My Son

[@xavermaier9625]

"Traffic cone" and "food motivated", yep, that's a cat

[@unknownfromkashmir]

Good one !

[@nskpsycho]

One orange braincell

[@generalkitten2100]

"He's not very smart" *is orange* checks out

[@zoisite3326]

thanks for informing me that this is indeed a cat

[@Julaeable]

This is all the comments I wanted to make. I found my people.

[@ganglestank]

I love it how cats somehow know that they should respond to us with a noise

[@theproducers1967]

Probably because we’re talking to them with noise!😂

[@TItarheyrd]

That's just a lie.

[@ganglestank]

@@TItarheyrd then whats going on in the video genius?

[@Benjamin.J.Holliday]

​​@@ganglestank In reference to cats only meowing to humans.

[@TheDudeWithTheToes]

@@Benjamin.J.HollidayThey literally didn’t say that cats only respond to humans though?

[@dilsdesigns]

one of the simple pleasures of this world is asking a cat a complicated and divisive question for them to meow at

[@AfroGothixa]

real

[@39Fanclub]

Cats actually can answer every question, it's human's fault we can't understand them

[@yorkaturr]

@@39Fanclub Yes. I'm convinced that we humans are living in some Terry Pratchett story, where we fail to recognize cats as our guardian angels.

[@cringelord6068]

@@yorkaturr indeed, we have two animals in the form as guardian angels

[@Sandau.poetry]

And you know they're right

[@NoiseDay]

He's got such a pretty, gentle voice. My boys like to yell across the house to find me. My orange child tells me when he's drinking water, going to the bathroom, or committing crimes. He's not very smart.

[@ЖаннаАракелян-г2щ]

😂😂😂

[@hobi1kenobi112]

He's telling you that you don't know he holds up banks in his free time. Don't underestimate the great Orange.

[@4bibimimi]

O u r orange child will be 20 years old in about 3 weeks. He runs the house. He had a pretty sister but we lost her just before last christmas. They may act aloof but they need you.

[@Buba417]

😂😂 adorable

[@colleenbrotherton2266]

I love ginger kitties. My boy was a ginger. He too, was feral. He was with me for 13 wonderful years. Miss my boy, Tripp!

[@sparrowthenerd]

Cat distribution system working as expected I see

[@cobrown3o]

I’ve been waiting since February for them to send me a replacement after my last cat passed. 😢

[@coma_TOES]

@@cobrown3o🤗

[@flazeboi]

@@cobrown3o Ouch,thats a stab in the heart.Sorry for your loss.

[@Hinz2005]

It’s failproof.

[@kanatapaw]

traffic cone love the name

[@0X0GABRIEL0X0]

He is slow blinking the whole video. This shows he is very comfortable. slow blinking back, reaching out a hand while looking away, and reaching below the chin for a pet might help close the distance. Nice video

[@paulmurgatroyd6372]

He looks like he'd be happy to be pet eventually, it just takes time to override those feral instincts.

[@betsylaughlin4481]

Absolutely, all the signs are there, in my humble opinion. I think this kitty baby wants more from this man, more of what the man is already offering, but the poor boy is just so afraid.

[@yurilopes420]

i mean he's literally asking for belly rubs he just doesnt know how

[@audyshtpostshere4708]

so sweet

[@catpoke9557]

He's doing the classic "pet me" meows and motions, but he gets scared when he gets too close. I've seen a lot of cats like this. Usually after the first time you successfully pet them they turn SUPER sweet after and can't stop getting pets. He wants pets, he's just too afraid

[@Futurebound_jpg]

Agreed! He should try getting the cat inside. Its easier to build trust when they cant run away every day

[@rachelle10]

This is such a wholesome video, I love it. I've decided that the best kind of people are those to whom "This is the feral cat I've been feeding for a couple months" and "This is my son" are synonymous.

[@raven4k998]

that fur babies like num num num num num num

[@burrelleful]

“This is my son” (a son who I cannot touch, cuddle or come too close to but we love and respect each other very much) ❤ A sentiment and circumstance that only other cat owners can truly understand

[@Herorajna]

It's like having a kid that's sensitive to touch so they don't like it. I have a brother that's like that.

