Woman Tries For 3 Years To Win Over Feral Cat | The Dodo

[@terryschuh6596]

What a lovely woman to work so hard to give this kitty a nice life and a loving home.

[@knowwhatimeme]

She didn't even tell us what shampoo she used

[@ahmetmetinuzun]

@@knowwhatimeme CatSpace Catnip Herbal Shampoo?

[@suzannemarienau2760]

​@@ahmetmetinuzunIgnore the perv troll.

[@davidng8870]

lol, I was impressed she is willing to put herself and her hair all over the ground to win her over And the transporting from Zimbabwe part wasn’t too bad either

[@mrychards6682]

Seriously, my cats used to love my hair when I used Herbal Essence shampoo! Catnip is not an ingredient, though.

[@yusakug]

Winning a cat's trust is the greatest feeling of accomplishment. In my teens, I spent over a year winning over my Uncle's "spicy" cat and slowly building a trust with her. Having her slowly start to accept my affections without hissing over time felt like a victory in itself, but when she actually jumped up on my lap and sat down on it when I was sitting on the couch one day, I felt so accomplished. I had to call my Aunt and Uncle into the room for them to see, and they were shocked. Sadly, that would be the last time I got to see her, as she died between then and my next visit to my Uncle, but the fact that the last time I saw that cat, she fully accepted me, came over to me, and chose to jump onto my lap is a core memory for me.

[@fandm_fun504]

I can just feel the euphoria you felt

[@silvers_ink]

I'm sorry to hear that the cat passed away but that's so awesome that you were able to earn it's trust! When I was in 3rd or 4th grade we moved and it was a house out in the country that was part of a farm. The houses out there are so far apart that you can't see your neighbors house and I could stand outside and scream as loud as I could and no one could hear me. Well when we moved in we noticed there was a cat living in our bushes that had kittens. They were maybe a week old. My mom and stepdad started buying cat food because I wanted to feed them but the mama cat still wasn't willing to allow us to pet her. That was at the beginning of fall and I kept working hard to earn her trust. I would just sit on the porch and talk sweet to her and just be there with her. One day I was just standing there and noticed she would walk in circles around around me and rub up against my legs, and I could hear her purring! Winter came and I was still going out on the porch and I would just stand there and let her rub up against my legs. It would be freezing cold but I knew that if I could tame her then my mom would let me bring her in the house, so I would stand on the porch and let her rub up against my legs and just be in her presence for hours in the freezing cold. Finally one day she was rubbing up against my legs and purring super loudly and I just slowly put my hand up to her and she sniffed my hand and then rubbed her head on my hand and I just started petting her! I wanted to scream in excitement but I didn't want to scare her so once I went back inside I ran and told my mom. She was really proud of my accomplishment! But anyway, we called her "Kitty" lol and she would come inside and she had a litter box that she used but she was never fully an indoor cat. She would cry at the door to be let outside and she would be gone for several days. But we always knew when she was back because she would leave a dead mole or dead mouse on the welcome mat 😂 I think that was her way of giving us a gift so even though it was gross, it was sweet of her! It's the thought that counts!

[@CarNerd]

Can you define “core memory” because that ain’t a thing. Just broken people with a shattered memory because they stuff everything down deep have these “core memories”.

[@Sakja]

Core memories hold emotional value. One's wedding day or graduation day might be a day you remember with pleasure.

[@jansmith3158]

Spooky the Cat: Im going to train my human to do WHAT EVER I want LOL 😹

[@bettinadinham-hickman9947]

I applaud you for not leaving your cats behind, unlike so many expats. Living in Zambia, I know the process of moving one's pets is very daunting. But leaving them behind is not an option.

[@louisevanderlinde8590]

The same with people leaving South Africa.

[@lizhood6132]

@@louisevanderlinde8590 And Spain.- I've seen so many people do that, sickening. I was adopted by 4 when I lived there who I got back to London. Two died (FIV) in England but the other two came with me here to Portugal and died at the age of 17. Bloody heartbreaking. But I knew I had the ability to help more little souls and currently have 12 to feed - mad cat lady, me. Most of them are outdoor cats (although they sleep inside)....they were born here but still, I'm not allowed to touch them. Maybe one day. Three are rescues, living a life of ease and luxury. I cannot understand how anyone could abandon an animal - those people are evil and have lost the right to call themselves human. You take on the respnsibility and they trust you - yes, it's a trial to get them from one place to the other, but it simply has to be done. There is no option.

