Triple FFFelines

Shy Flynn and Fonzie on the cage-tops  (KN)

Sometimes our new cats come into the Sanctuary and settle down really easily, and sometimes the acclimation period may be extended – and then it’s a matter for much patience on our part, the application of the appropriate bribery, and the cat’s determination to hold (or not!) to their feral roots.

Fletcher discovering the joys of solo play  (KN)

In the late fall of last year we had contact with Boundary Helping Hands rescue in Grand Forks. They had previously trapped a trio of young male cats in the spring, but had no luck in taming them. In some jurisdictions cats like this might be returned to the place from which they had been trapped, but sometimes that’s not possible. RAPS can offer an alternative; a space where they can remain feral if that’s what the cats need, but where potential socialization can happen at a slower pace.  The three of them were transferred to our care, arriving just after Christmas.

Handsome Flynn, considering contact   (BC)

Whoever named them was an Ice and Fire fan – they were Jorah, Corlys and Theon – but whether the RAPS med-staff were not followers of Game of Thrones, or just wanted other alternatives, the trio was renamed as Fletcher, Flynn and Fonzie. Claire suggested that given Theon's end in GofT, it was perhaps not such a bad idea to try an alternative.

Fonzie is happy not to be living a GofT life!  (KN)

The three of them might well not be genetically linked; they are very different in appearance. Fletcher is a beautiful silvery grey tabby – spotted more than striped – with neat lynx-tips to his ears. Flynn is the largest, a handsome brown and white tabby boy. Fonzie is black and white, and was named for his black “sideburns” markings, like the Happy Days character. The two tabbies are around three years old, and Fonzie is a little older.

Fletcher guarding a scared Fonzie   (BC)

The three of them were caged in the DoubleWide for their initial stay – for vet-checks and neutering and vaccines. Flynn, as the biggest, had a cage to himself; he spent much of the time hidden behind his drape, hissing and swearing at us when we visited him.  Fonzie and Fletcher shared the cage next door and obviously took comfort in each other’s company; both were fearful, but not so vocal about it. Fonzie usually elected to climb over Fletcher in order to hide behind him.  Once released, these two boys made their way to the Great Outdoors – they can occasionally be found visiting on the Double-Wide deck with the other semi-ferals, but they are happy to explore the pens.

Fletcher seeking the safety of the DW Deck  (KN)

Fletcher in particular has had a wonderful time exploring mainly in pens 1 & 2, or finding bushes under which he can lurk and keep an eye on whatever’s going on. Initially he was very wary of contact with us, but he has joined the chickaholics crew, and hovers hopefully when tidbits are offered. He is still happier to take food off the floor, but he has dared to nibble from my hand, especially when he thinks I’m not looking at him. He and Fonzie can function independently, but they enjoy each other’s company, and can often be found play-wrestling in the long grass. There is a guarded truce with the other cats.  

Fletcher & Fonzie playing in the grass  (BC)

Fonzie is the most social of the three – he’s not ready for much petting, but allows contact and offers occasional leg-rubs. He likes to divide his time between the DoubleWide and the back courtyard, often coming in to share dinner with the Deck semi-ferals, before returning to be with his buddy.

Flynn observing DoubleWide life   (BC)

Flynn had the biggest struggle with coming to us; he was initially cage-aggressive, but rather than fleeing the cage area on release, he has remained in the DoubleWide, mostly on top of the cages.  Height obviously gives him a sense of security, and he would perch on the edge and watch all that was going on below him.  

Ready for just a little petting...  (BC)

In the last few weeks he has come down to shelf-level and allowed a little tentative contact – not much in the way of touch, but interest in being talked to. He has also occasionally been spotted outside, though his outings don’t yet last very long.

Fonzie enjoying back courtyard exploration  (KN)

I’m looking forward to getting to know these three sweet boys much better. The progress they have made is in small increments so far, but they’ve got all the time they need to decide that in true cat-fashion, they have fallen on their feet with their arrival at the Sanctuary.

Blog by Brigid Coult

Photos by Brigid Coult & Karen Nicholson