Feral Cat Documentary

Feral Cat Documentary. A beautiful feral cat starts hunting backyard wildlife - a dilemma for animal lovers! I decide to watch, film and try to get to know this wild creature and see if a win-win solution is possible.
Update - The story continues at: The Secret Life of a Feral Cat
• Secret Life of a Feral...
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[@lisawest9731]

Sadly, cats are deemed throw away animals, dumped, left behind after people move, and thrown out windows. Most are not feral, just survivors. The hiss is from fear. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@kristinebailey2804]

Proven by the comments from some Oklahoma hillbilly above. Skin heads like him are why I never let my cats out of doors.

[@JasonBeeneistheLordGod]

Me & my wife live in Purcell, Oklahoma in a trailer park, there are a bunch of feral cats & dumped cats that have joined the colony, we feed them as often as we can, there are two baby kittens that showed up under our porch the other day & they seem to be without momma cat, they looked weak from their movements, but after a few feedings they are playful with each other & seem to be happy go lucky now, I cannot stand to see animals starve or pass away from health problems, I know a lot of people dislike cats, but i have to take the Jesus Christ approach & help the weak, I am happy just knowing we can do something to make a positive impact on these cats lives.

[@larrymbouche]

@@JasonBeeneistheLordGod perhaps you could encourage diversity and cultural insight by inviting newly integrated Asians into your neighborhood. There's more than one way to deal with the feral cat situation and extinction of native species. A new species of people can solve the problem of too many invasive predatory species. The only native cats are Bob Cats, Lynxes, Cougars, and an almost extinct species of panther in Georgia and Florida. All others were brought here and turned out to fend for themselves. Research shows that feral cats kill FIVE BILLION ANIMALS each year, including FIVE HUNDRED BILLION BIRDS. That means the cats kill 4 1/2 Billion animals that aren't birds, and 1/2 Billion Birds each year, in the USA. The Florida Key Deer are about extinct from feral cats. You can Love the cats, but you can't stop the extinctions. Cats have contributed to the EXTINCTION of SIXTY THREE SPECIES of birds mammals and reptiles. I have been a cat owner and lover for a very long time, but that doesn't address the major problem of FERAL CATS.

[@burger1974]

​@@robtru84Arent you an animal 😂😂😂

[@Jay-dl4vk]

Cats are. Extremely hard on environmental. Small animals that are extremely endangered because of cats. Cats tear up people's flower beds. Pool liners from under the pool. Defecate under porches & homes causing. All kinds of insect problems. They have tore up everyone's. Flower beds. In their yards in my neighborhood alone. Their are no squirrels. Or rabbits around anymore. & yu hear them fighting & mating every nite. & little ones running around every where. Becoming adults very rapidly , & mating very soon. A real pain. I tell ya. So I shoot every one I can

[@stevesykes6048]

The cat did an outstanding job of training the human to provide food to it.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Steve Sykes Good point!

[@jiveturkey9993]

Cats can be some serious jive turkeys.

[@budcat7]

Ever hear this one? "feed a dog and they think you're King, feed a cat and they think they're King"

[@louisasmiles]

@@budcat7 it's a true fact. Lol

[@leeleeturn]

Nah y'all just don't know how to train a cat. I took in a big beautiful white cat who was sick on the street and took him to the vet, got him all fixed up and adopted him, only to find out that he was being a big bully to my little dog when I wasn't watching. Well I made it very clear to Mr Kitty that that was not acceptable and he would be back out on the street if he didn't straighten up. It took a little training but he got the picture and pretty soon he was being all buddy-buddy with my dog. He was always the alpha, but he went from being a mean bully to a friendly allpha. Of course my dog never really liked him. But they were a funny pair. They would sit side-by-side at the kitchen door watching me cook, their little heads going back and forth in unison as I walked around. Then Mr. Kitty would nonchalantly walk in and I would, say "no", and point to the door. He would turn around and nonchalantly walk back to the door, trying to save face, and then flop down right on top of my little doggy. Not hurting him, just asserting his alpha position. LOL they were so funny. I miss them both so much. They passed away many years ago.

[@Itisfinished.]

That is a stunning cat, I was glued to this video.

[@justingray3456]

This reflects my story exactly. It took a full year to really socialize Martin, but he finally moved in the house, took over my bed and enjoys Fancy Feast food and doesn't bother hunting anymore. Best lover ever.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

+Justin Gray That's great, not all ferals can be socialized. A second cat I worked with is documented in this video - Secret Life of a Feral Cat - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4eziKl8jJV9rc0 BB

[@mnjlittle7547]

Wow man. I happened to run across this video and its almost exactly how I met my cat. He was stray, hunting squirrels and doves in my yard. I have feeders and corn on cob for the squirrels. Anyways, I was working on my motorcycle one day and saw him hunting. I started to leave wet food cans outside and one day just walked up to me while I was washing my bike and let me pet him. We've now been friends for two years. :). He goes outside during the day, and sleeps in his bed in the house at night. I believe he had human contact as a kitten, because he wasn't as skiddish as I would expect but just glad we crossed paths.

[@AvatarWanTV]

Joshua Walker that's great man! Love stories like this.

