Ares is an approximately 4 year old domestic shorthair. He’s a dapper tabby who is neutered and up to date on his vaccinations. Ares was trapped in Carlisle PA as part of the colony behind the Motel 6 on Harrisburg Pike. He is a big, muscular boy at 12 SOLID lbs and has a few battle scars from his time in the wild. He does not have a microchip and was likely born in the wild. He is currently recovering from being neutered and given his first round of vaccinations, and is staying in one of our spare bathrooms as we have four other cats and cannot keep him. During his time with the vet, he was tested for FIV, and did come back positive.
Unfortunately, Ares is semi-feral and was initially very afraid of us after his capture, however he is very slowly beginning to accept human contact. He will let me hold him wrapped in a towel for short periods of time, and has allowed me to brush him, pet him, and trim his nails. He will also eat and drink in front of me, which he did not do initially. He has not made any unprovoked aggressive moves towards me, but can potentially lash out if he feels threatened or cornered, so we have been giving him his space when he wants it. He has met our other cats through a glass door and has not shown any aggression towards them, but we are unsure how he would be with other cats. He has not been introduced to dogs. Based on his size, background, and unfamiliarity with people, I believe that Ares may do best as the only pet in a home without small children.
While our initial plan was to TNR Ares and release him back to the wild, we believe we are seeing small flashes of behavior that lead us to think he may have a chance at being domesticated and becoming a member of someone's family. While we are continuing to socialize him, it is our hope that:
A). there is someone out there willing to put in the time and effort to continue to help Ares understand human affection as being in a home will significantly increase his life expectancy.
B). in the event that we cannot fully socialize him, that someone would like to take Ares in as a barn cat where he will at least be safer than he would in his current environment.
If you are interested in meeting Ares or have any other questions on this big guy, please message me on Facebook (I will comment below) or text me (Matthew) at 7174768895.
January 9, 2025, 8:14 am
