Congratulations. Zoom is beautiful, with a marvelous tail and a coat that looks like a mix of vanilla and caramel ice cream…to me, anyway.
Great description of Zoom's coat. I tend to see visions of melted caramel and fudge on vanilla ice cream too when I look at some of these beautiful coats. Cats and sundaes: both are sweet treats!
@@dao8805 I couldn’t agree more. What is better in life than ice cream and cats?
I was thinking the same thing! ❤
Aww precious Zoom. She let you pet her! This is so great. One day she will let you pet her when she is watching . ❤
Poor baby, nobody knows what Zoom had to go through, must have been very bad experiences. Finally Zoom started to trust, which teach us : never ever give up!
So happy Zoomer trusts you enough not to run away even from her meal.
I am so happy for her. I saw the fright in her eyes when you tried to pet her before. Hate to see that in any animal. So happy for you to be rewarded with her friendliness. She's a beautiful girl. Love the colors in her coat. Blessings to you both. Thank you for loving animals as you do.❤
That's wonderful, I feel like Zoom has been slowly building her trust in you so this feels like a big moment
Hooray for you and Zoom!! Winning the trust of a feral is the absolute best - well earned! Our Sam evaded me for six years. Slowly while petting the girls during dinner I was able to touch him, like you, while back turned during eating. After a few times of "What the heck do you think you're doing?! looks, he gave in. He'll be 14 this year and will lay down to be pet for as long as I will stay. Still best for me to pet from behind and no fast startling moves -- but purrs galore! They are all individuals and its such an honor to earn their trust.
Can you hear her saying, "Don't push it, human."
YES! I’ve been watching your videos since before your 100,000 subscribers and I always hoped she would let you get close and now you’ve done it. This makes me so happy❤❤. Congratulations to you and Zoom, I hope we see more of you two together.
And I thought 6 months was long for mine😂. I am happy for Zoom, now she knows she is totally safe.
I’ve always thought she was beautiful, one of my favorites
For all you do for these kritters; you have also extended their lives by a longshot. A street cat is lucky to go 3 or 4 years....Zoom going 7+ is a testament to you guys!
Big Indy fan...is he still blocking shots? Manchester Utd. could use him now...or meow.
I bet she says “It took me 7 years to teach these people how and when to pet me!”😊
Oh that was awesome 👏 🥰. That was a long time. I had a feral cat that it took 5 years of patience. I would feed her , sit out with her and give her treats and then five years later I got my miracle. I was so happy 😊
Congratulations, Zoom and Dad! Great job! You can tell in that first clip that she really wanted to, the way she rubbed the fence, but was just too scared. She's finally decided that you may stay, and continue to treat her like the Princess she is! 😊
Wonderful progress-you're very patient. It's good she's making friends with the other cats - I imagine she's been lonely for a long time.
Obwohl Zoom 🐈jetzt ein schönes Leben hat mit Dach über Kopf 🏠und genügend zu essen dank Familie Santi 🙏💝💖💕♥️sieht man diesem Gesicht immer noch an daß er sich jahrelang behaupten und durch kämpfen mußte. 😢
I happily fed a feral on my porch for 10 years; He never let me get close. I never yelled at him, never threw anything at him, never chased him. Just fed him daily and made a shelter for him in the winter.
Zoom got a new name now: Touchable.
Zoom doesn’t even looks concerned😀 and sees you a part of her inner circle👍great news!
So cool! I always wondered if there were any cats who weren't receptive to you touching them. Patience paid off. Love the W-S vids!!
The Loud Cat was picky about being touched but I don't think it took a really long time tho
@@marshawargo7238 Thanks. A feral tom cat adopted me several years ago and it took 4 years before he eventually came into my house to eat (after which he'd immediately run back outside). But then one day in the middle of eating he walked over without any hesitation and booped my toe with his nose. It was the coolest thing I'd ever experienced, even though I've had cats most of my life. Unfortunately, he succumbed to a fox attack. Such is the cruelty of nature.
At first D'artagnan wasn't keen on any contact. Around the time he was ill (over three years ago) and had to be taken to the vet numerous times, he became more approachable.
@@kenmccormick8059 Thanks. I remember that. It was a little touch and go for a while, and IIRC, D'art kind of held a grudge for a while but eventually chilled out.
I totally get your enthusiasm ! Some people won’t understand.. ❤
Love heals and comforts everything 💜
YAY zoom let you pet her! One of the best feelings is when a feral cat gives you their trust :) Congratulations :)
WOWWW! She knew it was you the second time. 😊❤
So sweet at least she is safe and well ❤️
That is awesome. Thank you for being a good human to these cats.