[@459luker]

That is so cool, and just like this man in the documentary i love the true respect you have for animals. What sets you (and the person in the video) apart from others is the fact that many people who may be kind enough to feed their resident birds and squirrels would unfortunately be extremely antagonistic or even malicious towards a stray/feral cat who appeared in their yard and started hunting those animals they were feeding - but as the guy in the video said at the start; it is not the cats fault that he was either abandoned or a result of irresponsible humans not spaying/neutering their pets. The cat is just trying to survive and to do that it needs meat. I'm glad you offered him a helping hand so he no longer needed to hunt to survive anymore :)

[@Basskat100]

@@459luker nothing wrong with the Cats hunting. Before humans started interacting with these types of Cats, the smaller Cat species had no problem surviving in the wild. Cats regardless of the size, are instinctively Wild. Humans domesticated the small cat species. I have no problem with cats hunting to survive in the wild. It is in cat's nature to survive in the wild. Humans changed all that with these species.

[@Diimaa]

Your kindness to the cat is remarkable. a lot of bird lovers hate cats understandably. nature is cruel for us who love all three cats squirrels and birds

[@heywhydidyousquishme3505]

i love birds and cats, dogs and squirrels and everything else-

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

Here's the thing. Birds and squirrels are native species in North America. House cats are not! Letting this cat hunt native wildlife without even checking to see if it's neutered or attempting to ensure that it is is extremely irresponsible.

[@judyferguson3185]

I absolutely love cats, my 2 cats came to me because someone dumped their mama, a gorgeous long haired calico. It took me over a year to socialize her but she would only come to me. Then one night I heard cats fighting and thought, uh oh. So I watched her carefully. I knew the day she had the kittens but didn’t find them for 2 weeks. At that time I was able to trap her and get her spayed and put her back with her 6 week old kittens, there were only 2 thankfully. 2 weeks later I let her go back outside because she was terrified of being in the house. We kept up with our wonderful relationship and I adopted her kittens. When the kits were about 6 months old I started to let them go outside, we have a huge yard and so do our neighbors. But after a couple of months her daughter started chasing her and within another month she disappeared. There was a Manx black/grey tabby that would hang round with her and he disappeared with her. I am still so sad even 15 years later. So having said that I agree that there is a really big problem with feral cars in America. I hate to think of them being trapped and euthanized or being shot by hunters but it has to be done. Spay/neuter/release for feral colonies is a humane way of dealing with this problem, but they are still hunting our small wild critters while they live out their lives. I quit letting my 2 go outside about 5 years ago for their safety and the safety of the small animals that frequent our neighborhood. Thanks for listening ❤️

[@Jackson-pu7gd]

He's a really good man alright. He knows that it is not the cats' fault that the cat has been forced into a situation where he needs to fend for himself in the wild. This cat was likely abandoned by his original owners. The feral cat problem is one that was created by humans, and so it is totally wrong to treat them with contempt and cruelty. They are not acting with malice or destructive intent. Their numbers do need to be controlled, i'm not suggesting otherwise, but it is really important to keep in mind when dealing with them that it is not their fault.

[@chrisbaxter3597]

@@Jackson-pu7gd who would think it was their fault - it’s their nature to pray on and destroy native wildlife - they need to be culled - end of

[@Cracknationn]

Man both your feral cat documentary pieces! Truly are works of art, your narration is one of the best ive ever heard.

[@tigermachine6471]

I just found this fascinating doc, it’s a very heartwarming story and frankly, it’s one that speaks to me,as I myself have a few feral strays that I’ve befriended and have fed regularly. The place where I discovered these cats is a public place and they’re many people who feed them, and attempt socializing these cats. I noticed most fail for lack of patience. I used much the same tactics that I see you had success with here. There is one ingredient that I think is essential and that’s trust. These cats really make you earn they’re trust. When I come looking for my cat friends, I call out to them, and within a few minutes they arrive, they eat whatever I bring them. Then they lay around nearby for awhile. Sometimes I stay for hours, other times they wander off after 30 minutes or so. I believe I’ve gotten these cats in a position where they could be reintegrated into a loving house. Thanks for the great video! Loved it!!!

[@ihatedurian3443]

This is beautiful. Thanks for caring for another life. I’m a grown man but the ending sort of made me emotional

[@greggabel7238]

You must have felt for the cat !

[@Jackson-pu7gd]

Wow that must have been so rewarding when he came up and initiated pats. I've had similar moments with birds and other cats and it's just such an amazing feeling to earn that level of trust from a wild animal. I really do feel like this cat was abandoned and not born in the wild though. I don't think you could get to that stage with a truly feral cat, at least not in that timeframe. It would take many years, if it ever happened at all.

[@Sumd3vil]

Fed a feral male for about 4 months and one day noticed he was meowing a LOT after I'd feed him. Noticed later that night he had a little girlfriend with him. I sat down and that little fucker came up and started petting himself on me. Like showing off for the new cat. "Look at me! I'm allies with the humans!" I was shocked bc he'd NEVER let me touch him. Little fucker still comes to me for breakfast and dinner. And he struts around the area meowing like he's trying to represent his turf.

[@Hikutachama]

lmao

[@IsThatEtchas]

If a cat meows, then they're not feral. Someone has abandoned the cat and the cat has spent time around people. Meowing is a behaviour that is generally only present in kittens. Domesticated cats continue to meow. Feral cats do not. The vocalizations that feral cats use to communicate are too low for us to hear. So domestic cats use higher vocalizations towards us.

[@CostlyChris]

IsThatEtchas not true feral meow, hiss and make weird cat calls to each other. You clearly never seen two ferals have a stare off while whaling at one another. Also inner city ferals, wild from birth, learn to beg for food via meow.

