University City, MO Stray Cat Found Near Bartmer / Purcell by Olive Blvd

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Sarah H.

2 months ago

Hi Tyler! I work with the same colony as Rachel. Spot was initially very skittish when first sighted and seemed fully feral except for the fact that he talks. After he was TNRed, he started warming up and even sought out pets, but only with the folks who were there at least a couple times a week offering food. He did have a bad hip injury at one point that we tried to trap him again for, but he was so savvy to the trap at that point that he would see it at a distance and completely disappear. It seemed to mostly heal on its own. He seems to be very smart and have a great memory, so I think he probably got early socialization and then learned to be cautious with which people he can trust. He spent several years as a near-daily presence in the summer and completely gone in the winter. I've always assumed it had to do with it getting dark earlier.

Tyler S.

2 months ago

Rachel My house seems to attract solitary stray/community cats 😅 It would seem likely that Spot was once a lost stray that has now fully adapted to life on the streets as a community cat? I wouldn't expect even a well-adjusted feral cat to be this friendly. From my limited observations, such formerly-stray community cats can eventually become tired or literally sick of living outside full-time, and can be excellent candidates for adoption once they've decided to approach people for affection/shelter and not just food. I wouldn't force the issue especially knowing they are TNR, but I like to keep an eye out for signs. This is Tony who was a community cat I took to the APA last year and was quickly adopted. He was well known in the area, but was looking rough and run-down. He didn't resist or hiss or cry at all as I crated him to take him in 🥹 There's nothing quite like seeing they can truly rest and sleep soundly for the first time in years 😭

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Tyler S.

2 months ago

Rachel glad to hear it! He seems healthy so that's good. His ear clip is so subtle I didn't notice 😅

Rachel S.

2 months ago

Tyler Schwartz Yep! That’s Spot. He meows very softly.

Rachel S.

2 months ago

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Rachel S.

2 months ago

Hi, I’m a TNR volunteer and this is a male cat I TNRed a few years ago (near Bartmer and Kingsland). We call him Spot. He disappears for long periods of time, then he shows up about once a year! I’m so glad someone has “spotted” him and he’s okay! PS Thank you for giving food and water.

Tyler S.

2 months ago

Tara Didn't seem like a clipped ear, but I guess it was so subtle I missed it 😅