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- Feb 21, 2021
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Hi all, I’m in full panic mode as the kitty (Kovy) I’ve been caring for over the past ten months to socialize is going to a rescue today. I have 5 cats of my own, and 2 still from a colony I used to help out with. In 2017 I trapped all 5 remaining colony cats and brought them inside my home as I could not continue the work. I had ten cats and a dog at the time. My dog passed over shortly after and I got three of the 5 into a suitable rescue. But two (the 2 I still have) needed socializing. One has made a lot of progress but still very skittish. And the other well, once Kovy came, I had to move her to my moms house so I could focus on Kovy and have the room. She’s now forgotten who I am.
Kovy: in April of last year a colleague found Kovy outside at her colony dirty and sick. She couldn’t do much with him other than TNR him as she too has kept too many cats and has no room). So I volunteered thinking he must be a stray tame cat otherwise he wouldn’t be so dirty. Well, he wasn’t tame, probably semi-social.
I did all the usual tricks, starting in spare bathroom, moved into spare room with baby gates up in door frame so he could see out. Put a large dog kennel in room on top of a folding table for easier access. Used want toy handle to pet with first and feed baby food. Then, took down kennel and table so he had whole room. Introduced a social box (smaller kennel) and coaxed him into it so he could come out into community area where my cats are and see them safely. Played cat videos while in it and used long gloves to pet him with. Calming spray, Bonita flakes for treats and on.
Eventually he was allowed into other rooms and hallway and even around some of my friendly cats in person
We even hired a vet tech to come over and work with him scruffing him firmly but gently and putting on laps. Treating him, just repeating it over and over.
He’s made really great progress with us to the point of following us around and acting like a normal domestic cat- but when new people come over he hides, or if in his room, will try to hunker down. I’m sure this is cuz he only had my mom and me primarily socializing him for the past ten months.
At my house now he’s nearly fully integrated and gets along with most of my cats but not all, all the time. But every room has a cat in it at night and I know that isn’t fair to any of them either.
The goal of course was never to keep him even though every day I was getting more attached to this little fun guy with so much character! I’d have 8 if I did and I already have one at my mom’s and two others I have to put into rooms at night. But the attachment and bond with Kovy is real and my heart is hurting. I’m afraid for him. I’m worried he won’t understand. I’m worried he’ll regress. I’m worried he won’t be wanted because he stil is shy and not fully handleable.
The rescue has assured us they are a sanctuary and will not euthanize for behavior issues. They say they even have a few ferals. If he scratches it’s usually no biggie, if he bites they give them a time out for a few days. I asked that I be contacted if he isn’t thriving or regresses so I re-adopt him.
I guess I’m just looking for some word of encouragement, support, and that I’m doing the right thing.
Kovy: in April of last year a colleague found Kovy outside at her colony dirty and sick. She couldn’t do much with him other than TNR him as she too has kept too many cats and has no room). So I volunteered thinking he must be a stray tame cat otherwise he wouldn’t be so dirty. Well, he wasn’t tame, probably semi-social.
I did all the usual tricks, starting in spare bathroom, moved into spare room with baby gates up in door frame so he could see out. Put a large dog kennel in room on top of a folding table for easier access. Used want toy handle to pet with first and feed baby food. Then, took down kennel and table so he had whole room. Introduced a social box (smaller kennel) and coaxed him into it so he could come out into community area where my cats are and see them safely. Played cat videos while in it and used long gloves to pet him with. Calming spray, Bonita flakes for treats and on.
Eventually he was allowed into other rooms and hallway and even around some of my friendly cats in person
We even hired a vet tech to come over and work with him scruffing him firmly but gently and putting on laps. Treating him, just repeating it over and over.
He’s made really great progress with us to the point of following us around and acting like a normal domestic cat- but when new people come over he hides, or if in his room, will try to hunker down. I’m sure this is cuz he only had my mom and me primarily socializing him for the past ten months.
At my house now he’s nearly fully integrated and gets along with most of my cats but not all, all the time. But every room has a cat in it at night and I know that isn’t fair to any of them either.
The goal of course was never to keep him even though every day I was getting more attached to this little fun guy with so much character! I’d have 8 if I did and I already have one at my mom’s and two others I have to put into rooms at night. But the attachment and bond with Kovy is real and my heart is hurting. I’m afraid for him. I’m worried he won’t understand. I’m worried he’ll regress. I’m worried he won’t be wanted because he stil is shy and not fully handleable.
The rescue has assured us they are a sanctuary and will not euthanize for behavior issues. They say they even have a few ferals. If he scratches it’s usually no biggie, if he bites they give them a time out for a few days. I asked that I be contacted if he isn’t thriving or regresses so I re-adopt him.
I guess I’m just looking for some word of encouragement, support, and that I’m doing the right thing.
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