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Socializing a feral: The story of Lucky
- Thread starter debby
- Start Date
I haven't had time to poke around, but I sure have bookmarked it! Again, thanks.
Jeanie G. I cannot believe I didn't think to look there for info. Thanks for letting me know. I order from that site a lot and forgot they had the health care information section. I am grateful for the info. It answered most of my questions and concerns.
Tonight Lucky actually came up on my chest and then proceeded to give me a head-butt right in the face. It's still up and down each day, but looking back, it's still only been 3 months.
Tonight Lucky actually came up on my chest and then proceeded to give me a head-butt right in the face. It's still up and down each day, but looking back, it's still only been 3 months.
WOW! You have totally won the heart of this little girl!!! She obviously trusts you so much.
See what happens when you have the patience to do it right? It is SO worth it, don't you think? !!!!!!!
See what happens when you have the patience to do it right? It is SO worth it, don't you think? !!!!!!!
Well...I'm not totally sure about that yet. She will still hiss at us from time to time. Also, my husband is the one she truly loves - you should just see them together...I have to admit, the jealousy bug sometimes comes my way when I see them together. Only because he did the opposite of everything we were told and I felt I did all the work. I'm just happy that she feels so confident around him. She's definitely coming around more with me, but I'm more gentle with her. Kevin isn't rough, just pets harder and she seems to enjoy that.
It's all been worth it up to now. I can't imagine what I'll be feeling in October when we've had her with us for a whole year.
Also, she's been a little more bold when it comes to the screen door. She'll actually stay on the bed or the window perch when the dog walks by. It seems to be when Kitty stops and sits outside the door that it gets really interesting. Kitty doesn't do that much anymore - it almost seems like her feelings were hurt the last time she got hissed and growled at. We gave each of them a treat on their own respective sides of the door - so they'd associate their meeting with happy things. It's just going to take lots of time. I just feel bad that Lucky is still stuck in that one room, you know? She seems to be okay with it, but knowing there's a whole house out there for her to explore actually makes me crazy sometimes. I don't want to rush the "in your face" meeting with the other pets, though.
It's all been worth it up to now. I can't imagine what I'll be feeling in October when we've had her with us for a whole year.
Also, she's been a little more bold when it comes to the screen door. She'll actually stay on the bed or the window perch when the dog walks by. It seems to be when Kitty stops and sits outside the door that it gets really interesting. Kitty doesn't do that much anymore - it almost seems like her feelings were hurt the last time she got hissed and growled at. We gave each of them a treat on their own respective sides of the door - so they'd associate their meeting with happy things. It's just going to take lots of time. I just feel bad that Lucky is still stuck in that one room, you know? She seems to be okay with it, but knowing there's a whole house out there for her to explore actually makes me crazy sometimes. I don't want to rush the "in your face" meeting with the other pets, though.
Sandi, I completely understand what you're feeling with hubby and Lucky. It's exactly the same way with Ophelia. I was the one who was in there every night when I got home from work when she was a kitten and learning to trust, I played with her, fed her, gave her treats, worked up the trust, was even the first one she allowed to pet her. Then she turned into Daddy's girl.
One thing struck me as funny, though. You mentioned that your hubby pets Lucky harder and more rough and mine does the same thing with Ophelia and she loved it! I wonder if ferals in general like being loved a little more rough than hand raised kittens? Mary Anne? Laurie? Anyone know?
I'm sure Lucky will eventually get along with the other pets. Heck, if it took 3 months to get where you are now, with your constant attention and proving yourself to her, you can bet that getting her used to a competing feline (in her eyes) will take a little while.
Don't feel guilty about her being confined to the room. Being in a smaller space is comforting to cats. It's her safe space, and it's all hers. She's comfortable there. Eventually she may wonder what's on the other side of that door (besides another cat and a dog
), but I would bet she's pretty happy with her room right now.
I'm sure Lucky will eventually get along with the other pets. Heck, if it took 3 months to get where you are now, with your constant attention and proving yourself to her, you can bet that getting her used to a competing feline (in her eyes) will take a little while.
Don't feel guilty about her being confined to the room. Being in a smaller space is comforting to cats. It's her safe space, and it's all hers. She's comfortable there. Eventually she may wonder what's on the other side of that door (besides another cat and a dog
Hi guys! In answer to your question about the petting - I don't have a clue, because the last time I was around a hand-raised cat was when I was about six at a friend's house! I only know our ferals. But it does seem they like it a bit rough, when I stop to think about it.
When I pet them, I use my finger tips (with my nails), not my palm. I start at the top of their heads, and run my fingers all the way down the spine to the tail. And I push pretty hard. They buck around and wiggle and walk around and back, and flop on the floor and grab my ankle (I stop then so they don't nip!), and then they'll get back up and walk around again- it's really quite funny. But when they rub up and kind of turn their butts toward us, we pet the top of their head and backs. Each time they come back at me, I pet them again. When they push their heads at our hands, (instead of standing with their backs or side to us), we hold our hands like we're making a sideways "C" in sign language, and they'll push their heads into it, and we push our thumb and forefinger really hard on their cheeks. I'll also use the sides of my fingers to run them along their cheeks, and I do push hard - because they do.
We also use a dog brush on them - not actually a curry comb, but one that has lots and lots of little teeny wire bristles to catch hair. This is their favorite brush, and we push it pretty hard against their cheeks and under their neck. So, I guess they do like it pretty rough! (I love using this brush, because it catches so much hair. We brush them at least once a day, and often more because they love it so much!!!) It took a few tries to get them used to the brush. They kept trying to bite it at first. Now when we get the brush out, they come running.