[@milkman4743]

​@@Herorajna I was just thinking about that myself

[@Herorajna]

@@milkman4743 ejajejeh

[@denise76]

Not really. Most teens won't let you pet or cuddle them either!😂😂😂😂

[@mrod87]

My son only lays next to me at night and he wants to lay exactly next to me but i cannot touch him, And he’s not food motivated he’s food aggressive, so he will follow me and yell until he’s fed. 😅😅

[@Sleipnirseight]

He's getting so comfortable with you!!! He's a little shy, but he clearly considers you a safe being who has provided a safe place. The fact he meows with you is HUGE. I've noticed that truly feral cats will not speak to you (I do TNR and cat rescue). He's using a made up language specifically to talk to YOU (cats don't talk to each other in this manner - it's specifically for your benefit). You're doing great and your son is an angel! Him giving you "kitty eyes" while speaking to you is really special 🥹 One thing I may suggest is getting a shoelace or similar toy to play with him a bit! That can work similarly to the churu to build a bond. Keep it up, you're doing amazing!!! 😸

[@ruthgiles8926]

Cats sometimes miaow to each other. My Siamese often announces his arrival indoors to his mates, and they respond, usually by going to see him for a nose sniff.

[@chasethecat3839]

Yes. I use a belt from my bathroom (which I ended up giving to the ferals because it's soft) and that's how I got them to engage with me. I tell them "get the Snake". They know now it's play time when I say it. Some of them now sit on my lap. 9 months ago, not so much

[@catpoke9557]

@@ruthgiles8926 Yeah, meows, chirps, and grunts are how cats greet anyone and anything they love.

[@Tsukistar1]

@@ruthgiles8926 Yeeee, sometimes cats will meow to one another, but it's a lot rarer unless it's a mama talking to their kittens and the like; more often than not it's scent and body language for them.

[@Futurebound_jpg]

My cats do meow at and for each other. When my younger one cant find her sister she will meow for her all over the house.

[@LafayetteSystems]

Ohhhhh man I would die for Traffic Cone. Such a conversational young gentleman

[@pyroteknikk3127]

I would live for traffic cone so I can keep him safe forevr

[@marbeardontknow2870]

​@@pyroteknikk3127 I love him so much, I keep imitating his meows

[@Rubyy220]

0:06 That first meow is sooo cute! 🐱

[@JuiceNJaam]

Thank you for commenting this time stamp. Now i can replay his meow like a squeaky toy over and over again

[@jameshardy2657]

Traffic cone is actually the cutest

[@dntremovewatchlaters]

omg I missed it. Omw back now😻😻the mic is genius.

[@aurorawilliams282]

Your son is a fine lad.

[@RFBennett]

I stopped counting my rescues at 61. Give him time, keep talking. Lay out a beach towel on the grass and pretend to nap. Napping together is part of social interaction for kitties. Resist the urge to touch for the first few times he naps near you. Just open your eyes, and close them after making eye contact. In this way, you are very much, not acting like a predator. Hold out your finger and let him touch it with his nose. Let him approach your hand on his terms. Treat him with respect, like the sentient being he is. Good luck, you may save a life. One of these little creatures saved mine...

[@Sswera]

God bless you for rescuing them

[@RBall-zq6ij]

I appreciated this comment so much that I hit the like button and screencapped it so I never forget it. I feel like people just don't /get/ and respect animals like you do - kudos, it really hit me in the feels. Thank you for all the work you've done.

[@vincentgeiszler3749]

This is such a sweet comment, thank you for sharing, and thank you for all your wonderful work!

[@mamat1213]

Omg this is the best advice! Thank you!

[@brosef5033]

You are an actual angel ❤ Thank you so much for what you do.

[@RD-py9sv]

He might not let you pet him YET, but the time will come. He clearly wants to trust you and stay with you, but I bet he hasn't had the best experiences with humans. Maybe try holding out a soft, closed fist after food time and see if he'll make the first move. Skittish, feral kitties have to be allowed to control the pace of approaching. It builds their confidence and shows them you aren't going to force it. He's such a little sweetheart. If it starts to rain or get cold, you should crack your door open and see if he'll hang out just inside the door to be out of the icky weather. I used to pile up a couple folded towels as a bed just inside with food and water. You don't necessarily need to be right there, but I'd obviously stay close enough to monitor the door. Maybe even setup a little litter bin. That's the easiest way I've transferred an outdoor to an indoor. Whatever else, you are a wonderful haven for this cutiepotato. I'm really happy he's found his safe place with you.