[@LFetterman7903]

Many, many thanks for not leaving them behind!!❣️

[@boomashka]

I heard ppl suggesting i should 'let my cats go' if i move country again, as in dumping them outside 😠😤 i wonder if they'd let themselves go homeless voluntarily 🤔

[@CynAnne1]

​@@boomashka - An excellent query to put to them...I'd ask them: "Do *you* just dump those who've depended on you for food *and* a home, just for conveniences sake, 'friend'...?" Their replies should be...most 'interesting'. 🤔

[@Lady_Bear]

Let me tell y'all, I laughed so hard out loud when Spooky was behind her and as soon as she looks away then Spooky immediately looks at her. 😂😂😂

[@CynAnne1]

The infamous "I'm 👀 at you, but don't want you to know" gaze, perfected by both cats *and* dogs. 😂

[@queenesther09]

"Hey... what're YOU looking away from ME for?" 😑

[@jeffhardysoul]

Spooky's name checks out

[@MissPinz]

My cat does the exact same....u call her and cuddle her . Her face is turned then soon as you look away she's like. Look at meeeeeeee 😅🤣

[@LoisLaBounty]

I whistle for my cats, too. 1 tune for in. 1 tune for out.

[@AC-ni4gt]

An animal's trust is so unbelievably rewarding once it's earned.

[@knowwhatimeme]

It doesn't count when the cat is too old to gaf

[@MiZzBee1]

@@knowwhatimeme My female def qualifies as old.. She's almost 17... & she DEF gives af lol.. No one but my husband & I can touch/hold her. It took around a year or so for her to fully trust & love me.

[@knowwhatimeme]

@@MiZzBee1 that's good to know. My friends cat took that long to trust me. If that was indeed the case, and not cuz it was too old to gaf 😇

[@MiZzBee1]

@@knowwhatimeme 😄😄lol that's funny. It really is so rewarding & it feels amazing when you finally earn a cat's true love & trust. 💙💙

[@areebasyed2469]

my mom got us chicken and on the first day my mom made those kissy noises and they would come running over and she gave them leaves, seeds etc.

[@BomageMinimart]

“People may surprise you with unexpected kindness. Dogs have a depth of loyalty that often we seem unworthy of. But the love of a cat is a blessing, a privilege in this world.” - Kinky Friedman

[@kevinintheusa8984]

We have a cat that was mistreated badly and now, after 6 years of love, she is coming around. Please don't give up on them, they will open up if you keep at it and love them. Cats are sent to us as companions to help us on our own journey.

[@loveinthematrix]

Aw. Dang... most people don't have that much patience. This is super cool

[@paveldybowicz6089]

And to casually decimate every native bird, lizard and rodent species (on top of pest mice which are their only useful factor). The land where cats live is devoid if small critters, when compared to the fresh meadows which are being legally kept clear of the strays by hunters. I get that some people crave companionship, so they rewire their parental instincts to cats. I just don't want to see them past the 200 meters line from the nearest fence. Native fauna is way more delicate and precious than the Whiskas chomping disease.

[@ElsjeMassyn]

I so love this lady's consistency and efforts to win over this BEAUTIFUL CAT. Its amazing to see the bond between them now. Shows you never give up on any "person"

[@bellejour559]

Too sweet! The longest job interview ever…Cats pick us. We’re just staff.

[@melissaabbott6829]

I admire your purrsistance and ability to think outside the box ! She is a beautiful, quirky kitty and so worth it!

[@SeattleRaindrop206]

Hehe! “Purrsistance” 👏🐾🩵

[@tshaffer9681]

I have a small feral cat colony, it took 12 years to pet one but she finally didn't mind. After a couple of years she passed away. I can pet all of them now. Your " Spooky " is a beautiful lady. God Bless you and yours. Please stay safe.

[@indonemesis1020]

What seems odd to me is that the video describes the cat as being feral but yet from the 1st second the cat looks nothing like feral but yet very well groomed and taken care off. I always have a feeling down the road there is someone who's asking why their cat isn't coming home anymore to find out there is a youtube video with your cat in it with some strange person trying to win over your cat's confidence to keep it

[@kittykatluv1497]

She is a lucky lady,finally she won over kitty's heart❤️ persistence and love finally paid off for good👍

[@seanbrown6655]

This woman is amazing... We need more human beings like her on our planet 🙏

[@dcamron46]

Agreed, she is fine as hell …

[@lilMartian78]

Just be her

[@FredAlexander-wx5sp]

I loved how she had no issue with laying down on the bricks with no concern for her or her clothes. All for the possibility of better relations with the cat.