[@IsThatEtchas]

That's not meowing. Wailing, yowling etc are a different vocalization all together. If an inner city feral has been socialized with people, they are partly domesticated, which is why they will meow.

[@nikkikidd8428]

he was staking his claim and taking ownership of his "human" in order to keep the female on point. Letting her know the rules to insure that he always eats first

[@Lucretius41]

Nicely done. An excellent documentary. Thanks for sharing.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

***** Thank you Carl! BB

[@melindaelston1875]

Im halfway through this and I am glued to it. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this, I have always wanted to make something similar!

[@greggabel7238]

What a Pretty Kitty Cat and a good heart you have dude, you not only saved the animals that the cats liked to hunt, you saved the cat, himself !

[@IWantToBelieve1]

When they roll on their back it is usually a message or a sign. It does not necessarily mean they want you to touch their stomach/back/tail which many of them do not like. When they roll on their back and expose their stomachs it can mean one of a few things. In your case I believe he/she was showing you that he/she trusts you (exposing the belly/vulnerable part of the body). It can also be them asking for something they want from you like them saying "I want to play" or "im ready for you to feed me" etc...

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Fig1918 Thanks, I'm sort of learning as I go out of necessity - I'm working with a new related feral cat that is much wilder - his story is at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4eziKl8jJV9rc0 I'm hoping to have an update on him soon.

[@mrthorwahl]

That moment when the feral cat came up to you and let you pet it was so precious.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

+mrthorwahl Thanks - I'm working with a new wilder relative of this cat - his story is at: The Secret Life of a Feral Cat kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4eziKl8jJV9rc0

[@paddydantonio7136]

it’s a stray, not a feral

[@tjones4067]

THANK YOU! No stupid music, no anthropomorphizing (like guessing what the animals are "thinking".

[@leahdavis8446]

I know I was thinking the same this was amazingly filmed!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼😊😊

[@yes-iv4po]

oh my god i hate those annoying childish pet videos where they talk in some character pretending to know what the pet is thinking. thats some 2010 cringe stuff.

[@dahliablack9017]

Thank you for taking care of the feral cat and not letting him kill the squirrel!! I feed all my squirrels and my birds too and our squirrels even trust my Shepard beagle mix now because my dog did knock one of our squirrels off our fence and actually caught the squirrel with her mouth, shockingly my dog never applied any pressure and when I told her to drop the squirrel she did and the squirrel wasn't injured and ran right back up the fence and into our oak. Ever since my dog and that squirrel actually play! They have been friends for the last almost 7 years! We do have a black and white cat that I know for a fact is not feral it does belong to one of my neighbors but I've caught him a few times in the backyard trying to go after birds and squirrels and I always stop it along with our hawks that like to try and take baby birds, bunnies and squirrels. Once they trust you it's a wonderful and beautiful thing ❤️

[@ithacacomments4811]

In my community recently, an individual found a stray kitten on the street and took it to our local shelter. After a few days, they went back to start the adoption process. The kitten had a complete vet check, spay, shots, etc. The individual took the kitten home. Several days later, the kitten seemed ill and was taken to the vet. It had rabies! Now, anyone who came in contact with the kitten, needs rabies shots. The individual, shelter staff, friends and family, neighbors. Ahhhhhh !!!

[@twothreefour234]

Pew Pew the Mew Mew. Works every time.

[@wc3350]

The cat likes you because it blinks at you and shows belly.

[@leoroys9683]

that's true

[@stephennnnnnnnnnnn]

John Woodgate that's how I show my affection too ☺😊☺💃

[@lucysmith3797]

@@stephennnnnnnnnnnn do you want a keebler cookie Adam? Haha

[@dougiequick1]

obviously was once a pet ...no wild/feral cat would allow that crap me thinks

[@daemia]

The slow blink is more of a display of non-aggression, the opposite also applies to the contrary action, staring at someone usually means you're looking for a fight!

[@SuspiciousSound]

Thanks! Since returning to my childhood home to care for my elderly mother, I have become enamored of her backyard, and therefore, Nature. And therefore, Life. Your videos have been a great part of my both latent and newfound respect for the non-human.

[@YaelleG]

This video is 25 times more fascinating than I had expected. I came to YT to try to see how much cats vocalize while out of the presence of humans.

[@jimicook86]

I love that you welcome squirrels to your yard unlike most people who feed birds:)

[@martynohara8101]

An excellent video. Your patience and understanding paid off and was a joy to watch the relationship develop.

[@EBthere]

Eight years later but this is still worth saying "great video!!"

[@andrewgafford8470]

Love this. Your patience is godlike, my friend. Your observation of nature is down-to-earth and insightful, and the story told here is so believably touching.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Andrew Gafford Thanks for the kind comments. I'm working with a new related feral cat now: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4eziKl8jJV9rc0 hope to have an update on him soon.

[@kavatractionmeditationstud2825]

You have managed to make the most simple of things we see every day so unbelievably interesting. Thank you so much for this basic documentation and narration. I really like what information you chose to share and how it was put across. It really gave me the perfect insight on how to coexist with the wilderness in my own yard. Thank you again, please make more!