You take such wonderful care of those cats. They are lucky to have a fantastic cat daddy like you.
Wow ! 7 years. Hopefully she will let you pet more often. Thanks for sharing.
Congratulations !!!
I hope this was just the first of many "pettings" from now on 🥰❤😻😼😹
Many kisses for Zoom 😽😽😽
She's a beauty
OMG SWEET ZOOM!!!
So funny to see when you teased her, she zoomed back and forth through the fence. 7 years is enough to melt a heart of ice. Congratulations!
Zoom is so beautiful and now she has honoured you by allowing you to pet her! Isn't that lovely. She's repaying all your love and kindness over seven years!
She is the funniest looking lil cat. Such a unique face ( and I mean this with all love) She is a pretty girl.
I do wonder why she doesn't want to be touched though. Most kitties give in at some point LOL.
That thrilling feeling !
Honestly I felt chills ❣
Take care
Wonderful! Everyone has their time. I re-watched the other video from three years ago about her, too, to refresh my memory. It just took her a while, that's all. Congratulations to you!!
She might have been aware of the petting under anesthesia thinking it a dream.
for those who've been following you since back then, know that it's HARD for the Owner to be able to pet her. Seeing this video makes me want to give you a Medal for being able to touch her. This is one of the best achievements ! 🎉🎉
YEA ZOOM! I love the Irish fiddle…😊🐈💝🌟🎻
I’m so happy you were finally able to to touch Zoom awake and eating❤️🤗I’ve enjoyed videos for so long you for making me always smile🙏
So happy to see Zoom finally can get some trust in humans and have a happy safe cat life 💖🌻🌸🌼🍀🌺🍄🌟✨💫💖
Precious kitty! ❤
Ginger (pic left) and I love your videos and your cats (and Walter, of course). Here's a bit to help you keep them healthy.
Awww Zoom 🤍🤍🤍 finally 😂
This is well earned. What a sweety 😍
What a stubborn girl! Thank you for what you do Sir. Especially to spay and neuter your little colony!! ❤❤❤❤❤
Thanks!
Beautiful kitty!
It was nearly one year of a feral cat I adopted, Princess, allowed me to touch her. She is now like my shadow.
Touchdown!!
A milestone in Zoom's journey and you just never know....one touch may just lead to another! Maybe it is her 7-year itch kinda thing!!😹 or a test of patience 😻
Reminds me that I gave a little lady at Church, who has to be 150 years old, a hug at Christmas. She said she isn't a hugger, to which I replied....'that's ok, I am'!
Patience is a virtue.
So glad you were able to pet her a little. She is a very beautiful cal. Thanks
Congratulations,Zoom is a very pretty kitty.
Your patience has been rewarded.
Thank you so much for waiting for her to be ready (sort of). Perhaps in another 5 years or so she will come for a cuddle with you. God bless you for all you do.
Beautiful cats 🥰
That other cat was looking like "uh oh, don't do it" was that princess?
I'd honestly say that Zoom is the opposite of a feral cat. She just has her quirks and preferences. She definitely has a home with you and your family, and counts on you for her food and care... She's a busy lady though. Zoom is the landlady of the garden and has to enforce her rules! 😸😹😻
7 years is much time but for a cat lover, giving good food and care, a safe place to stay is enough. Now your love has been rewarded. She's so beautifully round and precious. It's difficult to resist. Thanks❣😻😊
It took my cat daughter, living inside the house, 3 years to touch her
I have one who waited years to decide to be tame. He ate here and he came to me a couple of times over the years when he needed serious vet attention, but he wanted to be on his own and went right back to being untouchable. Then when he was 12, things changed and he became my buddy. He's at least 19 now and is sleeping on my electric blanket like he was never feral.
Thank you.❤❤❤
Zoom's eyes look so much like human eyes.
They are so beautiful
How awesome!! Once she starts enjoying being petted she will be back for more lol.
The back rolling its to cute fits well with music thank you my cat friend 😊😢
Zoom looks like a goth. Kohl lined eyes and black lipstick 😺
Congratulations! Your patience has finally paid off.
I've got one to . He moved in ,doesn't want pets. just wants to be fed and admired.
Wooow !!! Que afortunado!! 😃
Beautiful Zoom was very busy with her food, but still this is wonderful progress. Even letting The Man Who Gives Food get within arm's reach is a victory. Maybe Zoom will even accept feel-good neck scratches in the near future.
So proud of you Zoom!
One of our cats has lived in our house for 9 years and has never let my husband touch her. She lets me sometimes, but only once a day or so. She lives well, but very much on her own terms.