After evading capture and losing his vision، the feral cat named Ham transforms into a fully domesticated housecat

It was heartbreaking since she had always hoped to bring him in earlier. The “what ifs” can be overwhelming for all rescuers who go to extreme lengths to help each cat. Things often go wrong anyway، and there are limits to what one can do.

“When he turned up with bulging and swollen eyes، bumping into things، I couldn’t help but feel like if I’d just been able to get him 2 years ago، I could have saved him from this fate. I am trying to focus on the fact that Ham is safe now، he’s with me، and we’re getting him the help he needs.

A New Life and Girlfriend

Now in safe hands، Ham received the expensive veterinary care he desperately needed. He was neutered، vaccinated، and went to an ophthalmologist، only possible thanks to the kind people who donated for his care.

As a feral cat، Ham was fearful and skittish، but then، he made a new friend. In foster care، Ham met Dana’s cat Scarlet، and it was as if they were “star-crossed lovers.” She gave him constant entertainment، and he experienced a soft cat bed and toys for the first time.

Ham got eye surgery to remove his painful bulging eye beyond saving (enucleation) and wore a hamburger collar while he recovered. A biopsy revealed his eyes were likely somehow damaged by a traumatic injury، not a virus or tumor. The latter cases tend to cause gradual vision loss، not rapid change.

Socializing a Ham

Considering all this cat went through، it’s shocking how quickly he adjusted to indoor life. Many feral cats will never adapt to housecat life. But as a blind cat، he couldn’t safely return.

With Scarlet’s help، Ham rapidly adjusted and let his foster mom pet him with a spatula. After desensitizing him with the spatula، she slowly moved to the back of her hand while praising and offering yummy treats.

It was a slow process، but with lots of play sessions and toys، he surprised everyone with his progress. After eluding capture for years، he’s become a “fully-fledged housecat” at last!

The “big hunk of ham” has even begun sleeping in the bed his foster mom. From now on، he’ll always be safe and loved.