Recovering

I know he'd been living in the great outdoors since at least December 27th ~ that was when I first saw him on trail cam.  He's an ankle-rubber, loves my feet and doesn't seem to be a big 'jumper', although he's sure getting accustomed to jumping up onto the bed! That's about all I do know about BearKat's life and times.

Broken claw on front paw

My gut tells me he was someone's cat, but why was he abandoned? Or did he run away? I've not seen or heard any reports of a lost cat, but I can't imagine anyone not wanting this loving boy. Anyway, after living outside for a bit more than 2 weeks, I rather think BK had something akin to PTSD.  He must have had traumatic experiences , judging by the number of scars, scabs and wounds on his body.  

rear leg wound, healing well

Eating outside at first, he wolfed down every morsel of food at breakneck speed, as if it might be his last or he was going to have to do battle for it.  He was never around during daylight, his black fur blending in with the cover of darkness.  Two weeks, some of it sub-zero wind chills, through rain, wind and brutal cold, this beautiful cat fended off the elements. He's got some constitution!

I'm hiding here!!

And now, for about 36 hours, he's been in my bedroom. I think he's beginning to finally feel safe. I gave him the opportunity to go outside this morning, he elected to stay in.  He's been under the bed in a nice cave-like atmosphere most of the daytime hours.  Last night, however, he was snuggled with me most of the night.  Up on top of the bed, on top of the down comforter, on top of the bear fleece blanket. At one point, on top of the laptop keyboard that was parked next to me, waiting and watching for the birth of a new bear family.

Jewel Bear's den cam, live  

 BK is using his litter box, and has begun to pick and choose what he wants to eat, when he wants to eat. No longer starving for food or affection, today he ate more slowly, and elected to eat only the canned food. The dry kibble remains in his bowl ~ he'll probably eat that later tonight. If it's still there in the morning, he won't be getting as much canned tomorrow. We're finding our balance♥  Today's breakthrough was a biggy, in my opinion, and gave me such pleasure! I actually got him to engage in a little play. Not that he's jumping for joy or expending excessive amounts of energy at it... but at least he grabbed for the catnip-stuffed mouse with the purple tail which he'd been rubbing against since I set it by him on the bed, when I playfully pulled it away from him.  A bit later, I took him a sprig of fresh catnip, which he devoured leaf by leaf and then licked the fingers which had held it.  Happy kitty, happy human☺ 

I think he's in recovery phase. He doesn't HAVE TO hide, although he still likes his cave under the bed. He doesn't HAVE TO go outside, although he may if he wants. He doesn't HAVE TO do anything, except be a cat... and be loved♥

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"There is something about the presence of a cat... that seems to take the bite out of being alone"

Louis J. Camuti

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