[@jeremysanders1904]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to make this video. I really enjoyed it. The social development between you and this beautifully marked feral tabby cat was emotionally rewarding to watch and, as you put it, bittersweet. You really captured the complexity of the feral cat and its guarded relationship with man. You demonstrated that the cat is a wild and solitary hunter at heart but, out of self interest, chooses to bond with humans once a certain level of trust is established. Again, nice work.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Jeremy Sanders Thank You. I'm glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate your analysis - you summarized it better than I could have! BB

[@pimpchi774]

@@MyBackyardBirding stop interfering with the nature if the squirrel gets eaten he gets eaten it was always intended to be that way

[@edwardgordon4309]

Love the video and narration. Your patience and provision was, in the feral's timing, rewarded with very nice dividends. I love feral cats and have domesticated them in the past. You are absolutely correct that their lifespan is very short. Beautiful yard landscaping as well 👏

[@theonemodifier]

Beautiful doc, and beautiful moment when a farel cat will let you pet them. I've been trying with one that looks like this one for 3 years. He trusts me and will hang out, but just will not get with in arms reach. Gonna try sardines and sit right by them. Thanks for this doc, loved it!

[@selinarobinson7731]

Same with my outside farel cat lol

[@pattyneill4358]

ignore them . it makes them curious , they warm up; faster ( or pretend to ignore them)

[@georgepeterson6103]

Great video and narration. Keep up the good work. I enjoyed it very much.

[@nedsammy]

I love this documentary so much. I wish everyone was this compassionate

[@MyBackyardBirding]

+nedsammy Thank you - I had a second wilder feral cat you might be interested in: Secret Life of a Feral Cat kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4eziKl8jJV9rc0

[@jeffwomack5821]

If you can tame it then if you put a collar on it with a bell. It will slow down his successful hunts. Good video and caring for all wildlife is the right thing to do. I believe that if kids are raised with pets and taught about wildlife they will be more compassionate and less feral like most kids today. On my way to watch your next victory.

[@rusedorange]

Waste of time. Get an air rifle and kill the cat(s).

[@Tsamokie]

Me too. I'm compassionate and that is why I don't let them suffer. I will even use a second round to make sure they are D-E-A-D and no longer a threat to all the birds in my area.

[@Tsamokie]

@@rusedorange .22cal long arm is much more effective and they don't suffer (well, not for too long).

[@EdLove]

Thanks from down under, that's deeply moving. I also adore nearly all critters, even if some eat others. So do we. All we can do is love them all.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Thanks for the nice comments - I have made a second film on a new related cat kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4eziKl8jJV9rc0

[@crestenify]

Great job and video! I've semi-tamed 2 ferals, it takes a lot of patience, for sure. For people out there: clean, fresh water in addition to food is essential, make sure it's available to them!

[@MyBackyardBirding]

crestenify Thanks! and right about the water. I'm working with a second feral that is much wilder - he only comes out at night - check him at Secret Life of a Feral Cat kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4eziKl8jJV9rc0 BB

[@miguelalvarado2343]

I have 13 feral cats that most of them will come to me but a few won't let me touch them ,had many of them fixed by a shelter mostly for free and donations, still cost me 200 a month but i enjoy their company when they come by, winters are tough on them they get cold and i put heaters for them when temperature drops too much ,thank you for all animal lovers as i am

[@bens3067]

The problem with trapping and socializing the cat is that if its continued to be left outdoors it will still kill birds.

[@my35Xvision]

What a beautiful story! Even the wild cat needs a friend... Thank you for this awesome work and the cat is such a beauty. :)

[@MyBackyardBirding]

my35Xvision Thanks - as I approached the cat as a wildlife subject and got to know more about it I was satisfied to find it a home... BB

[@mypointofview1111]

Feral cats always need good friends. Grown feral cats should just be given food and help when they need it, but respect their space & don't try to tame them. However much you're tempted to. Feral kittens can be tamed quite easily but adult cats find it hard to adapt and need to learn that they need to meow to humans to communicate, while towards other creatures they will hiss.

[@batessdd]

Thank you, this was great ! Cats are amazing creatures in so many ways.

[@gurnblanstein9816]

What a beautiful cat and an appreciative compassionate human. Great video! Subbed!

[@richardneil3030]

you captured the life of a feral cat . gained its trust and it showed it use to be some one's pet

[@Tenfey]

Your back yard looks peaceful.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Tenfey It has it moments - especially at night - check out Wild Raccoon Fight !

[@crossbowmarksman]

@@MyBackyardBirding You're responsible for unleashing a cutthroat killer on that innocent family that adopted it. The feral feline attacked and ate the family's two Budgies, two hamsters, a gerbil and goldfish! You wanted to make nice and be friends with " Fluffy" the killer. Now look at the devastation ! What have you got to say for yourself? The monster🐾 already killed too many birds, squirrels, and other mammals🐇🦆🦇🕊 and some of these kills were in your own backyard! All you had to do In order to calm down fluffy and create a "special moment" for it was a. 22 round between the eyes to put Fluffy in it's comfort zone. But No......😫

[@johna.4334]

@@crossbowmarksman What the...???!!!

[@vaztion]

Deeply thank you 🙏, for saving this beautiful cat; happy to know it has a family now

[@Slumberjacksix]

What a great job you did, sir. My hat is off to you! What an extraordinary story. Very well done. I am off to watch part two.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Walter Holland Thank you Walter. I'm continuing to get to know the new feral cat, but he is real standoffish.

[@kniknayme9865]

your neighbour thanks you for feeding their cat.

[@Ryglado]

knik nayme - this!

[@ryanheisey1964]

This is a perfect observation of how we domesticated cats. Really cool👍🏻👍🏻

[@gabrielg.2401]

This was so well done, thank you.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Glad you enjoyed it! BB

[@flyinbryan1619]

excellent documentary. incredible how you gained the cats trust and acceptance. at 17:15 i thought you might be treated to the spray of friendship

[@MyBackyardBirding]

flyinbryan1619 Thank you - it was a fascinating experience. I had a new feral cat this year check out his "secret life" story at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4eziKl8jJV9rc0

[@CostlyChris]

MyBackyardBirding thanks for your compassion I'm a cat guy who take care of Strays and ferals. A stray would of been more focused on you than hunting wild game. Stray animals see humans as potential new homes and would of followed you and let you touch them from day one. That cat is feral, you had to earn its trust. It was 100% wild or removed from humans long enough to regain its wilder traits.

[@deborahdean8867]

The cat stumbles on a garden of eden with birds and squirrels , and there you are feeding everybody. You don't think the cat knows that? He does. And perhaps he has been a pet before, enough to remember being petted should all go well. Too bad about the shelter , it must have been a horrible shock for the cat. Glad it worked out.

[@lisawest9731]

The pattern is a "broken mackerel tabby". Rubbing the side of its face is a true greeting, scent glands in the face say, " you belong to me". Also tail up and flopping are sweet signals. Bless its heart, cats are very loving and sweet, this friend is not a true feral, just unwanted. Thank you, thank you for showing it love and finding a family.🐾💖🐈

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Thanks for the info

[@Tsamokie]

No need to approach the feral cat. Just use a .22cal rnd. Does the trick every time.

[@SamStone1964]

Cat lovers are oh so lonely they prefer to feed feral killing machines instead of exterminating them.

[@tylertomlinson3865]

This is an amazing creature

[@jamesjames4844]

Amazing how these cats survive great documentary

[@JoeBinne]

Same story here, we live rural Quebec Canada and one winter day, a ferel cat we use to see hunt around came to our door. -20 outside, laceration on her face from eye to ear. We fed her and give her heat for recuperation. She stayed 7 days here and since then, she stays here. She roam our land and kill everything. To more mice in the house. She comes inside play with the kids and then leave for the night to hunt and brig back trophies. In harsh winter freezing temp, she stay inside. But then she ask to go outside to do her things. Ferel cats are the best. Thanks for your video, it's great...

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Joe Binne Great story, they are fascinating creatures! Check out this update on a wild cat related to this one: Secret Life of a Feral Cat kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4eziKl8jJV9rc0

[@craigwall6071]

Your efforts to "fix" nature and the universe are commendable.

[@nickrauseo7303]

catch it and make sure it can't harm wildlife. The fact is it is a pet cat and they take tolls on the bird populations.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Nick Rauseo Yes, at the end it was trapped and adopted!

[@hawkboy451]

A hiss is a warning. If they are truly happy with you they will meow like crazy to get food from you. My feral comes to the back-door, puts two feet inside the house and meows at the top of it's voice until it gets food and milk LOL

[@MyBackyardBirding]

I've been working with a new - related feral cat and he's a wild one- check him out at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4eziKl8jJV9rc0

[@jiveturkey9993]

Who would ever think that a guy with a laptop, a camera, a backyard, and a few average everyday animals that everyone takes for granted could create content just as good as billion-dollar Wildlife presentations? Good job dude!

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Thanks for the kind compliment. Its pretty much a one person operation but a bunch of animal helpers! BB

[@gigachad9016]

Cat’s probably had the run of it from life but it has so much love to give. I hope it’s adopters give it a great life

[@yeetarmyitstimeforgoodtime8958]

Cats should be just like dogs kept at home and under control not left out to kill everything

[@TiticatFollies]

Wonderful story! Lovely, touching, funny and informative. I hope he enjoyed his new home.

[@jenniferlundberg6973]

"I'm not sure if that hiss was a greeting or a warning." All hisses are warnings and are signs of hostility. No such thing as a nice hiss.

[@mypointofview1111]

Feral cats always hiss at other creatures, its the only way they know how to communicate. My experience with feral adult cats is you have to show them how to meow by meowing to them when you put food down for them. One thing you should never do is leave an open can of food for them to engage with. They can do some serious damage to themselves by lacerating themselves. Put the food on a paper plate or on the ground for them. Respect their space but don't try to tame them, just enjoy a unique friendship with them for what it is. But if they're hurt then you should help where you can.

[@lisawest9731]

@@mypointofview1111 Very well said. Feral, stray, dumped cats hiss for different occasions. My experience tells me that fear is a large factor in hissing; tiny kittens hiss after being trapped near a garbage dump. Thank you for mentioning the metal can problem! A cat with a wound is much more likely to become prey to fox, coyote, bobcat or larger predators etc., at least in my area. They are incredible animals that, after so many centuries, are not as capable of surviving; the wild now is largely city life that is brutal and filled with predators/killers...us. Thank you for your words🐾❤

[@judyferguson3185]

He has such beautiful markings!

[@jnfe]

That was very enjoyable to watch, and the background nusic was so inviting. Thanks for posting.

[@hotmesspicker5664]

I love this. I was not a cat person. I took in a feral kitten I found on my back porch. Her sister got away, but was stalking us. I eventually got her trust, traped & had her spayed. There was a brother from the previous liter I traped & neutered. But soon realized there was a bigger issue than I thought. I am in the process if TNR.

[@SamStone1964]

Release a wildlife killer?

[@emilyeriksson4868]

@@SamStone1964 you are a criminal,you shouldn't be release

[@diegoquezada3193]

@@emilyeriksson4868 TNR does not work if you release the feral cat back into the wild, if you want to keep and neuter a feral cat fine by me. But do not release it back into the wild as it is an invasive species that has already made 63 species of animal gone extinct worldwide.

[@Perplexer1]

We've had a feral cat come into our back yard also one day and it wouldn't let anyone get close. We didn't have any wildlife around except an odd mouse or bird here and there. I guess it was only looking for food. We have cats of our own so of course we kept leaving it food outside. It continued to come back regularly to eat for ... get this ... EIGHT YEARS, and in all those eight years it only got comfortable to the point where we could OCCASIONALLY pet it on the head. But mostly it didn't want to be touched. Only when there was food waiting did it alow to be petted on the head once but it would then hide under a bench or go 5 steps away before returning to eat a minute later. It never got comfortable enough to roll on it's back and be scratched behind the ear. When it did roll, it would run away if we made a step towards it. It was incredibly skittish and never got completely socialized in 8 years. We suspect that it had perhaps some teeth pain or something. Last time we saw it was Christmas 2014. We suspect it died somewhere since it was surely at least 14 years old.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Perplexer1 That's a great story! 8 years is amazing. I think cats are such individuals its hard to generalize behavior. I'm working with a new feral cat that is no doubt related to the one in this video that is strictly nocturnal and it will not let me get within 50 feet of it when I occasionally spot it around dusk. The Secret Life of a Feral Cat: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4eziKl8jJV9rc0 I'm planning to have an update on this cat soon. BB

[@DCFunBud]

The feral cats in my backyard like to stalk squirrels, but don't know how to strike the coup de grace. They just stare at them face to face.

[@pingblaha1234]

This video was great man! I love how you handled this.

[@Likmiknutz]

The end was a happy/sad moment I'm glad he found a home and I hope he'll never end up in the wild again

[@BeboBevo]

Hiss was a WARNING.

[@stevenseagal4987]

BeboBevo rawr XD

[@tyrone4u559]

That cats not feral. It's just a domesticated family cat that may have been recently abandoned. A feral cat is like a wild tiger it totally mistrust people.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

The story continues at: Feral Cat Documentary - Ghost Cat?

[@lisadavy4198]

Just beautiful! I am taking care of 12 ferals in a high traffic area in the city. I have made great progress in gaining trust. I am going to try your sardine method! Thanks for the video. All animals deserve a fighting chance!

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Lisa Davy Thank you and good luck! BB

[@catonthemoon2084]

Lisa Davy They LOVE tuna fish too!

[@bekcasimirokrogel951]

Mark Boileau

[@DireThreeTwoOne]

Cats hiss, spit, and growl as a warning. They will also raise there head but if they howl, there fur goes up, and there eyes dilate its aggression.

[@danielcjtodd]

Thank you for making such a great video. The time and care you took with the cat and your video was really engaging and fulfilling. You have a great narration style as well.

[@pleasesubneedclout415]

I love kitties!!!!!! I adopted a feral kitten and she has come a long way in being domesticated. She sits on my lap and just hangs out with me all the time whenever I'm at the house. She still is really unpredictable though I'm kinda scared of her lol she has scratched and bitten me out of nowhere a few times.

[@albertschepis]

One last thought: another way to acclimate the cat to you and gain more trust is to PLAY with it. I recommend the 3' length of felt strip (like a snake) at the end of a plastic wand. I'd extend the wand a couple feet too. Handle the felt so the cat gets used to your scent. Playing with the cat (best times dawn and dusk) to discharge some of it's natural ambush and chase activity. The snake-like toy won't reinforce it's tendency to chase birds or squirrels, and you can play a little rough without smacking it like with a hard toy. You can drag it close to you where you can speak to it nicely, and if it rubs you touch it softly. Vigorous scratching tends to charge them up. Also, give it a name! They like that. Hey, it took me 20 years on my own to become kind of an expert, so I wish someone had told me a few things back when. I bet you'll become an expert. Even cat haters have been seduced by them and turn into lovers, if they know how to speak cat. THE best expert I've found is:Pamela Merritt: author, 30 years amateur cat rescue www.wayofcats.com/our-mission www.wayofcats.com/ www.wayofcats.com/ebooks/ www.wayofcats.com/blog/ facebook.com/thewayofcats Download podcasts - In A Purrfect World - on iTunes! Forget Jackson G. He's just a reality show monkey who sells snake oils.

[@AntonSlavik]

Certain that a cat hiss is always a warning. I have a lot of respect for someone who treats wildlife with such compassion

[@TheEdgydogs]

The Hiss with no purring or meowing suggest a feral not a stray cat. Cats learn to purr and meow only when they socialize with hoomans as kittens.

[@janethouse1779]

Nice video! I hope the family that adopted it was patient and loving. My cats are prior feral (one almost certainly feral, the other maybe stray-gone-wild). You are a great example of patience and trust. For those interested in ferals, consider TNR (trap-neuter-release) to prevent kittens and population explosion.

[@SamStone1964]

Trap, neuter and release a killing machine? No, trap and kill a killing machine.