[@JasikaChannel]

Finally, she won over kitty's heart! Amazing!!

[@Indrakusuma_a]

3 years, along with sacrificing her to the overlord to boot? Now that's a dedicated servant.

[@dorinha_e_eu]

All the efforts were really well accomplished in the end. Cats are amazing creatures with a unique sense of trust and confidence.

[@patriciawatkins9539]

Bless this woman for never giving up. Her patience and determination have paid off in dividends. I wish her and Spooky a long and beautiful life together.❤

[@vanessaswift9132]

A woman just like me I take in all feral cats and after months or yrs it's so rewarding when they settle down. You are a lovely human being for never giving up 💖 your fur babies are very lucky to have a wonderful mummy and amazing garden for them to be happy 😊

[@millenialsmom2214]

It's one of the big differences between cats and dogs, kitties often make you earn their love and that makes it sweeter.❤

[@allnamestakenlol]

What has always worked for me was to simply sit down and work on something quietly, read a book, etc., and let them come to you. Talk quietly and let it be on their terms.

[@zonyasvintage7859]

The fact that you never gave up speaks volumes about what a wonderful person you are. ♥️

[@linda-louiseanthony1979]

Spooky and Chip are very lucky kitties indeed. Living their best lives. ❤🇦🇺

[@RafaelaFerguson]

What a beautiful story!! I thank you for not giving up on Spooky and for actually bringing her back to England with you and Chip. She is very beautiful and I am so happy she finally warmed up to you and lives in a wonderful home with a loving family and her kitten, Chip. I love happy endings!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@sarahallenhumboldt2638]

Thank you for your love and dedication for Spooky; you are a wonderful mother. You have provided a gorgeous home for her, as well.

[@skywreckangel]

1:29 the look,,, "This is not what you think it is,,,,

[@rottingcorpse6002]

Nice job, lady! Good kitty mamas go the extra mile.

[@jjs1300000]

This is so precious.

[@vickiferris7752]

Thank you for loving and rescuing this beautiful cat! So sweet! ❤

[@ninja1antelope]

Wow- what an increasingly patient and kind person. Kudos. You are the best of us.

[@marcusbingham1625]

Lovely patience to get that trust. Lovely cat and Gorgeous owner 😘

[@unclesmrgol]

I had a cat named Spooks. He was feral and lived in an outbuilding on my property. For 10 years I tried to tame him. He got older and older and never tamed. If I was outside he'd come sit 10 feet away from me -- never closer. I fed him and gave him water -- all I could do. One day he disappeared and never returned. I remember him, because he sought my company even if he was too afraid to get closer.

[@DisasterDIYist]

You are an awesome human being for taking care of your feral friend the best you could. I'm sorry for your loss

[@bzipoli]

he was a friend if he chose to be near you. just feral cats sometimes are a bit overcautious. but you gave spooks a good life and company ❤

[@michaelgpartridge2384]

We all do our best and your effort on behalf of Spooks is awesome. Thank you for caring for a little scared kitty.🙏

[@maestroarabiya7915]

Gorgeous and stunning 🐈 Heart Melting Cuteness Overload 🖤

[@marymorris9780]

What a lovely, dedicated woman!

[@stephanieinspired1151]

WHAT a devoted woman you are! Such extraordinary persistence of care & love over two countries and a different continent. 🌹♥️

[@euchrideucrow1970]

Cats really are the most wonderful and bizarre creatures. I guess Spooky needed to do things in her own way and in her own time. Well done for being so patient and giving her the space to explore. She’s adorable.

[@brendag5855]

Spooky 🐈‍⬛ is gorgeous 😍 thank you for helping her and her kittens and for being so very patient with her, you’re an angel 😇

[@sherihorton13]

You're a wonderful person. Thank you for not giving up and taking her with you.❤

[@mofreedom2913]

This young lady is a SAINT! 🥰 God bless her for her patience! I've owned a few cats that seemed to love biting my hair as well. Whatever works when building trust! It's so worth it in the end❤

[@christiaanolivier6161]

You deserve a medal for persistence! Enjoy every pur and every cuddle! You worked hard for it with a wonderful loving heart ❤

[@fiddlestix6468]

Ahhh beautiful story! What cats don't expect of us 😂I have a ferrel cat family that lived in my yard when I moved in. It took me 3 years before I could touch them. Now the mom cat's tail bristles up in excitement when she sees me in the morning. Such a little thing too. I was thinking about this the other day, their trust is really their everything that they can give us and it is such a honour. Even though they really make us work for it!

