A few months ago, 2 feral cats were adopted out of the Love Your Feral Felines Barn Cat program. The plan was to provide a home for the two needy cats while they would help control the rodent population on the property. What one of the cats did next surprised them all! His “feral” nature gave way to a sweet, gentle giant who instantly bonded with their little boy.
Photo: Love Your Feral Felines / @nixandnaps
When the cats first arrived, the 20-pound black cat was showing all the signs of a rough life on the streets.
He had cuts all over his face, likely from fighting, and the family were so intimidated by his look, they were scared to go near him. (Side note: LOVE that even looking like this, they welcomed him to their family!).
The boy was so dirty looking they originally named him Mange. After seeing his true purrsonality shine through, they happily renamed him “Big Guy”.
Photo: Love Your Feral Felines / @nixandnaps
Each LYFF’s barn cat adoption requires the cats are at least adopted in pairs, if not more.
They will be cats who have formed a bond or at least get along with each other. The move will then be less traumatic and the adjustment to their new home easier if they have the security of one or more trusted companions.
The second cat is a beautiful girl that they named Mayhem. She is truly wild and does not allow human contact at all, even though she comes close for food or to oversee the daily happenings.
Photo: Love Your Feral Felines / @nixandnaps
Mayhem’s favorite spot is tucked safely between the fence that separates the home from the neighbors property. They know she is feral to the core, but no less deserving of a home.
“She is wild! But she is happy and safe and that’s all that matters.”
Photo: Love Your Feral Felines / @nixandnaps
So while Mayhem is safe and secluded, Big Guy is happy to indulge in playtime with his favorite mini-human, Nixon.
Running through the yard, the two boys adorably check on the other animals.
Photo: Love Your Feral Felines / @nixandnaps
Nixon has decided that Big Guy needs to be fed from his toy truck, and Big Guy is just fine with that.
Photo: Love Your Feral Felines / @nixandnaps
Apparently his large stature is due to his love of food, and he is regularly caught trying to eat corn on the cob. Although he is not overweight; he’s just a very solid big boy! He towers over the families 3 dogs as well.Even though Nixon and Big Guy are about the same size now, we’re sure their bond will only strengthen as Nix grows.
Be sure to follow the duo on their Instagram page.
Photo: Love Your Feral Felines / @nixandnaps
CALL TO ACTION! 4-6-2019
This Love Your Feral Felines Barn Cat program alumni quickly won the hearts of all who heard his story. The images of he and his human best buddy Nixon are absolutely touching. But now, Big Guy is suffering the effects of his former life.
Big Guy, an adopted FIV barn cat, is one of the stars of the Barn Cat program here at LYFF.
He developed Feline Stomatitis last year, and our vet took a few teeth out at that time. Unfortunately, the inflammation has come back, and Big Guy’s health declined rapidly, so he has been in the emergency hospital for the last week ?
Now, he is having surgery to remove his remaining teeth. With some prayers and positive energy, the prognosis is positive. The vet believes he will be able to live a long and happy life ??
Photo: @LoveYourFeralFelines
But as we all know all too well, this comfort will not come cheap.
The cost of the surgery is estimated at $800. And this all comes at the start of “kitten season” of course. It is this time when funds are stretched to their limit with the flood of suffering and needy felines. Love Your Feral Felines has begun fundraising to cover the costs of his procedure on their Facebook page.
If you can pledge anything from as little as $5, let us know the amount in either the comments section or send us a private message. We’ll then contact all the people who have pledged with details on how to honor your pledge. Thank you so much for any amount you can help with as we try to cover the costs ?
Venmo – www.venmo.com/LYFFcatrescue
PayPal – loveyourferalfelines@gmail.com
More information on Stomatitis: http://www.vetstreet.com/care/feline-stomatitis
We all love you Bug Guy – be strong today! We’re all thinking and praying for you ? #barncatsrule
REMEMBER the sad truth–this could have been prevented. Had Big Guy not been cast out to, or born on, the streets, he’d may never had developed this. Just one more reason why spay/neuter/TNVR are so important.
We’re rooting for you Big Guy – no pun intended!
REMEMBER: ADOPT, DON’T SHOP & SPAY AND NEUTER!
Thank you for this beautiful post. We truly adore these two cats and would love to update you that Mayhem is becoming braver each day with our family. These cats are incredible and so fun for Nixon.
Love,
Nixon’s mama
Oh that’s wonderful news! Please keep us updated on our Facebook page for these lovely cats and adorable story. Lots of happy purrs to you all!
It sure is incredible how a feral cat can turn around given the chance. I didn’t see if LYFF requires spaying and neutering but it would seem likely. Sometimes fixing cats can calm them down. One of my cats wasn’t feral but he kept showing up and he bit at least 5 people. Well after neutering he hasn’t bit anyone. Thank goodness. I sure hope these two continue their friendship for a very long time.
I am currently feeding 9 feral cats. It is so good to see an organization who adopt out these cats! Beautiful story! Some of my ferals are unable to be touched but some are very affectionate and love to be petted on their terms. Thanks for this post!
Wow that is a BIG cat!
Why does that look like a reenactment of a certain photo of The Catman and Sara, his mother’s cat?