New behavior puzzling me-

[MA]

Bailey, one of my socialized ferals has suddenly decided, that I am better than a can of tuna. He has never been one to subscribe to the "I love you, you love me" notion. And although friendly, (meaning he doesn't flee in panic everytime I approached) he has never been loving- even though he is orange.

Lately he has begun coming in more and more to the house, sitting under my computer chair, or weaving in and out of my legs. When I bend down to pet him, he leaps up on my shoulder, crawls down my chest ...ouch...ouch...ouch and ends up on my lap.

When I stop petting him, he reaches out with his paw to swipe at me, until I resume. He is eating, drinking, and playing, and using the litter box- though he prefers outdoors. I do not think this is a health problem, I have searched all over his orangness for wounds or bites, or problems there are none. The only thing I could find- which was really wierd, is one of his back claws is completely gone? No wound, no heat, no sore no redness, just one claw has now vanished! If anyone can shed some light on this behavior I would appreciate it. I have chased all the avenues I know of to figure out what has happened and haven't a clue- Baily is 5 years old and of course, neutered.

[Traci]

MA, most of my male ferals do that, it's not really a problem, it's simply a trait, maybe a protective measure as they've learned protection skills from outdoor living.