[@notme2day]

You won her over, not with your hair, but with your mane! That's awesome❣❣❣ 🐈‍⬛💖

[@aytac007]

spooky is so lucky to have you, you are such a kind and wonderful person catherine.

[@nicolaj665]

If the world was full of people like you, it would be blissful. Thank you.

[@jody024]

Her patience is something we should all admire! I'm thankful for her patience!

[@kenniema5234]

Very touching story between kindness patience woman and her beautiful adorable kitty💕🙏😻

[@chuckpereda]

She really plopped down on the floor with her hair, that's what cats make you do, love them, bless her

[@jeannette4879]

amazing example of a beautiful human being! never abandoned pets...I take my hat off for that

[@haleybunker1339]

They are all beautiful gorgeous animals.

[@madelinebock6469]

This is a compassionate act, bc the cat wants to give love as well as get it.

[@LFetterman7903]

Spooky is beautiful inside and out! She adores you, you have earned her trust and her love! Many thanks, bless you and your fur babies! Much affection from the city of Detroit, Michigan, USA! ❣️

[@basilcarroll9729]

I like that you love her so much u give her your hair and don't worry about it getting dirty!

[@1tommyday]

That is an awesome accomplishment! To win over a feral cat is epic! And miss...you are stunningly pretty.

[@georgiapuppie]

Great name for her! And she purrs really loud when enjoying your hair. What a funny kitty!

[@madfern3824]

overly adorable , lady is an angel for rescuing this beautiful cat.

[@alderaancrumbs6260]

Getting a fluffy land-shark to love on you is such a victory! Edit: I would LOVE to live where she does! Holy crap, it’s beautiful!

[@DipityS]

Such a beautiful lady - taking years to win over the heart of a little beastie - determined to give her the best life. I do love the people the dodo introduce us to 😊

[@ziree22]

This is what it's all about lots of tlc and patience for animals without instructions . Observing first is the best way to start to see where the triggers are and what's comfortable for that animal , learn to read their body language this will help a lot . Just one more thing DON'T GIVE UP!

[@EIKLURAM]

That's what I was going to say what a lovely woman to be so kind to cats.

[@ginmar8134]

What a gorgeous kitty.

[@stagger5863]

Sounds both so sweet and terrifying at the same time, most sweet lovely cat ❤️

[@angiadiamonte4632]

Clap clap good human you actually cared that's much..this is progress and this story really is what good stuff is made of...go spooky yay

[@Brick-so1ig]

The Beauty of This Cat is Surreal...Those Eyes are Otherworldy Gorgeous

[@bkm2797]

You are an amazing human for Spooky, took a lot to earn her trust, and through incredible patience you've succeeded! May you and Spooky have many years filled with live, good food and trust!❤️

[@VagaBond-m6w]

I had not thought of the idea to use clothes with your smell on them as an attractant, to get them animal used to you. Brilliant!

[@carmenvilchez74]

Wonderful that you never gave up and now you have a friend

[@annjohnson8437]

I love cats! They are so cool! Thank you for saving her and her kittens! ❤

[@homeiswonderland]

Who wouldn't go crazy for that hair? Healthy and gorgeous.

[@arashimam1578]

you're all so gorgeous!!!! and bless your hearts 😍

[@user-kk4lt6kq8x]

I admire your dedication, and then being rewarded with Spooky’s love. I also adopted a cat that wasn’t exactly feral, but was not used to human touch or affection. She had been returned twice for running away, which I didn’t know at the time. The first day she came home with me, she took the first opportunity to run out the back door. Luckily I caught up with her right as she was getting ready to jump the fence. I got ahold of her and as we were walking back to the house, she was SCREAMING her lungs out as she tried to bite me and escape. All I could think of was “dear God, someone is going to think I’m abusing this cat and call the humane society to take her away”! Here we are 12 years later, and she has mellowed out a lot. But I still have to do certain things on her terms! You are so kind to have hung in there, brought her with you when you moved, and made her a part of your family. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Bill-n2m]

Bless you sweetheart for your patience ❤

[@terrideacon5480]

She's soooooo adorable and beautiful I'm so glad she's trusting you now . ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@tiportangeles2696]

I had a similar experience. 10 yrs ago, a feral cat adopted my husband and I. He would not let us near him. 11 yrs later and he sleeps with me at night. He turned into the worlds biggest lover! His name is Handsome. 21 y/o pure black cat. He's 25 lbs and still hunts every day!

[@matkav2638]

Such a wonderful story! both of you are just beautiful!

[@deansaylor9164]

Lovely woman and cat coming from a huge animal lover I want to thank you not only for saving the cat but sharing your story .You made my day ,no kidding.

[@laurabryannan]

Don't feel bad. We've been looking after a feral for 11 years and, while she's happy to accept food and the warm/dry places we have in the yard, she still wants nothing to do with me. Her caution is what's kept her alive, I suppose.

[@jilldavis7229]

She loves you, just has been feral for sooo long, that she doesn’t know how to tame down! God bless you for your patience, persistence & love!!! You’re her savior 👍🙏💕

[@djr6876]

Her jumping onto the window sill, was like she jumped into a picture frame. Beautiful scenery!

[@mifnp8887]

This woman is FULL-ON committed! 😂

[@sourgir-wh6xd]

🐱 I thought my cat, Jude, was the only cat who loved lying on my clothes or a towel lol. He goes crazy on them especially if he physically sees me put them down just for him. He's never done the hair thing to me like this precious kitty in the video. But I'm definitely going to try it on Jude and see what happens😅❤

[@lisapupillo1724]

What a beautiful story. Of course he came around - You are so patient and respectful.

[@originalismisacrock166]

"Play" is one of the few things we humans can offer cats that they cannot get elsewhere. It works wonderfully as a reinforcer, since it associates something positive with our presence. I have used play to socialize ferals who are already being fed by the community. Very glad to see that you also had success with a variant on this technique.

[@downtownfroggie2569]

Thank you for your kind dedication to this baby

[@Ekster77]

My cat likes my clothes to sit on and my books. Great you finally won her over🎉.

[@connieandgwennie1450]

Animals like Spooky just need LOTS of time and patience to get used to new humans and places. ❤🐈‍⬛

[@jeffstevens4262]

What an absolutely heartwarming story and what a lovely young woman you must be to dedicate so much of you time to winning Spooky over. Bless you. Enjoy the many rewards she gives you. 🙋‍♂ Not only are cats beautiful and intriguing, they're also enchantingly weird too at times and I love them.

[@bettesmith1117]

Bravo Spooky, you did it!!!

[@barbarac3971]

Awe! She has loved you all along!

[@jenniferann6956]

So precious!!! ❤️ I love this story ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@BillJonesJr-h4i]

This brought me to tears 😹 ... because it brings back sweet memories of my rescue ...i moved her inside with me and slowly over time she got closer and closer.... and ... after 20 years... ...she finally left me 😹 ...i will never forget her... ...no one could have loved her more than me 🌹🐅💐

[@jacquelinelopes2382]

YOU REALLY ARE SO WONDERFUL. Thank you for caring enough to never give up on Spooky. She's beautiful and loves you a lot❤ The kitties are beautiful too😊

[@ttall6136]

Spooky and Cutie, both ya'all are so darn cute !

[@AnnaPxx]

They are both adorable ❤ and can we talk about Spookie's white whiskers 😂😂❤

[@Arwin_Unbeatable]

It is one of the moments where the owner's voice is much more adorable than the cat itself. ❤❤

[@gorblimeyguv]

Anyone can be loved by a dog, but to be loved by a cat is a privilege you have to earn.

[@johnvellis5148]

So precious kitty and very beautiful lady 😻😍💐🙏💐

[@sunilayya8948]

Thank you so much for your kindness 😊😊😊

[@traceycooke0017]

It took me 17 yrs and then she couldn't stop showing me love

[@janetmarshall7171]

This may take a little bit longer!! Feral cats are pretty cool, sometimes!! They are definitely different from other cats, but if she gives it, some time?? Her frisky feline, will come around to her. Thank You for sharing this funny 😸🤣 story!! It will be all right.

[@teresapribilski1493]

I have been working on the 3 legged feral cat, Majestic Trey or MT, that lives under my house for the last six months. We're at the point, if he doesn't feel I'm timely enough with his food, he'll sit on my porch steps & glare into the house. He's appreciaing my efforts because he is just right there when I put his food down instead of watching from a distance.

[@whitneymatalone9458]

Oh I love this! I have a Farrell cat who due to her low weight will never be able to be fixed, it took us 2-3 years to get her used to us, and she’s still very feisty but is the sweetest thing in the whole world and we love her so much. Just took time🥰 Our cats love to snuggle in our jackets too, great idea 🫶