[@barbarap8163]

This is an amazing video. You certainly have a special bond with animals. I have a feral cat. It took close to a year for her to let me pet her but now she sleeps on my bed every night. She's even used to my very large dog. She doesn't care for anyone else in the house.

[@grahamvoght9294]

Why not just shoot the rotten thing. Even domesticated it will still kill.

[@hollynoelleAbductedUfologist]

This Cat is definitely a Bengal.

[@greggucwa4543]

Great documentary sir. Enjoyed the video.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Thanks for watching

[@donnaharris4420]

We have a feral cat who had kittens under our house...then she abandoned them. This was just before the snow set in and we managed to get them in the house. It took about five weeks for them to adapt and they're very friendly. The mother came back and had another litter in our shed....she took two kittens with her and abandoned the runt. We trapped and caught this little hissing ball of fear and fury...she lives with the bigger cats now. Last week the mother brought the two other kittens back and abandoned them. They've been living in our back porch (and interacting with the inside cats throught the window) This morning mom showed up again and she looks like she's about to have a new litter any day...she is soooo huge! If I can trap the mother then we can put an end to all of these poor kitties being abandoned, and maybe increase her life expectancy. Obviously she trusts us so the odds are pretty good that we can keep them all safe from other wildlife

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Yes, you should be able to catch the mother and get her checked out and neutered. BB

[@vasallizinni]

Hello cat trappers. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I am happy and sad to announce that since we cleared our entire neighborhood of homeless , feral and roaming cats, we have to date only had a total of 5 cats try to fill the void in an almost a six month period. Another cat was sited recently and immediately trapped the next evening. That makes five so far in what will be six months since we began this project and will end on Jan 1st 2015. The sad news is I didn't trap the fifth cat which leaves me still in third place for this six month contest and little chance to catch up to win the first place prize. Oh well, at least the cats are gone and it's really easy to maintain the cat free neighborhood by just a slight amount of continued trapping One of the neighbors thought we should have a party to award the first prize trapper but we reconsidered and decided to just quietly celebrate the victory with the deep satisfaction that the people in the neighborhood won, the cats won, and the environment won. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate our adjacent neighborhood across the wash for trapping a total of 38 cats on their way to the goal of a homeless cat free neighborhood. We think they have trapped their maximum since it's been several days from the last cat trapped, but they are making sure. Soon they will only have to maintain the void, which means a lot less cats trapped and sent to the animal shelter. They will be able to begin the clean up and removal of dirt in certain areas where the cat urine can smell permeates the air for a great distance.One home owner there is going to have the top soil replaced in his vegetable garden in order to enjoy his special brand of tomato he brought with him from Italy. The recovery seems almost like emerging from a long nuclear holocaust but instead, a cat urine and fecal holocaust. Anyway, they gave themselves a great Christmas gift. God bless you all.

[@vasallizinni]

***** Well, don't hold your breath. I'm going to be advising people for a long time how to eradicate homeless cats till this problem goes away. The enthusiasm is growing for this new system by leaps and bounds. Validating peoples entitlement to pursuit a clean environment.To get back some control over our lives. This is a good place to start.

[@vasallizinni]

***** Please stop kidding yourself with the threats. Try to act civilized. As far as the cats, It is my right to send any roaming cat to the animal shelter. Fact is they don't even give out the name of the people who caught them but if they did, there are few who would ever want to tangle with me so stop being silly and lets discuss this as adults. If your cat roams onto my property, you better believe it is subject to being trapped and sent to the animal shelter. The same would be if I had a dog that I let out every morning to go poop on your front yard. I would have to expect some sort of reaction if you have any sort of spine. I am just more conscientious about other peoples rights to allow a pet to do that to a neighbor. There are people that choose not to have pets. Don't they have rights to avoid any collateral effects from the neighbors pets or is everyone supposed to cater to this pet craze that has recently swept the nation? It seems as if people don't matter as much anymore and it is all about the pets. Well thank goodness there are laws in place that trump that craziness. People still matter and the rights people have are important. You want to keep a pet, you do it in your yard otherwise you can bail your pet out of the animal shelter. I wonder what that costs as a matter of fact? You just reminded me that I have never checked that out yet. I'm sorry but cats have a very particular stink they leave behind almost worse than any creature outdoors. Once cats starting using an area as a toilet, people can smell it at a distance.

[@vasallizinni]

***** LOL, whatever. Oh there is a fee to retrieve your cat here in California. Nice. Maybe that will keep them indoors because I would trap that cat over and over. Trap your kids? You are nuts. Grow up cause you got a lot to learn.

[@outwiththem]

***** Ok, promise me you will kill me if your Problem Cat is missing So WE THE HUNTERS can go and NEUTRALIZE YOUR THREAT with a Pre Strike to your dirty ass with our Nigh Vision Gogs. The idiots who threat Hunters for doing Pest Control are stupids that deserve eliminating their threat to the Pest Controlers.. And they always lose to the Hunter Men.... every day in USA a Catsucker is either punched, or worse due their Nazi Cats damage.. Pest Promoters are Devils in Disquise..Send your Nazi Cat to my yard so we can start our DEFENSE.....CATSUCKER..

[@outwiththem]

If you knew what makes sense you wouldn't be defending Savage Cats..Catsycho.....

[@lylesouthwell5826]

If you can point a camera at it you can point a scope at it. Problem solved.

