Callum

One crisp, cold morning in early 2020, a Lethbridge resident noticed kitty paw prints in the snow at the front of her house. A heated bowl of canned food was put out that evening to see if someone needed a meal. Someone did. Over the next many months, the cat became a regular guest at her front door. This wasn't the first time she had provided a steady food source for a homeless cat. Some, over the years, were eventually trapped and rescued. Others disappeared. She wasn't particularly hopeful about this one. He would need to be clever and lucky to avoid the coyotes that lived in the coulees close to her home.

But the wary 'stray boy' managed to stay alive and continued to come throughout the summer. The humans would spot their handsome tabby guest some distance away in the front yard, patiently waiting for his supper. He shared the food bowl with a young skunk, but had the advantage of arriving earlier in the evening than his striped friend. With winter's approach, the woman decided it was now or never. She had to try to bring him indoors. Around the same time, she felt it was safe to give him a proper name.

He would prove to be a challenge to capture as he had no intention of going in that scary-looking con'trap'tion! Patience and planning were needed to outsmart this fellow. The food was placed a few feet away from the entrance to the trap (the door had been tied open). Over the course of a couple of weeks, the dish was gradually moved closer to the trap, then to the mouth of the trap, then, bit by bit, further into the trap until it was where it needed to be at the far end. At that point, assured that his entire body would be far enough into the trap to trip the door, the trap was set and....success!

Personality:

His rescuer felt badly about having to lure him into the trap. Building trust with a shy cat is a big deal. However, in order to save his life, the baby steps he'd made had to be temporarily set aside. Once in his own sanctuary room, time was spent sitting with him and talking to him in reassuring tones. Other people spent time with him too. A neuter appointment wasn't available for six weeks but that was okay because, once again, she (now his foster mom) had to help him become familiar with yet another enclosure - a cat carrier. Treats were tossed into the walk-in carrier to help him become accustomed to entering it. Fortunately, he loves treats and when the day arrived, there was no problem getting him into the carrier. His steady progress made it clear he'd had a home at some point in his life, short-lived as it may have been.

Several months on, Callum is well socialized and relaxed. He's very playful, especially in the mornings, when he will scoot around like a kitten - doing that sideways shuffle-thing. He's a large, solid boy and watching him charge around is very entertaining! He plays with balls and springs, little pieces of fuzz, and loves interactive play with a string toy. He is interested in what you are doing and where you are going and will follow you around, booping your legs with his head, making it clear he wants your attention. Sometimes he wants food - and will tap your foot with his paw. It didn't take him long to feel entitled :) He now allows himself to be picked up but isn't keen on being carried around (he's too heavy anyway!). He's evolved into the wonderful companion and friend that we were quite sure he would become. He likes to sleep beside his person on the bed - but only if he's the only cat there. Although he has become used to the other cats, we think he would love to be an only child.

Very early days - Callum finally initiates contact: