Feral-Tame (A Scamper Story)

Many people love cats. And why not? They are soft and often cute, and fun to watch as they romp and play. But cats typically are nothing like guard dogs. You don't buy a cat to keep your house safe. You don't get a cat to rid your yard of rabbits. You get a cat because they're cute and cuddly, or because you're a masochist and want to have someone in the house to keep you humble! But regardless of your reasons, a cat can make a big difference in a home. Today I would like to share with you my story of living with a very unique cat...

Scamper (the 3rd) came into my life in August of 2015 as an itty bitty kitten. She'd been born in the wild, but had no place to live. So she was brought to me and I took her in. She quickly grew very attached to me, quite possibly viewing me as the mother she didn't have. And as the months went by and she grew, something interesting became evident. She was totally attached to me, but became increasingly unfriendly toward strangers.

I am kitten, hear me roar!

She tolerates my fiancé Amanda, and my parents. But everyone else is an intruder. Honestly, I was beginning to suspect she was half Rottweiler! Unlike most cats that would run and hide from strangers, she went on the offensive and decided to protect her home from all intruders! She would even approach people, growling at them to try to intimidate them. But as soon as they were gone, she would return to being a cuddly and friendly cat that just wanted snuggles! Almost as if she was saying, "now I have you all to myself!"




My human is best pillow!

The more I have research to this, the more I've come to the conclusion that she can only be described as "feral-tame" that is to say: "Having the trappings of being tame when around trusted family members, but in all other ways acting feral."

According to thecatsite.com behavior like this is more common in cats that were born in the wild. To them, their adopted family is seen more like other cats than like humans. As my little tiger has grown into an adult cat, she basically sees the house as her Den and me and my family as her own littermates. She romps and plays with me and Amanda, sometimes getting a bit carried away, but it's always in good fun. But when strangers come around, she becomes a hostile growling ball of standing fur and sharpened fangs!

The house is safe now, time for cuddles!

It is my hope that she will grow out of this with time and learn to accept strangers. But for now, if you come to the house and she does not try to drive you out, consider that a blessing! Because she does not give her affection readily, and those few that have her trust are special indeed. ;)

Scamper the 3rd (named after two previous cats I'd had as a child, long ago) may not be the friendliest critter to share a home with a human, but she does have a loyal temperament, and she can be quite affectionate in her own way. She brings me toys to play fetch with, and she'll actually return them to me when I throw them! In addition to that, she helps me with "bug patrol," going nuts any time a fly gets into the house! She'll stand there and chatter at it if its out of reach until I help her catch it. She also enjoys going outside with me from time to time, and I can walk her on her leash! She's less hostile to strangers outside, probably because she is away from her "den" which needs protecting. So out here she is less protective because it's not "her territory." And whenever we go on cross-country trips, like to visit my parents in Michigan, she will cling to me the whole way and cry if she isn't touching me.

Where are we going now??

So what can I tell you about this little tiger that thinks of me as one of her own? Scamper lives up to her name! She has lots of energy and often gallops around the house, up and down the stairs, and practically bouncing off the walls when she wants to play! She sleeps with me at night, lying on my feet like a guard dog. She waits for me in the window, watching for me when I come home from work. I get out of the car and come around the garage, and there she is, waiting for me to get home! She is a very unique cat, indeed. And love her or hate her, she is the way she is without apology. So I say again, if she tolerates you and doesn't try to drive you away, you are very special indeed. And if not, well don't feel too bad. She'd bite Mother Teresa without a moment's regret! So stay happy my friends. And go snuggle your own pets and be thankful for the random quirkiness that makes them unique too!