[@pillpopinmofo]

This was great, loved every minute

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Here are two more related to another feral cat that was related to this one I think you might enjoy!kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4eziKl8jJV9rc0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYa1g5t4oMeMeqc

[@MonsieurLeRocck]

Gorgeous kitty

[@comedianonstage]

Great Video, thinking about getting a feral cat for my farm, have good amount of rodents.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Thanks! Would be a perfect cat for a farm - you could tell your nearest shelter to keep an eye out for one coming in and let you know.

[@BlindCatVideo]

MyBackyardBirding There are a few farms in this area that accept feral cats for relocating. We could use more.

[@ismailnyc6004]

Sardines : homemade food Squirrel : take out food

[@ME0WME0WMAS0N]

16:29 one of the best feelings of accomplishment is the moment the feral cat you've been feeding for weeks/months let's it's guard down just a tad bit enough to give you the "thank you rub" and let you pet it. Love it.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Kristin Mason Thanks. Exactly, it was kind of a rush to make a connection with this wild cat!

[@gabrielg.2401]

Stunning cat.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

When I took this cat to the shelter I felt really bad, it acted so different when "captured" had I betrayed it and was sending it to it's death?but the cat actually drew a lot of attention right away even as I was checking it in and a family snapped it up I think they had acreage. Then a second nearly identical cat genetically showed up months later freaking me out at first - clearly related to the first, but with those big balls and oh so much Wilder - his story is at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4eziKl8jJV9rc0 I tried like hell but could never even get close to this cat then one day he disappeared no doubt dead - I miss him to this day!

[@MyBackyardBirding]

+MyBackyardBirding I'm no cat expert but always thought it quite exotic perhaps Bengal some have said Egyptian mau but it had no chip or any other indication of ownership - but such a stunning cat and so interesting with the tummy pouch and huge hind legs. Its pretty low density housing and the conservation area can be a dumping ground on the other side but I always wondered what idiot would dump such a cat for me to deal with? The second nearly identical cat was a truly wild creature.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4eziKl8jJV9rc0

[@hairyjute]

So you just kicked the can down the road, that cat obviously killed around the new owners land

[@keithfreeman5204]

Nice job....Looks like the cat has chosen you. The average house cat is mostly a wild cat anyway. Cats seem to train their humans. Give them food, a litter box, and a bit of affection, when they want it. Still, the first few weeks from birth it's how the critter is taught how to be social. Kittens, puppies, bears, and lions, once you are seen as one of the pack, i.e. the Alfa, you are a part of their family, and are treated as such. Cool Stuff. You took the time to learn about this cat. Most people would have just seen it as a threat and would have shot it. You took the time and documented what you and the cat were doing. My Grandmother called it Critter Sense. Calm a nervous horse, shut-up a barking dog, calm a uptight cat get it to purr. She told me it's my gentle approach, deep voice and touch, that's the real key. Keep up the great work.

[@AdrianBoisclair]

Excellent quality video.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

***** Thank You!

[@Darkwater1886]

These things are a dime a dozen. Catch it in a trap and have it taken to a shelter for them to determine the dispositions. The cats use humans for easy food but do not care where it comes from. They still kill wildlife. Keep you cats indoors and vaccinated. You can be held accountable for the cats you feed outside. Be responsible for YOUR animals and leave the wildlife and ferals to the agencies and government officials designated to handle them.

[@cats-uk]

To answer your question : A hiss is a cat's way of telling someone to "fuck off” (pardon my language)

[@amazin1827]

They make excellent BUZZARD FOOD!

[@bapcha]

This cat was a stray - not feral. Obviously he was comfortable with humans, and possibly "fixed"

[@CostlyChris]

Bapcha Man hate that misconception. You can absolutely make a feral cat comfortable around humans with time and patience. Conversely pet cats can become feral.

[@SinFinkleflor]

It’s definitely a stray, there’s a fat patch that comes from being de sexed

[@SinFinkleflor]

That’s a female cat not a he, it’s also been de sexed. She has the fatty patch that normally occurs in some cats.

[@afenismama]

@@SinFinkleflor actually....that's called a primordial pouch. Every cat has that flap of skin, and overweight cats have a more prominent one. Being spayed or neutered has absolutely nothing to do with it 🤦🏾‍♀️🤣 SMH...hate when people just ramble off stuff that isn't true. At least use Google before spreading misinformation 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@robertmanning2144]

Buy a .22 and give it 3 eyes

[@smokijo3163]

It's a FERAL CAT it should have received a lead diet on first sighting

[@smokijo3163]

@Petraplexity And there is the reply I was expecting four days ago. Feral cats are known to be directly responsible for the extinction of AT LEAST three native species where I live, with many more under threat from them. There are only two things worse for the environment. 1 Misguided fools who enable there continued impact on the local ecosystem by defending them from necessary culling. And 2 the mongrels (who deserve Hanging Drawing and Quartering ) releasing them into the wild in the first place, instead of either handing them in to a "Pet Shelter" or having them put down. I would prefer the shelter but accept that destruction is sometimes the only option

[@SamStone1964]

@@smokijo3163 You have way too much commonsense and compassion to be on a video full of demented cat lovers.

[@PumaGuy]

Always that one edgy person in the comments. Would you say the same about a feral dog? They have also caused extinctions.

[@smokijo3163]

@@PumaGuy Not just yes but HELL YES. The same goes for any feral animal.

[@papigrande4378]

If this cat bonds with it's new family, they will always have a half wild kitty who will come home with a present for them from time to time,