Socializing a feral: The story of Lucky

Thank you - the article is very informative.

On the one hand, I'm ready for the challenge - and on the other I'm scared to death. I think because we have the other animals and I don't want to freak them out it makes me more nervous than I would be otherwise.

We will definitely figure something out (to her benefit, of course). Isn't it strange - we already consider her "ours" and we haven't even captured her yet. Isn't it also funny that she's already wormed her way into our hearts???

Oh, boy...but with friends like all of you - how can we fail?

~Sandi

Sandi, she will love you and your family. She'll be scared at first, but once you get that purr motor going, it'll be all over for everyone. She may always run and hide when someone walks into a room. Lazlo got over that after about two weeks. Now he runs to the door when he hears us unlocking it!!!

I'm so glad others have found there way here - now you know you've got lots of support. Everything will work out just fine. You don't need to be nervous, what you're doing for Lucky is best for everyone!

:tounge2:

Laurie

Keep us posted Sandi! I'm really excited to hear how it goes!!! Good luck!!! She sure is a pretty cat!!

Sounds like Lucky is a lucky little cat indeed! Is she a torti? It looks like that in the pic. If she is, then she is almost definitely a "she." Has to do with genetics (which I don't really understand), except that for that color combination of torti or calico, there has to be XX chromosomes.

Click to expand...

OK, I just had to put my degree to use here...

Coat color genes are on the X chromosome. Each X can carry a different color gene. In female mammals, one of the two X chromosomes is inactivated in each cell of the body (with a few exceptions). This process is random, so it's a 50/50 chance as to which color is expressed. That's why torties have different color patches.

Males are generally XY. They only have one X, and therefore only one coat color gene. Rarely, males are XXY. These males can be tortie, but they are sterile (in general, any male mammal that is XXY has extremely low fertility or is entirely sterile).

Sandi - I just want you to know that ALL of Goldie's feral babies (captured at about 4 months of age) have turned out to be the most loving kitties to everyone who has the joy of owning them. Your little girl will be just fine

Well, wish us luck. We're going to be setting the live trap and hoping the kitty will go for the food and be on her way to a happy, healthy life. Today was funny as the cat was sitting in our driveway looking into the window on our enclosed porch (screen room, florida room - whatever you want to call it)...anyhow...my cat was laying on the table - so this stray was probably watching me petting our cat. I was telling the stray - see, this could be the life you could have. She still is very cautious, but my husband doesn't think she is really scared as she sticks around pretty good. I thought Lucky was a cool name, but after seeing her day after day - and her brown, cream and orange coloring - I wonder if the name Autumn might not suit her better. We'll see. First things first - we've got to get her into that live trap and then it's off to the vet to have her spayed, and checked for parasites, feline leukemia (sp?), and have her shots and all that fun stuff. I know you are all pulling for us and I will let you know how it all works out ASAP. Please - send your good vibes our way so this works out quickly - it's rainy and cold here today and I worry about her out there every night.

Talk to you all tomorrow (possibly with good news???). Positive thinking.

~Sandi

PS - Thanks for the info on the chromosomes and all - it was very interesting to know. I will have more questions about that kind of thing in the near future - I'm sure.

Oh I love the name Autumn!!! Especially if it is indeed a female! I am saying a prayer that she will be trapped very soon and that it all goes well! Can't wait to hear!!! Good luck!!

I'm just catching up - hope all went well, OR, Good Luck! Either way, you, hubby and kitty are in my prayers.

BTW, I love the name Autumn, but it sounds so sedate! You can always give it a few days and see which one fits her personality better. She sure is lucky to have found such a caring family.

:tounge2:

Okay - here's what happened. All these days we've been putting food out for the cat and leaving the live trap about a foot or so away from the dish so she would be used to it being around. This AM - very early my husband set up the trap and put the food in it. I think the only mistake he may have made was changing the type of dish we've been feeding her from. He used a small Country Crock container instead of the lower Glad container. She did go into the live trap around 11 AM, but didn't get in all the way to trigger the thing. She just sniffed the tip of the country crock container. So, I went out and put her food back into a gladware container and am hoping she will try again. We were SO CLOSE!!! She was extremely cautious about going into the trap, but since it didn't snap closed or anything - I'm hoping she'll think it's safe to go into to eat. It's pretty chilly outside today. I think they're calling for rain tomorrow - so I'd like to get this done with.

I did speak with another person from the Humane Society yesterday and will post about that at another time. I've got to get going for now.

~Sandi

Wel that's good that she went in there!!! Even if it was just part of the way, at least she may feel like it is probably safe to go in and eat, and I'm sure when she gets hungry enough, she will go in to eat! I hope that happens very soon!!!!!

WE GOT HER!!!! Hurray!!!

