I was just over at Manx Mnews and saw that Gracie seems to have issues about being called feral. But in a lot of ways, feral is a good thing: it is being a cat in the purest sense of the word, unfettered by human convention and assumptions!
A feral cat is wild and free, raw and beautiful at the same time.
Feral cats are noble and brave and demand respect.
They are smart and cunning — they have to be to survive.
With her heightened sense of awareness, a feral cat senses things that other creatures, especially humans, can’t.
Because her soul is so very precious to her, there will always be a part of a feral cat that is unknowable to humans. Smart humans not only understand this, they are a little bit in awe of it.
Any human who has managed a feral colony can vouch for the truth of everything I said. Being feral just means there is a part of you that will never be tamed, and that is the part from which all exciting things happen.
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Yep, Sparkle…I’ve still got a little feral in me and I’m proud of it!
Zoey
Oh goodness, that is so well said. And so very true. Feral cats are the very best. And when they get used to a person, they are the most loyal cats ever. Great post. Thanks for doing this.
Mum has never owned a feral cat although she has always had farm cats (as kittens) and rescue cats (as kittens) which need to be got used to living as family members but they don’t have such wild ways at the ferals.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
Sometimes, when the peep is cuddling me up, she will say, “I can’t believe Nissy was feral.” But I was! And you’re right… a little bit of me still is. purrs
well put…. mom calls Junior a “semi” feral boy….we just call him socially dorky (he was trapped at 3 months old…and that boy just isn’t right – MOL)
Ah, yes…my Hopping John was such.
I got Sassy from the shelter when she was 3 months, so I know that she is not a feral, but I have always wondered if she doesn’t have some kind of feral throw back in her. She hates strangers, other cats and is scared of anything new. Callie on the other hand never met a stranger!
I don’t know how long my boys lived without home..but I think there is a little feral in them.
Cool post and beautiful photo, lovely Sparkle!…You know, our Mommy Cat and Daddy Cat have a home with us, but they are both feral kitties at heart…Happy Friday and have a fun weekend, sweet friends…xoxo…Calle, Halle, Sukki
You are very wise, Sparkle
Even I have a part that will never be tamed. Every cat should!
You got it right again Sparkle! But you always do!
Our Mom thinks even the tamest, most laid back indoor house kitteh is really wild at heart. And that will never change, thank Ceiling Cat.
You are so smart, Sparkle. It’s true! We have seen all of these things so clearly in feral cat colonies around here. 🙂
So wise and true! Thank you!
Feral cats are both dignified and sad all at the same time. Sad because they live such a hard, harsh and often very painful life. Dignified because they dn’t give up. I wish all feral cats could have furrever homes, even if that means being outside, but supervised and safe from humans and wildlife. Being “formerly” feral is honorable, “being” feral is not to be wished for…IMHO
Well said Sparkle. Our humans are feeding the homeless (feral) cats in our backyard and we greet them everyday. They are so cute and loveable that mama has started to name them.
You made Gracie’s day!!
Now she is proud to be formerly feral!
purrs
>^,,^<
♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥
Sparkle, this is a beautiful post. You are truly one of the most insightful kitties we know. Your human is SO lucky to have you. I bet she learns ALOT from you.
; ) Katie & Glogirly
Hmmm,
Now me thinks my mommy is feral!
Kisses
Nellie
Very well said Sparkle! Our mommy used to take are of feral kitties and she agrees with everything you said! We always think of Scouty too – he’s smart because he knows about the stew pot! 🙂
Sparkle
A wonderful view on our feral relatives as Mom hears about a feral colony that one of her friends help they are wonderful cats that really know themselves.
Feral cats have a fierce strength that no house cat can touch, however, we think all cats have something wild and untouched inside, even if their people never suspect. Stunning photo of you, Sparkle!
Whoa! You described me to a tee! I read it to Pop and he said “It’s you, CK.”
Love this post Sparkle, so artfully and truthfully said.
Allie: Truth. I like to think of this as the wonderful mystique we cats have: something only those humans who call themselves “cat people” truly appreciate. It takes them a lifetime to get to know us. Well, most of us. And then there’s Maxwell.
Well and beautifully said, Sparkle. Now if only all the ignorant, callous and just plain stoopy humans who aren’t in the know would GET that way. The Egyptians knew. And they weren’t the only ones. We need to evolve to that level again, as a species.