[@crispy_338]

No Joe you can’t feed the cat solid rocket fuel He obviously prefers LOX

[@mollymarsgal3377]

10/10

[@FutureAIDev2015]

Kero-LOX or methalox?

[@FailRaceFan]

​@@FutureAIDev2015 Hydrolox

[@NeonNijahn]

Ferrell cats prefer Meth & LOX

[@vaderdudenator1]

Salmon-LOX

[@KatrinHotz]

Made me cry. I believe this is true love, humanity at its best. The wish to care for another being just to make him/her feel good, not expecting or demanding anything in exchange. And I would love if we could extend that love to all animals, not just cats and dogs.

[@betsylaughlin4481]

Yes absolutely 💯

[@sup8429]

yeah that's our nurturing instincts kicking in. Sadly it doesn't kick in for animals that are not cute

[@KatrinHotz]

@@sup8429 to me, cows, pigs and chickens are pretty cute too. 😅

[@diorsse]

@@sup8429 deers are very cute and so are lambs but people still hunt and kill them. i think it's just that they aren't domesticated so people don't view them as other living creatures and instead as a food source :(

[@SomeplaceScary]

Such a polite young man. Such soft meows.

[@MakersMuse]

Your son is adorable and I am following on with great interest 😂

[@ninaluo3884]

His ear has been tipped(surgically cut), which is a sign that he is a stray who has gone through the TNR (trap neuter return) program. So **likely**(though you should still ask around) not someone else's cat! Thank you for adopting him!

[@centromeda]

He mentioned this at the beginning, so don't worry he knows! ♡ I think he implied he might have been the one to TNR him? It was a little unclear.

[@e.s.r5809]

Definitely a stray, yes. I'm sure this boy was socialised as a kitten, at least a little bit. A real feral wouldn't be nearly as comfortable around humans! My guess is the poor boy was born to a domesticated mama and abandoned.

[@allysonaa5730]

I wish they had the TNR program in the town where I live, bc they don’t have Animal Control. We’ve lived here since November 2023, and found out our neighbor has feral cats after moving in. They are most likely inbreeding too. She has probably around 5-6 adult cats and at least 10 kittens ranging anywhere from 3-5 months old. They are constantly pooping, peeing and even spraying in our yard. Even caught them fornicating a couple of times and ran them off. I love animals, but this is just too much.

[@howvery_]

@@e.s.r5809 some cats are just born in areas where a lot of people live, the strays in my area in the city are super friendly and people who live around here feed all the stray cats and dogs often - so they just chill and come say hi when they see you lol (the dogs too)

[@carktok]

What a cutie. Congrats on your new furry son. If traffic cone gets used to you touching he might be really happy to be brushed with the right kind of brush. If you see him, shaking his head a lot or itching, he could have ear mites which are pretty easy to get rid of with some eardrops, but you gotta work up to that point. I just ust trapped and released two cats this week who had been bullying the other neighborhood cats and causing lots of fights and of course, making lots of babies who struggle to make it in the Chicago winters. I'm glad I found someone nearby that helped me with the whole process.

[@TheFiteShow]

that is the friendliest stray ive ever seen

[@magneticflux-]

I've had success with cats by being mindful of eye contact and gaze direction; it's counterintuitive for humans, but it seems like direct eye contact is more "bold", not exactly overtly hostile, but more like saying "I'm in charge here". A more peaceful approach is to perform mimicry (looking in the same direction as the cat) and squinting or slowly blinking as that offers vulnerability and gives an opportunity for reciprocity. When nearby the cat, you can also try emulating a purr to convey contentment by slowly rolling your Rs and moving the vocalization backwards in your throat until it sounds like a large truck is idling outside your house. It's a great sign that he's comfortable getting that close, even if you need to bribe him with food!

[@WAHa06x36]

It looks like he's trying to slow blink at you, and might be waiting for you to get it and respond.