Around 1:15 PM (of course when I was getting ready to leave to go to my drawing class), I was letting the dog out one more time - and happened to glance at the live-trap and imagine my surprise to see Lucky/Autumn (still trying to decide) in there. I went out to cover the top up and she was a bit afraid at first, but just hissed a little and then I put some food through the top as hers was spilled all over the place.

I immediately called the vet and my husband right after. She went into the vet at 2:30 PM (unfortunately, I was at class), but my husband tried to relay everything accurately. She came out of the live trap when they opened it and I guess she was seeking to escape - so the vet and the asst. grabbed her (with some sort of gloves on) and she did hiss once, but after that settled down and they did an exam, gave her a rabies shot, applied Frontline flea med., took blood to check for Feline Leuk. (which they called later to report this test was negative - YES!).

Then, when I got home, my husband was getting the room ready (he took this large Rubbermaid rectangular container and cut a large round hole in it for her - and we put a blanket in there - along with a couple of cat toys (it's upside down - lid on the floor). Her food is near the hiding shelter and her litterbox is in there as well. We have one light on and then we went to bring her in the house. When we went to get the livetrap - she didn't hiss or anything - just looked at us like she didn't know what to make of it. She didn't hold her ears back or anything either. (Good sign?) I figured she's going to be a bit out of it from the shots and all. She's set to be spayed on Monday morning. Anyhow...she didn't want to come out of the livetrap when we went to let her out. So, my hubby rigged it so it wouldn't close on her and we went to walk the dog. When we got home, we knocked lightly on the door and checked on her and she was in her hiding place. Now we're giving her some breathing room before bothering her again. A bit later I may go in and sit and read to her or something.

Any input??? I'm so determined to make this work. She's such a darling little critter. I do hope she'll become accustomed to us and realize we're here to help her not harm her. I know...patience is a virtue. We're willing to do all we can. That's got to be a plus.

~Sandi

Help us decide on which name would be best??? Remember to look at the pictures of her - doesn't she look like an Autumn? And also, we got her in Autumn...hmmmm.

Thanks to all of you - I'm sure I'll be needing you more now than ever!

I just read your e-mail!!! I am so happy you got her!!! I like the name Autumn the best!!!! I think it sounds like you are off to a great start with her!!! I would just take things slow and approach her very slowly, with hand held out in front of you, maybe offer her some tempting food, and while she is eating, reach down very slowly and stroke her back. Do this off and on for the first few days, just pet her if she allows you to, but make no attempt to pick her up. Eventually she will realize you mean her no harm, and will welcome your attention. Keep us postd on how it goes!!!

WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!!!!!!
You have already completed the hardest part - now time is your best friend here! Slow and steady.......
Autumn is a pur-fect name for your little bundle!

(hint - hint....now don't forget to write an essay for us in the Paws and Reflect forum about your rescue!

Sandi this is GREAT news!

I have lots of questions! Did you get her spayed, or have you guys and the Vet decided to wait until she's acclimated?

Did you put any dirt in the litterbox? How's that going? (Our little guy held on for about 24 hours)

Did you and your husband get any old clothes really stinky and put them in there with her? That will help her get used to your smell. And I think you should go in there as frequently as you want to and read to her, or put little treats out for her. Obviously Debby, Debra and Hissy are right, time is your friend here - but reading to her won't stress her out after long. Do you have a radio you can stick in there playing low on a classical station?

Do you have any "fishing wand" type toys? After a day or two, once she's not hungry and not nearly as afraid, you might even try playing with her interactively. She's still in "survival" mode now and doesn't know what playing is, but depending on her personality, playing with her might help, too.

You'll probably be petting her before holding her, but before long you'll get that purr motor going!

And I have to say, although I love the name Autumn, I think she's Lucky! I think I'm out-voted here, but you'll let us know what you decide.

And no matter what happens here, just remember. You've just brought a wild animal into your home. She'll love you like no other, but it may take a while before she switches from survival mode to "this is my turf" mode, to "these are my people!" mode!

Keeping all of you in my prayers,

Laurie

Yesssss!!! She finally used her litterbox. I was worried she might be going somewhere else or she was trying to hold it out of fear of coming out of the hiding box. When we got home today - we checked the litterbox and it was unbelievable how much she went (well, after all - it was over 24 hours and she hadn't gone yet). I'm just thrilled that I'll be able to get a stool sample to the vet now to check for worms and other parasites. We did put a little potting soil in with the cat litter as the article and several of you suggested. Heck, we've pretty much followed to the letter all of the instructions we've received from this site and the printed article (thanks so much Hissy!). The only thing we changed was - the first night she was home with us, we did peek in on her a couple times as she had several shots - so we wanted to make sure she didn't have an allergic reaction. Our dog had that when she was a pup and her whole muzzle had swollen up and we had to rush her right back to the vet. Anyhow...all seems to be going well with Lucky that way.

Laurie, we did decide to wait on the spay for a month. I figured the vet must've wanted us to wait a month for a reason. We are hoping she'll be a little more trusting of us after about a month. Only time will tell. We're just giving her space for the time being. We go in there periodically to talk softly with her, but she hasn't come out of hiding. We know she's there and safe and that's what counts. We'll do this on her terms and when she's ready - she'll show herself.

I'll keep you all posted

~Sandi

I'm laughing with relief and happiness, and, and, ...and I don't know what! Nostalgia for our little Lazlo. They get so big so fast!

Yes! She's safe and loved, and getting healthcare and nutritious food. You're heart will jump for joy when she purrs, and you'll positively swoon at her first head-bump.

And you'll share it all with us?

And we're here for the problems (God forbid) and worries and anything else you need.

What great news after a terrible day. Thank you!

Sandi!! I am so glad it is going so well!!! I sent you an e-mail as well!!! I am so very happy for you!!!

Hey if you get a chance to peek into the cat lounge, there is a thread with baby pictures of Amber you might want to see! Luv ya!

Hi Sandi-

I am finally checking in and grinning when I read your triumph! You are getting great advice, only one thing I will caution you- don't extend your hand to her right off unless you have quick reflexes. If she comes out to be near you as much as you want to look her in her cute face, look over the top of her so she will not consider you a threat. Do not make eye contact. If she comes out eventually when you are sitting on the floor, slowly place your hand on the floor palm flat, not to near her but so she can see it. As much as you are itching to pet her, don't. Let her make that first move toward you either by bumping your leg, arm or hand. Remember, she has now had her entire world flipped upside down and is captive for the first time in her life. She is not going to trust you yet, figuring somewhere along the way you are going to hurt her. So be careful and slow with her and you should be fine. GREAT JOB!

Congrats! Sounds like you have a scared but otherwise healthy little girl there.

Here's my small bit of advice for you, stemming from my only "feral" experience with Ophelia. We got her when she was just a wee kitten, but I know we were the first humans she had ever seen. Anyway, spend as much time in the room with her as possible. Read, do crafts (as long as it is a quiet and non-smelly craft ), just be in there with her. The more she sees that you are there and aren't threatening her, the more trusting she will become. It does take time, like everyone said, and she will let you know when she's ready for you to touch her. Try to be on her level as much as possible, too, like sitting on the floor, or on a low chair. You look really, really big when you're standing to her. Try to think like a scared kitty, and make yourself adjust to her. To this day, if I'm not sitting, laying down or at least bending over to her, I can't walk up to Ophelia in a straight standing up unless she is on a perch on my level.

Well, we took the fecal samples in to the vet and got some news. Lucky has 3 types of worms: Round worms (no surprise there), hook worms and whip worms. The good news is...she only has to have the one type of powdery medicine for each of these types of worms. And luckier still, when I mix it in with the wet food, she eats it up! Whew! So, for the next 10 days, she'll be on this medicine. A week after that, I'll take another stool sample in to be tested - just to be sure the worms are gone.

Still no luck with getting her to come out from under the bed while I'm in the room. However, she has been investigating. The other night (the first night she had to have the meds), I poked my head in to see if her bowl was empty (it was) and I noticed papers all over the floor and the wastebasket was tipped over (I had just emptied it the night before). So, she's curious, but obviously still afraid of us. I go in each night and read to her for an hour. I guess I thought I shouldn't go in there too much, but now that the last couple messages said to go in as much as possible, I will. Also, we noticed little foot prints on the glass of the window. Guess she still wants to be "out of confinement". Actually, seeing those tiny little feet prints made me happier still that we got her as the nights are getting a bit chillier already. So, Lucky is still our under the bed kitty, but I'm hoping after she's with us for a while, she'll be content. That's all I ask.

Glad I was told not to attempt to pet her. Are there any warning signs that I should be aware of - ie: when she does eventually come out - I know not to look her in the eye, but should I freeze or what? Or keep talking to her softly? Attempt to engage her in play with the feather toy? Any suggestions? If she comes to rub up against us, do we just ignore her and see what she does after that - or is it okay to touch her then? I'm getting more confused by the minute. When we got our other cat (17 years ago) who was also a stray, we didn't do any of this. Just brought her home to our other cat and let things happen. Gosh, that seems like so long ago.

Should we not be looking at her under the bed? Sometimes we just check to make sure she's okay and she just looks at us - but I have to remind the hubby - Don't look her in the eye. She doesn't cower, just looks at us. It is tough though, she's soooooo cute - I'd just love to see a bit more of her. I think she'll have gone under the bed a skinny little cat and come out a very large one.

So many questions...
~Sandi