A question I get often is how well Shadow adjusts to life on the road. Shadow is a semi-feral and an indoor-only kitty. Before hitting the road with me in 2020, he hadn’t been in a car since kittenhood. He doesn’t look forward to moving days, but he loves new destinations. As soon as he arrives, he is ready to start seeing a whole new world through the RV windows. Like me, he seems most excited by the beauty of California — or maybe he’s just reflecting my vibe.
If the embedded video doesn’t work for you, use this link to see how Shadow handles life on the road. Haven’t yet subscribed to our vlog? It’s not too late to change your mind! I post new videos every Friday.
My family cared for feral cats in the 1970s and ‘80s, and I’ve always found them to be special mammals. To me, the dead cat looked feral, but you may be correct.
Also, I grew up knowing a few cat-haters willing to procure sick satisfaction from torturing to death those naively-trusting thus likely sweet-natured domesticated cats whose owners had recklessly allowed them to wander the neighbourhood at night.
Also worrisome are the unfavourable attitudes toward cats openly expressed by news-media commentators, whose views, however reckless, can be influential.
Only when over-populations of unwanted cats are greatly reduced in number by responsible owners consistently spaying/neutering their felines, will this beautiful animal’s presence be truly appreciated, especially for the symbiotic-like healthy relationships (contrary to common misinformation) they offer their loving owners.
Shadow is my first experience with a semi-feral cat and it was heartbreaking when I adopted him. You could tell he desperately wanted human interaction, but he was terrified.
He’s a VERY loving cat. Very clingy, actually. He doesn’t like to be away from me for too long. He starts faking injuries and wailing after about 4 days.
I don’t understand why so many people hate cats, especially black cats. I adopted Shadow specifically because no one wanted him. The shelter was 100% sure I was going to bring him back. But, I am the chosen one, according to Shadow!
Thanks again for taking the time to read and comment. Maybe I will help influence people to like cats a little better: one cat video and blog post at a time!
I feel the same way.
Our current and previous two cats is/were black (The present one, Simon, looks exactly like Shadow, beautifully black and sleek). I have an affinity for them, as well. There’s a special place in heaven for them, as a precious yet especially persecuted breed.
The only charity I donate to involves cats, notably the TNR program, in large part because of the cold-hearted disregard displayed by general society towards the feral cat populace and their suffering. Because unlike other charities, those of feral cats are relatively neglected.
It’s as though they are perceived, on some level, as disposable.
Perhaps there’s a subconscious human perception that the value, or lack thereof, of such animal life (if not even human life in regularly war-torn or overpopulated famine-stricken global regions) is reflected by its overabundance and the protracted conditions under which it suffers.
I spotted a dead feral cat on the roadside, likely hit by a car. It was quite saddening to know his/her life and death would not at all matter to general society. Instead, many people would be glad that the cat would never harm another innocent bird, presuming it ever had.
About three years ago, it was reported that Surrey, B.C. had/has approximately 36,000 feral and stray cats, so many of which are allowed to suffer severe malnourishment, debilitating injury and/or infection by callously neglectful municipal government as well as individual residents who choose to remain silent.
Progress can also be made by discontinuing allowing pet cats to roam freely outdoors and notably risk them becoming another predator’s meal or some sadistic person’s target for a torturous death.
Trap/Neuter/Release (TNR) programs are typically underfunded by governments and private donors, regardless of their documented success in reducing the needless great suffering by these beautiful, sentient animals.
I’m sorry to hear about the dead kitty, but there’s no way to know for sure if it was feral. Much worse than that, it could have been someone’s pet that got out.
I believe in neutering or spaying pets and keeping cats indoors. However, I don’t believe birds are any more precious than cats and shouldn’t be hunted. That’s the cycle of natural life. My cat before Shadow likely became prey to coyotes. It broke my heart but I have nothing against coyotes in the wild, for that.
However, Shadow is well fed, doesn’t need to hunt and is safer indoors. So, he stays put with me in the RV and is content with that.
Thanks for commenting!
Handsome cat. You did a great job on the video; your whole process looks like a lot of work, but you must enjoy it!
Thank you! The process is longer than that, but I didn’t want it to take over the video. I think eventually I’ll do a video showing the setup and takedown process. I don’t move often though, so I only have to do that every few weeks. 🙃
What a beautiful cat!
Thank you! He’s adorable. 🙃
Very interesting look at your travels together. If only cats could talk!
Thank you! He tries so hard to talk sometimes. I do wish I could understand him!
Cool cat!
Thank you! He’s amazing!
He’s a cutie!
He sure is a handsome little guy! 🙃