[@coma_TOES]

Exactly what I was going to suggest; this is how most cats end up on the lap or seeking attention from people who don't like cats because they look away from them and it's almost an invitation. Look away with your eyes but hold your arm & hand completely still & within reach but while wiggling your fingers as if you're already combing your fingers through his fur. WAIT for him to brush up against your moving fingers but continue to avert your eyes from meeting his. He talks too much in response to your voice to be a true feral cat; I think this is just a body language issue at this point. Practice SQUINTING from a distance if you're looking at him when he's up on his chair/bed, especially in response anytime he makes eye contact & blinks and squints at you: make sure your eyes are blinking frequently and/or squinting a lot, look away first if your gaze is held for awhile. Think of all those indirect eye movements as giving him an invitation and see if he "shows" up. Good luck 👍 to you but it seems as though you've got the desire and patience so I think you will find success soon

[@CrossCultural-c7f]

@@WAHa06x36Yes, slow blink at Traffic Cone. The slow blink is cat body language means “love you.”

[@RT-qd8yl]

@@CrossCultural-c7f In Korea they call it eye kisses

[@catmando4914]

Excellent advice. slow blink and appear to ignore.

[@lisanordic]

One of my cats used to be a stray boy too, he would never eat the food I was giving to him until I was at least 10 meters away. Now it’s been years and the buddy is the cuddliest out of 6 cats and lives in my house and sleeps in my bed 😊 I love you Benjamin, I am happy to be your new home ❤

[@stop08it]

He is soooo cute but he is slow blinking at you like crazy in the beginning. You are probably his favorite human but he will be very open and attached to you in no time

[@OncleClara]

Yeah Traffic Cone absolutely loves Joe!

[@saschastolz61]

He's a sweetheart!😸💕🍀Over-grooming is a sign of stress with kitties. There's no telling what this good boy has been through... I think you're doing a wonderful thing taking care of him. God bless both of you and thank you for this wonderful video.

[@mattfleming86]

I love rehabbing ferals. My favorite one did not go on to adoption.. he is one of my best cats now. My ex-wife was a veterinarian so folks had a tendency to drop things off near our property. I first discovered him when he lunged out from underneath a boat trailer and put some large gashes in my legs. He hissed at me for probably 3 months.. then one day I got in a little chin and ear scratch. Now he is a.. portly.. boy that insists on using me as a cushion every opportunity he gets. Sweetest thing in the world 99% of the time. The other 1% he reverts completely to feral. Its kind of cute.. then he remembers "oh yeah.. i have it made.. nvm" and right back to nice.

[@Christiaan-qj8fi]

That’s so cute 😭😭😭😭

[@bubblegumplastic]

That's really cute :( potato, 1% spicy

[@halloumi420]

Portly boy😂😊

[@Ms2cents]

Wonderful story!

[@FaithUp3]

He’s so handsome and his meow’s are the cutest! Slowly but surely, you’ll be able to pet him. He might even be a lap cat! He adores you. Keep doing what you’re doing!

[@freischwimmerkunst]

The confidence of saying "my son"❤❤

[@kippyscratch]

You’ve probably gotten a lot of comments like this already, as this is a two week old vid, BUT if you want to try to build up the relationship for petting I recommend getting a back scratcher. It creates space for the both of you but he can have the reassurance that pets actually feel good and he can trust you. Him rubbing on the chair rolling over is a really good sign and he really wants affection but obviously he’s still cautious. The back scratcher and the treats in combination would be a great introduction to pets. I hope maybe that helps. Either way he absolutely appreciates you respecting his space and giving him lots of love through acts for service! : D

[@notoioudmanboy]

If a cat comes into your yard and stays you are obliged to love it. This is great mate.

[@novu6196]

The cat chose you so you better cherish it

[@JAYJAYJAY53]

I had a feral just like him .He turned out to be one of the best cat I ever had .

