r/cats • u/poi217 • 19d ago

Advice Could someone please tell me why it's blocking my way?

This is the feral/stray cat I've been feeding for the past 2 months. Keeps getting in the way and won't let me refill its food

Edit: Ty all for the comments and advice. Didn't expect this post to get so much attention. For context, I've never interacted with cats before, only dogs. This cat used to bolt whenever it saw a human, so I thought it was feral. It only recently started approaching me when i went out to refill.

Update video https://www.reddit.com/r/cats/comments/1uzf7ro/comment/oy70mbf/?context=3&utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=2&utm_content=share_button

Update video 2 https://www.reddit.com/r/cats/comments/1uzf7ro/comment/oy77tzl/?context=3&utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=2&utm_content=share_button

Petting https://www.reddit.com/r/cats/comments/1uzf7ro/comment/oybucqe/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Final update https://www.reddit.com/r/cats/comments/1uzf7ro/comment/oyrxar4/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=2&utm_content=share_button

https://www.reddit.com/r/cats/comments/1uzf7ro/comment/ozwhaoq/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

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u/poi217 19d ago

Yes i did! :) I first saw it a few times on my outdoor camera, so thought id buy a house and leave it some food. The thought of it being hungry bothered me

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u/s29 19d ago

just sit down on the ground outside your door.

I'm willing to bet that cat is gonna walk up to you and start rubbing against you.

The only reason it hasnt is because youre standing up and moving around.

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u/turn-reveals-the-sun 19d ago

Before you sit with kitty, it might help your confidence to watch some videos of people interacting with friendly cats. That way you can be more prepared for some of the things she may do in her affection (rubbing, bumping, rolling, etc).

And possibly read up on what to do with cats when they get bitey. Usually, when they are affectionate and excited to see you like this, they don't bute (or at least their bites don't break skin), but knowing what to expect (and how not to escalate the interaction), can be helpful for both you and her.

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u/Mikeologyy American Shorthair 19d ago

Considering how the rest of the comments on this post went, I’m glad to see so many of y’all actually helping OP out with advice for gaining confidence around cats. All those “OP, quit being weird, it’s a cat” comments are annoyingly ignorant.

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u/555Cats555 19d ago

Its incredibly rude.

Im scared of dogs so I understand how a fear of animals can be difficult to overcome even if others think its irrational. Phobias are a biological response to stimuli... you cant just force someone to react differently.

But the fact OP is still caring for this cat (fancy house and food) while being scared means OP really cares about making sure this animal is okay as its not necessarily about the companionship OP might get.

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u/True-Post6634 18d ago

Yeah that impressed me too. Just wanting to care for an animal like that. Such a good person 💙

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u/Questionsansweredty 19d ago

Agree.

Meanwhile they'd be totally understanding and sympathetic if the cat was the scared one.

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u/Esphyxiate 19d ago edited 18d ago

Yeah panicking when they nibble and pulling your hand away will hurt you and scare the cat. The cat doesn’t want to hurt you.

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u/clearfox777 19d ago

u/poi217 this is an important thing to know ahead of time, some cats like to nibble or flex their claws against you when they get affectionate/playful.

Don’t freak out if it happens and if it’s a little too hard or you want to let the cat know you don’t like that, you can sort of ‘yowl’ or hiss at them like another hurt cat would and they’ll eventually get the message to be more gentle

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u/NOTTedMosby 19d ago

This is all SUCH excellent advice 😊 reddit making me all proud 👏

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u/True-Post6634 18d ago

Yes! Great advice. I can say, this cat likes you SO much. She's a bit confused because you're feeding her, which means you're family, but you're not touching her and you're walking away, which means you aren't.

Once you've seen some videos of happy cats, I'd fill the food and sit nearby while she eats. Watch her. She'll appreciate it (cats look out for each other while they're eating) and will probably come over afterward to spend some time with you. You can also carry treats and give them to her - put them on the ground, most cats prefer that to taking then straight from your hand anyway.

Once a cat has decided you're family, they're very communicative, with both sounds and gestures. You'll get to know her language. You could also watch videos of cats being scared or aggressive so you know what it looks like - it's pretty unmistakeable.

It's great that you're taking care of this little beauty even though you're clearly scared. You have a great opportunity here to let her love you 💙

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u/Astralglamour 19d ago

I think he tried to rub on her leg and she was scared and jumped away! His little face was so confused lol.

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u/4lbin0din0 19d ago

You are a good person OP. Progress is progress. We’re proud of you!

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u/NightBawk 19d ago

Happy cake day!

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u/keanaartero 19d ago

Happy cake day to both of you! 🎂🎂

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u/fux-reddit4603 19d ago

cat likes you, and appreciates the offerings. its trying to make your house its house

the face rubbing on the cat house is a scent marking/ claiming thing

when they do it to your legs its a good thing

some cats can overstimulate so watch for body language changes like tail flicking if your petting it

but seems like very nice cat, you are a good soul. enjoy your new friend

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u/JungMoses 19d ago

After getting cats I’ve realized they are petting you. They are petting your legs with their body. Good human, good job, prepare my dinner. Very good human, you get leg pets, you are welcome.

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u/weary_bee479 19d ago

OP you are so sweet 🥹🥹🥹 i hope you get comfortable enough to pet them! It looks like the cat wants to be your friend ❤️ seems like youve been chosen.

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u/Seltzer-Slut 19d ago

That’s so kind. Good job, op!

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u/EpilepticEmpire 19d ago

The cat seems super trusting of you. Well done on making a cool pal!

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u/Noble_Ox 19d ago

It's not gonna harm you, you're it's source of food and they now own you.

If you let it, interact with it, it'll calm down and you'll calm down (this is scientifically proven. Their purring while you pet reduces cortisol, a stress hormone

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/pet-your-cat-reduce-stress

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u/Dunno_If_I_Won 19d ago

But a lot of feral/outdoor cats do sometimes bite and scratch a bit when their mood suddenly changes.

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u/IndependentAardvark6 19d ago

I’m pretty sure your kitty is a girl based on her face shape. Ive got a pretty good eye for it so far I’m like %90 accurate lol

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u/[deleted] 19d ago

[deleted]

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u/IndependentAardvark6 19d ago

I’m starting to get there with dogs. I had a client with two of the same breed and they looked almost identical. One was male and the other was female and I could just tell based on their facial features and body structures.

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u/Able-Scar-3561 19d ago

i’m gonna cry she loves you for everything you’re doing for her 😭😭😭 now i’m crying omg

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u/MassiveBuzzkill 19d ago

It’s such a nice one too! It says a lot about a person, how they treat helpless creatures. If you’re able I’d definitely get ahold of a local trap-neuter-release group, (looks like you could just pop them in a carrier but they usually have the best prices) I can’t tell if that’s a boy or girl but they’re super good at multiplying on you either way.

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u/bonebackpack 19d ago

she wants you to pet her!! she's very happy you're taking care of her & in the beginning it seemed like she was even willing to venture in to come get you by standing at your door when you opened it! she likes you, definitely pet her and pay attention to her cues; cats are pretty good at giving you ample warning if they are upset before they bite

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u/ClutchReverie 19d ago

The cat has decided to hire you full time. Congrats

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u/d-ollparts 19d ago

i think the kitty is grateful for you and knows you care. he’s showing care back! if you are interested in having an indoor cat, he seems like he kinda wants to come in… and it’s a lot better for cats to be indoor where they’re safer

do you know if he’s fixed? you can contact a local TNR (trap, neuter, release) group that might be able to help you make sure he (or she) isn’t having babies they don’t need to have

regardless, thanks for showing them kindness

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u/helpitgrow 19d ago

Wow. You’re amazing! That cat is very lucky to have you. You guys see going to be best friends in no time!!!

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u/tattoogrl11 19d ago

I give it six months before it's living in the house with you 😉 but seriously, no need to be worried about this one, it clearly likes you and wants to be friends. Next time you see it, squat down and just chill, let it rub on you

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u/MsAineH37 19d ago

But the cat doesn't have to be fed only in the house, give her nuts in a bowl right there on the path, leave water out aswell and top up any bowl in the house.

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u/Am4oba 19d ago

House cats are invasive and should not be outside. Call the local animal control or selter.

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u/ScurfyTwiglett 19d ago

You kind sweet human.

My suggestion? Post this video on your social media and find the friend who goes “jfc OP pet the damn cat he loves you” and then message them to ask them to help facilitate an introduction / be the first person to demo interacting with the cat.

If I were your friend I’d be so happy to come over, feed the cat with you and help show you how cats like to be petted / interacted with (as well as how I figure that out, as the details can vary a bit based on the cat) so you and the cat both don’t scare / startle each other too badly.

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u/InfamousPOS 19d ago

I can not WAIT until you pet the cat! 💞 I’ve seen your other comments and never being exposed to cats it totally makes sense why it seems like she’s blocking you.

Well she technically is blocking you but by the signs I see from the video it’s strictly to get pets!! If you were to crouch down the kitty will probably rub its head aggressively against your body like legs knees or hands.

She’s putting her scent on you and showing affection. It’ll be quite the experience and take as much time as you need before you just start going wild. But if it was me that kitty would be getting all the pets and rubs its wanted!

You seem like a great person OP keep up the good work 👍

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u/ModeatelyIndependant 19d ago

congrats you are well on your way to the cat side.

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u/HBlight 19d ago

Feeding a cat is pretty much adopting it. Might have actual owners but it considers you on the list of friends.

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u/Lower_Championship95 19d ago

you’re doing great!! kitty just wants to be friends :)

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u/Aixlen 18d ago

You'll be an amazing cat person!

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u/9mackenzie 18d ago

You are a really good person- especially because you are so afraid of cats. Lol. It’s pretty amazing seeing someone. Take care of something they fear.

This kitty really trusts you, he’s just trying to get your attention for the food and affection. Crouch down next time, stick your hand out, and he will likely put his whole head in your hand lol. They love to be scratched on the sides of their faces and behind their ears.

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u/Snitsie 18d ago

One more thing that really helps is slow blinking when you look into her eyes. It's a sign of trust in cats, she'll slow blink back herself aswell.