On Friday, the stray I've been feeding for a couple of months allowed me to pet him A LOT! For a couple of weeks he's allowed me to pet him on the head briefly. But, on Friday morning I wet to pet him on the head and he couldn't get enough this time! He clearly wanted a lot more affection. So, all weekend he's allowed this same amount of petting. He is more in to it in the morning...in the evening he's a little more standoffish.

I'll upload a pic later!

What a sweet story. He obviously wants to be loved but with all the strangers he probably met before...he is taking his time...except he seems like he senses you are truly a good person.

Keep updating.

That's great. Cats, always cautious. Sounds like the begining of a beautiful friendship.. Good luck. Ann

Watch out! That's how it started with Miles.
Prepare to be owned and managed for years and years!

Enjoy every minute of it.

Jon- I hope this does work out that long!

Tonight...I was able to pick the kitty up tonight. He's inside! I have an extra room to keep him in (of course he is hiding in there). I want to get him to the vet soon. But, I'm trying to take it slow. I guess I really do need to come up with a name! Any tips in terms of acclimation? I know he is used to being outside. I'm used to having indoor kitties...so I hope he doesn't get very upset being inside. It is new to me getting a kitty this way!

I am so glad it is working out well. Progress--tho it is slow. That is great!!! Sometimes you just have to be very patient and win his trust. You never know what kind of cruel life he could have had before you.

Keep up the good work!!!!!!!

Just give him time. Once he figures out that he won the lottery and is set for life, he will even lose interest in the outdoors. It took Miles a year, and her daughter less time. Miles used to slip out once in a while for the first year or so, but she did it mostly for the attention and never strayed out of sight. She just got to enjoy being carried back in and getting fussed over. (We have coyotes here, which had produced the urgency of rescuing her.)
She, like the other cats, would spend their days watchng the bird feeder and the chipmunks out the windows or slider, but had no interest in actually expending EFFORT.
Make sure he is completely vetted and tested before introducing him to the indoor cats.

Jon- Your Miles looks very much like my new stray kitty ....who I desperately need a name for (Nicodemus is one thought). He is all black (with green eyes). His tail is fluffy with a section in the middle that needs treating (there is a scab and possibly and abscess there...I tried to pick it off, with no luck). He looks like he should have medium length fur, but with not enough food, his fur is a little thin. I'm going to get a vet appt. for early next week.

Last night he ate well. This morning I could see he used his litter box well. He's got a little upset digestive system understandably.

I always liked the name Midnight for an all black kitty.

For the name you mentioned...he could be called Nikky for short?

Oh No, I have to show my age. The Buster Brown Show, with Midnight The Cat, who used to crank a music box as a "trick".

I agree with the rest. Take it slow and gain his trust. Sounds like he's adjusting well. Once he's taken to the vet and hopefully everything is ok, I think in time you could let him out again. Then he will always come back,knowing he's got a place to go to. Names, well Nickky is good, Midnight, Magic(black magic)Widdow (black widdow), Sable or Sheba(too girlish??)Shadow, Oliver(black olives) now I'm getting silly, whatever you decide will fit perfectly I'm sure. One thing about black cats that always make me nervous is Halloween time. Crazy people do crazy things. I sometimes think they go out looking for them to .. well, I think you know what I'm thinking without saying it. Keep him in 'til it passes.. Best of luck and keep up informed.. Ann

Jon: Did Buster Brown "live in a shoe?"

Seriously, my neighbor had a black cat and for some reason I thought her name was Midnight.
This was many years ago for me too.

Beth: About the names Ann suggested...I know my new all black kitty I named Lucky cause he was able to go from a kill "shelter" to a no-kill. But since he has been here, he follows both my husband and I everywhere...can't make a move without him investigating and I remember telling Lucky.....maybe I should have named him Shadow...cause he is a constant shadow.

Naming was usually the hardest part for me but maybe as you see his personality.. something will sound right.

Hi Beth,

It was wonderful to read that you have chosen to take in a stray furkitty. Sounds as though he is working his way right into your heart. In no time at all he will learn to trust you if he hasn't already. The right name for this precious kitty will come to you when you least expect it. I'm sure it will fit him perfectly.

I wish you many happy and joyous years together.

Hugs, Beth

Thanks everyone for your positive encouragement. I'm so sad that it did not end how I hoped (see Death and Dying section). I hope my new beginning will happen sometime this summer. As of now, I will just appreciate the health of my Loki.