[@mollymarsgal3377]

we all know you're the intern at BPS, he's obviously the CEO

[@NeonNijahn]

C E Meow

[@Eowksosnfjc7cjeb]

Being a CEO has its purrcs ❤

[@emilyjohnson3447]

He's purrfect for the CEO position

[@genericyoutubechannel6180]

Orange bois incorporated 😂

[@tmc_lover2]

TMC ref or am I stupid-

[@robhernandez3593]

He’s smart enough to have survived for several years alone. 😮

[@kewlkat6264]

Your son seems like a cautious young man! seems to put a lot of care into his appearance, which I can respect. Enjoyed the video, hope one day he'll let you pet his soft little head

[@Lollilocks888]

6:38 sounds like he quietly meows “probably” back to you 🥺❤

[@judigemini178]

Aw, traffic cone totally mimicked him :')

[@annagizziatlas62]

Oh his lil morning squeaks are so precious

[@hazonku]

He is SUPER cute. He has so much to say too. All those slow blinks and rolls definitely show that he trusts and likes you. He's adorable.

[@andrewkaylor2416]

Hello VLC icon

[@Shei-from-MCGI]

The God of MCGI accepts gays, bisexuals, transgenders, lesbians, black people, white people, asians, disabled people, the blind, the deaf, and etc! We at church would rather be hated by others than deny people

[@MochaFur1]

welcome back, VLC icon

[@MagisterialVoyager]

Naurrr. 😂❤❤❤

[@wr5023]

Lool

[@bellacucina3209]

The comments tell me so much about the good people out there who care for unwanted animals. They are an inspiration and set an example of true compassion for the rest of us. Have fun with your son.

[@sammykat2hb]

Your son is wonderful. Rolling over and closing his eyes are great signs that he trusts you! Try slowly blinking or closing your eyes back -- it's a sign of friendliness

[@valeriepflug6311]

What a sweet and beautiful kitty. What an exceptional and kind human. Thanks for feeding Traffic Cone.

[@simont390]

His lil meows are so sweet 🥺🥺🥺

[@phaedradavina9803]

This is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for being so kind to Mr. Traffic Cone and for sharing your relationship with us!

[@LivinglyVivid]

That's fantastic progress for only a few months! Him exposing his belly is a great sign of him being comfy! Same with him napping in your presence. Love that he's so chatty... My boy (rescue manx) is just as chatty. ...Only, Kuiper yells with his entire heart and soul like he's trying to wake the dead. Gremlin. I'm sure you already know, but for those who don't: generally in the animal kingdom, direct eye contact is a challenge. (FAMILIAR dogs can be an exception, they look to us for direction, and actually comfortable eye contact is a good way to boost happy chemicals... But some dogs, especially ones with trauma, anxiety, or bad Socialization/training, can just never warm up to eye contact). With cats in particular, slow blinking and averting your gaze to one side is a good way to say 'I love you'... Which honestly, your lil friend here demonstrated quite a few times! Love seeing folks be so caring with their neighborhood cats.

[@sansxverse]

so sweet, this was so nice to watch this video inspired me to make a video about my two furry british shorthaired sons, elysian and ikigai

[@fish_cylinder]

of course you named him Traffic Cone. I love unhinged cat names so much. Personally my kitty is named Lampshade. I once met someone who named their cat Toaster Oven, another great contender.

[@iamtoxic4663]

Funny namesssss

[@NoiseDay]

Every once in a while I regret naming my cats after fictional characters instead of Peanut, Butter, and Jelly.

[@terryarmstrong8598]

I was at a loss what to name my partially feral black cat. She convinced me to name her ICU, as in I See You. One of these days she'll let me pet her. Or not.

[@pigeon1923]

​@@terryarmstrong8598ICU is perfect

[@commonsense571]

In the first Rocky movie he had a pair of turtles named “cuff” and “link”. 😁💞

[@luckymull230]

Your catson is a talkative little gentleman, kudos to you for taking care of him! 😺😺😺

[@marilynnschroeder4436]

“He’s very food motivated”. Aren’t they all 😂

[@irimac1806]

Sadly mine isnt amkes it hard to keep her engaged and entertained but I keep trying ^^

[@anaisa4388]

aren't we all

[@kaiaraid]

He so wants some pets but is just not ready for them yet. Thank you for your patience and care for this little guy! Curious how things will unfold once he lets you pet him 🧡

[@codemonkey2k5]

The trick to cats is to let them come to you. Just keep doing what you are doing and he will eventually trust you. Something that really helps is if you introduce something that smells like you to his home. Like a sock or something. That way he becomes comfortable with said smell. Sounds a bit weird but it does work.

