Gunter (pronounced "Goonter") is about 1 1/2 years old and an orange tabby. He took shelter under our front porch this year around Thanksgiving. He hunts squirrels and chipmunks. When we first saw this cat, he looked as if he was near death, so we started leaving food and water out for him. Then we build a small shelter under the porch for him, so he could be someplace warm.
Gunter hangs out with us whenever we are outside, but won't let us pet him yet. As soon as he can trust us, we are going to take him to the vet. I will probably have to let him go out on his own, once we get him back home. He also walks with Poole, our indoor cat, who is trained to walk on a leash and harness.
By Leigh from Litchfield County, CT
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He looks like a hunter, and I don't think he'd ever be happy as an indoor cat. He is beautiful though, and it's nice that you're helping him with extra food, and good clean water.
Nice pictures. Thank you for sharing him.
Lee
You will enjoy having a cat like this around, looks like he is an accomplished hunter! He looks so free spirited! He probably will be perfectly comfortable outside. Some cats never take to the outside safely, but this darling looks like he has it "in the bag!"
Thanks for caring, and loving this beautiful darling!
Robyn
Gunter looks like a beautiful "big" cat who's meant to be outdoors. You are very kind to help him out.
Thanks guys. I think he is really beautiful too. Since I posted this, both my husband and I have gotten him to take treats from our hands. He was extremely cautious about it! He came inside once too, about eight feet, got scared again and darted out. We have a small house that sits in front atop an ancient sand bank, (hill) and about six more houses behind us, with streets on all 4 sides. I don't think Gunter crosses the busier street in front, so his territory is quite ample. I can't wait to give him his 1st flea treatment, clean him up and get him to the vet.
Here is another pic of him!
Other that being worried about his being hurt, sick or injured in some way, I wouldn't mind him being an outside kitty. He is so obviously happy with his life just as it is although I do think he'd be a real lover once he knows you well enough. I'd say you're on the right track of making that happen.
Keep us posted. He is just a very beautiful, handsome feline specimen.
Thank you for sharing him.
Pookarina
Gunter is a very nice cat. In many ways, he's exactly the way God probably intended for cats to be. Free to roam and hunt for their food, and bring it down just as the big cats in the wild do. Civilization has made it just too difficult for them, and domestication has provided a link between them and humans. Some cats are loners, but from the looks of it, your Gunter
enjoys the company of other cats, and even humans although he still isn't altogether trusting of them. If he's allowed to come in and go out as he pleases, he'll most likely become a family pet.
If you live in a cold climate, try to give him a warm bed protected from the elements and supplement his food with something like Purina Naturals which has a lot of the vitamins and minerals that will keep him healthy. Be sure there is fresh clean water for him if possible, and let him progress at his own speed.
It certainly looks like he wants to be your friend. Get him some catnip and add it to his food or a sock for him to play with. That might mellow him enough that you're able to pet him more. I for one would like to see and hear more of him as time goes by.
Thanks for sharing him with us.
HokeyPoke
I'm so glad he found you!
I have to admit that the squirrel's are more difficult for him to get a hold of, but he chases them away from the feeders at least. He will run up the side of a tree after them, but always jumps down at a certain point, no rodent "in mouth".
Gunter has a self heating seat pad that we put under his sleeping bag in November. We removed the pad in May, cleaned up under the porch as well. He seems very happy now. I am glad he still hunts even though we are feeding him. He gets Purina Naturals and some other brand my husband buys, along with canned food and plenty of fresh water. We give him a toy mouse that he actually plays with, even though he knows it's a fake.
What a sweet kitty. Bless you for taking care of him. In time he will become used to you. Good to hear you are bringing him to the vet soon. Sadly too many people think cats being hunters can survive on their own. They get worms from eating prey, not to mention fleas and ticks. Feline aides and leukemia plus rabies to name a few problems a homeless animal will face. To all who read this please be responsible pet owners and spay or neuter your pets. Many groups will do this at a reduced rate. Check with the local animal control officers, or pet shelters. Please consider adoption for a loving pet, nix the local pet stores which very likely use cat/puppy mills to breed.
This is Ken my husband, with Gunter. This is the third time Gunter has gotten this close to him. And, he took a treat from my hand just today!
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