[@lizzieb6311]

Very sweet…he will eventually allow pets…takes some time. He’s a very fortunate kitty to have found his way to you. Traffic Cone…love it! ♥♥♥

[@smatthewson2613]

You gonna teach him trig and geometry (and how to use a slide rule, obvs) and bring him up right to be a steely eyed rocket cat?

[@Mr.EmeraldTheGreen]

What a incredibly handsome guy!!! ❤❤❤ I have always called my dogs and cats my sons and daughters! You are the very first person I’ve seen who does the same! TC is such a sweet sweet good natured little angel! I hope he starts to trust you enough to let you pet him, I think he will really love being pet and rubbed and scratch’s under the chin, and maybe even belly rubs. My Samantha is just like this, only I helped her be born, and have raised her since birth, but she is just like TC I’m that she EXTREMELY food motivated, and EXTREMELY vocal! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@lolacookie453]

0:50 His head snap when you said Churu 🫡🫡😂

[@NoNameNomad....]

What a lovely video. He's a beautiful, chatty little boy. So glad you found each other. ❤

[@Bo-kq8tn]

Traffic cone! What a good boy! :D I'm glad you're taking care of him. If you'd like him to be an indoor kitty (it's safer for him in the long run), here's advice from someone that socialized two ferals and "talks cat": To get the more touch averse kitty inside (now named Soup), I basically started moving the food dish closer to my patio door every night, until I got him to start poking his head inside the house. When he got comfortable coming inside the house for every meal, I closed the door behind him and that was that! Soup did NOT like it at first, but getting him in a single room with food/water/litter box and a hiding spot under my bed let him get used to being around people while feeling safe in a less overwhelming environment. To get him OUT of the hiding spot and to come into the living room, I started moving the food dishes/litter box gradually further away from his hiding spot, as well as getting him to come out by playing with a stick toy. For letting you pet Traffic Cone, try holding your hand in front of his face, palm down, fingers curled and relaxed. A lot of cats will try to sniff you, then either rub their cheek on your fingers or tilt their head and present their cheek to be rubbed. Someone reaching around to their back where they can't see or feel what you're doing with their whiskers is a much spookier and more threatening action to cats. Try this during churu time. If he pulls away and seems put off by cheek rubs, stop and wait until he goes back to eating churu and try petting again. This associates something he isn't sure about with something he knows he likes, and introduces him to being pet in a positive way. Be mindful of the way your body is pointing and your eyes are pointing. Having both directly facing a cat comes across as "uh oh scary aggressive creature is VERY intently watching me/approaching me" to a cat. Unsure kitties have responded much better to me approaching them slowly, stopping a respectful distance with my body at a 45 degree angle, looking at the cat and meeting its gaze to acknowledge I see it, then looking away and looking around at the environment. This is much closer to how social cats greet eachother respectfully if they don't know eachother very well, it's more "Hi hello, I see you, I know you're there and I'm not bothered by you or coming at you in a direct threatening way, I'm gonna hang out here near you and be chill." I hope that's helpful to hear, Traffic Cone is much more sociable and chill with you than Soup was when I first started socializing him. (His sister Noodle was much friendlier!) I think your good orange boy will keep warming up to you, you'll get to pet him eventually I think :D Good luck!

[@bubblegumplastic]

This is such good advice! I see so many little clips on youtube of people attempts to unspice semi feral kittens, and just trying to put their hands on top of the cat's head over and over, while the cat endlessly signals it finds that threatening. Also Noodle and Soup 🥺 so cute

[@sp1cyn3k0]

Great advice!

[@pinkumiilku]

This is so incredibly sweet. To love without expectation to be loved in return. And yet, he shows you love. Maybe this baby will let you pet him. You are so gentle with him. What a sweet boy. Bless your heart!

[@rocketmanandrew]

He needs a 3d printed rocket house.

[@cabe_bedlam]

VAB for VLC!

[@Studio23Media]

@@cabe_bedlamSomewhere on the internet there are pictures of a doghouse-sized VAB made out of Lego! 😂

[@kelseycoyote6576]

How wonderful to see someone be so compassionate, and kind to this kitty. That you respect the cat, and his space, and let him go at his own pace. I'm certain you will get that pet in the future with your love, and patience. ❤

[@SpringNotes]

Traffic Cone has the sweetest meow 🥰 Such a talkative cat.

[@BobBob-l3h]

What a sweet boy, thank you for sharing you cat with us. Please adopt him ❤❤❤❤

[@Studio23Media]

Those little packets are like crack for cats. It's second only to catnip. 🤣 He's so cute!! Make him a better house!! If he wants a home, he'll stay in it.

[@catheirs]

He's smarter than you think, he chose you as his father. Keep loving on your son, he will warm up over time and may even feel relaxed enough to come inside where he is safe from the elements and predators. On behalf of Traffic Cone, thank you for your kindness!

[@tiesb053]

Maybe he wants some carbonated milk

[@TheModdedwarfare3]

Cats are lactose intolerant so don't give them milk

[@evercuriousmichelle]

Unfortunately milk is hard on cats’ digestive systems 😞

[@Simon-v4q]

@@evercuriousmichelle goat milk is ok IIRC

[@evercuriousmichelle]

@DiverseCuriosities (iirc = if I remember correctly)

[@Pwnners]

​@@Simon-v4qyou dont want to let them drink too much, diarea and stuff

[@PumpkinPatchVintage]

You are doing great! I had a similar situation; I started feeding a community cat who eventually moved into my yard. Within a year he was rubbing his head and body on me and allowing me to pet him. Within two years, he walked into my house and hasn’t left! That was January 2022 and he’s been the sweetest, most friendly boy ever! Thank you for taking care of and loving Traffic Cone! 🐱🧡🐱

[@justanotherguy469]

Thanks, Joe. Just be patient and give him time and love. I love his little voice.

[@TheRach995]

Aww he's so precious!!!! He seems like he'e a great candidate for socialization & a sweet boy who already shows you how much he loves you even though he's not reaady to be pet just yet

[@Stealth86651]

Talkative kitties are best kitties, never have to wonder what's on their mind.

[@potaytowpopotee4580]

He is so adorable. That meow is the cutest!! Youre so blessed. Hope he will let you pet him soon. I bet he'll make the bestest cuddler ❤❤❤

[@wickedvicar]

What a beautiful son! His voice is so sweet

[@pesukarhunpoika]

you've been on the trial run adoption case from the cat distribution center, and you're doing great progress! did you know that feral cats don't actually meow when talking to their peers, so Traffic cone is really getting into the homecat lifestyle, bit by bit. i hope you can make him a more weather-safe home, maybe even put the cardboard box in that so it feels more cozy for him.

[@crimsonxmoonlight9181]

i love him and his little meows, thank you for taking such great care of him!!!!

[@alie_b]

Joe Barnard you are the sweetest man I have come across today. Sending you and your son love and hugs ❤

[@colemarie9262]

He’s beautiful and clearly happy to be around. I think once you get past that barrier this will be a super affectionate cat.

[@razzledazzle.]

4:53 he knows of our presence here

[@louis_makes]

What a sweet boy! My cat is a rescue from a traumatic environment and even as a kitten it took months before he let me near him. It is frustrating, but he will let you know when you can pet him a little bit at a time. Keep at it and respect his boundaries. Mine is now a major cuddle bug who demands sitting on my lap and belly rubs every time I come home. You can also leave the door open while you are home with some treats on the floor while you ignore him, just so he gets comfortable. Being close but completely ignoring him is also great. Attention can feel threatening.

[@UnregisteredHyperCam_2]

We all love your son, if he ever lets you pet him i’d love to see it 🥰

[@NickCombs]

I would also make friends with the strays as a kid. It's all about patience with cats. If you want to start petting him, don't go from above. Instead, you present your hand down at his level to be a good place he can rub his cheek on. The stare is a sign of unease, because he's tracking you for any sign of aggression and sees you staring back. That's why very slow blinks show that you're not a threat and that you feel comfortable around the cat, as a sign of trust.

[@MilesToGoGo]

Awww I’m confident that he will let you pet him eventually it can just take such a long time with these feral cats. But the most important thing is that he’s being taken care of and has a safe space with you ❤

[@xnsound]

This is the cutest 🥹 he clearly likes you and y’all have a little relationship forming

[@Mxsfit11Six]

This video gives me great joy. His tail going straight upward is a sign that he's happy to see you

[@Shure_Lock]

traffic cone and joseph bizlington back with another slammer of a podcast! Ive had a lot of experience with foster cats, which is basically speedrunning getting to be friends with them lol. They tend to respond well to not being the center of your attention, as in you're doing normal stuff around them, not just sitting there looking at them. Looking around for "threats" like cats do also seems to work. Looks like youre doing great with him perching on your leg too! Since he likes chasing stuff, maybe try one of those toys on a string with a stick If you want him to be an inside cat Id suggest slowly working him inside. So something like leaving the door open with some food/snacks just inside while youre not there so he can look around and do it at his own pace. Then if youre getting positive results keep moving the food inside, add a new box inside, something he likes. He looks comfortable and happy so you've been doing great, so glad to see you've been blessed by the cat distribution system!

[@ubidooby]

We've had an orange feral cat in the back yard as well for the past couple years, George. He also has a clipped ear from trap and release. He took several months to warm up, but he lets me pet him and pick him up and he's usually very friendly but only to me. He still won't come inside on his own but I've brought him in a few times until he starts clawing at the door to leave. Sounds like a similar situation to Traffic Cone so I'm sure he will allow you to pet him soon ❤ Just takes time for them to trust. You're doing great!

[@myriamm9917]

You are both so delicate and soft - spoken

[@KarMa-ws3ll]

Thank you for taking the time for him. I love this.

[@lordfizzz]

What a handsome young man, he will grow up to do great things! Thanks for sharing your son with us

[@irenehartmann5249]

You have a good heart for making this kitty a member of you family. He is quite a charmer! ❤

[@cruelsummer4]

you earned his trust! bless you for feeding this sweet cat, the world needs more people like you

[@JadenYukifan28]

It's adorable when Traffic cone answers.

[@robbiewilson9675]

i have a feral regular too! hes als a ginger+white tabby, but has a lot less white than Traffic Cone. He usually comes over for food and to hit on my pet cat, hes laying off nowadays because shes clearly not interested. He comes over just to sleep, too, especially on hot days. i've pet him a few times but he usually ducks away. im hoping i can get him to trust me enough so i can take him to get spayed and vaccinated, as well as his cold taken care of

[@TheMagico13]

We have an orange girl who was feral. It took a month for her to come out from under the bed and six months for her to come down the stairs. But now she's very snuggly, but still can be skittish. Traffic Cone seems very comfortable with you, lots of positive cat expressions happening, so it's probably only a matter of time before he's ready for more direct attention.

[@mars7639]

Nothing warms the cockles of the heart like the sight of a father and his beautiful, biological and human son.

[@Rulerofwax24]

Your son is beautiful. I've really enjoyed Flatbush Cat's videos on interacting with feral cats and rehoming them. I'm not saying you should try to keep him inside since he is probably happier outside, but Flatbush's videos have a lot of tips for getting cats more used to human contact. Being food motivated is great and you can start to force wee Traffic Cone to be okay with being pet as long as you only give him food while petting him.

[@Im-crazyfrogbro]

I love how people that have pets call them son😂

[@aff77141]

Patience and gentleness is everything. A few months of hard work and he'll love you like a house cat. Guve him some time where you're just sitting there not even looking at him and if you do just slow blink, cats love that

[@MG-pj2oo]

I love this. As someone in rescue, channels that show care for homeless animals are my favorite.

[@sagapoetic8990]

He's soooo adorable. You are blessed to be adopted by him.

[@terryfik_1759]

What a lovely little gentleman!!! Honestly, I'm sure in due time, he'll let you pet him ❤ One of my strays took me about a year to let me pet her 😅 Just give him time and be patient❤Thank you so much for feeding and taking care of this beautiful boy!!

[@rukahazuki6650]

He us a blessing to this world. I can't stop smiling while watching this.