But, all in all, I'd say it seems that they all love being loved - but that, for some reason, they can only take so much of it, and sometimes not a lot at all. Spooky is the only one that will hop up next to us, sit with us and want pets. The boys only want pets when they're walking around, pushing against our legs, ankles and/or the corner of the chair or couch.
They will lie down next to us, but if I reach over to pet them, then they'll get up and leave. If I don't pet them, they'll stay for a long time.
Shelly does sit on Gary's lap, and spend quite a bit of time there - but only if Gary isn't touching him or if he's brushing him - not if he's petting him.
Weird, hunh?
When I pet them, I use my finger tips (with my nails), not my palm. I start at the top of their heads, and run my fingers all the way down the spine to the tail. And I push pretty hard. They buck around and wiggle and walk around and back, and flop on the floor and grab my ankle (I stop then so they don't nip!), and then they'll get back up and walk around again- it's really quite funny. But when they rub up and kind of turn their butts toward us, we pet the top of their head and backs. Each time they come back at me, I pet them again. When they push their heads at our hands, (instead of standing with their backs or side to us), we hold our hands like we're making a sideways "C" in sign language, and they'll push their heads into it, and we push our thumb and forefinger really hard on their cheeks. I'll also use the sides of my fingers to run them along their cheeks, and I do push hard - because they do.
We also use a dog brush on them - not actually a curry comb, but one that has lots and lots of little teeny wire bristles to catch hair. This is their favorite brush, and we push it pretty hard against their cheeks and under their neck. So, I guess they do like it pretty rough! (I love using this brush, because it catches so much hair. We brush them at least once a day, and often more because they love it so much!!!) It took a few tries to get them used to the brush. They kept trying to bite it at first. Now when we get the brush out, they come running.
But, all in all, I'd say it seems that they all love being loved - but that, for some reason, they can only take so much of it, and sometimes not a lot at all. Spooky is the only one that will hop up next to us, sit with us and want pets. The boys only want pets when they're walking around, pushing against our legs, ankles and/or the corner of the chair or couch.
They will lie down next to us, but if I reach over to pet them, then they'll get up and leave. If I don't pet them, they'll stay for a long time.
Shelly does sit on Gary's lap, and spend quite a bit of time there - but only if Gary isn't touching him or if he's brushing him - not if he's petting him.
Weird, hunh?
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All my cats enjoy good hard rubs. It amazes me sometimes but they lean into it and just shake and lick my hand. I have one Ripster who loves head rubs. As hard as we rub her, she demands more, and if we stop quickly she gets highly annoyed. You want to be careful and not overstimulate them and get bit, but for the most part all of my cats love the good hard rubs at least once a day.
Yep! That's definitely what Lucky likes. She does the same thing, pushing her nose into our hands like that. We hold them in the "c" shape too, but more like a "u" and she'll go right up and push through. It's funny, I just read in another section about cats putting their butts in your face as they walk around your head - guess what??? Lucky does that with us, too. I couldn't believe that was a good thing. I'm telling you...she's a little lover when she wants to be. I can't imagine how it's going to be when she gets run of the house, though. Now she's starting to really "investigate" the room. She'll try pulling books off the shelf part of the headboard. I'm pretty sure the room is "cat proofed" but you know how that goes, it's possible to miss something. With how worried I always am about her...
She'll come over to get petted, and lay right next to you - sometimes fairly close to the edge of the bed and then she'll stretch way out and almost falls off. Lately, I've caught her before she had the chance to fall and it doesn't even phase her. However, it does seem like she knows I'm trying to keep her safe - I don't know how I know this, but if you could see the turnaround between us lately - you'd understand. I'm spending more time in there verses my better half - and although she still cherishes him, I think I'm not too far behind.
I know, you've all heard it before, but I am just bursting with love for that little one!!! My other girls, too, but this is just so...different somehow. Maybe because we've had to work kind of hard to earn that love from her???
Also, she's starting to stay by the door when the other girls go by. If they just pass by, she just watches - no hissing or growling. If they stop to peer in, she's under the bed (watching) or she'll hold her ground and growl and hiss for a bit. We haven't had another episode of that "spit, crackle sound" thank goodness. That was truly creepy.
That's it for now.
She'll come over to get petted, and lay right next to you - sometimes fairly close to the edge of the bed and then she'll stretch way out and almost falls off. Lately, I've caught her before she had the chance to fall and it doesn't even phase her. However, it does seem like she knows I'm trying to keep her safe - I don't know how I know this, but if you could see the turnaround between us lately - you'd understand. I'm spending more time in there verses my better half - and although she still cherishes him, I think I'm not too far behind.
I know, you've all heard it before, but I am just bursting with love for that little one!!! My other girls, too, but this is just so...different somehow. Maybe because we've had to work kind of hard to earn that love from her???
Also, she's starting to stay by the door when the other girls go by. If they just pass by, she just watches - no hissing or growling. If they stop to peer in, she's under the bed (watching) or she'll hold her ground and growl and hiss for a bit. We haven't had another episode of that "spit, crackle sound" thank goodness. That was truly creepy.
That's it for now.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #210
Little Lucky is so funny. She has this mat that you put catnip in and usually it's moved under one of the dressers each morning when I get up. Well, this morning I couldn't find it under either of the dressers. Here it was under the bed - right in the middle. I must mention all her toys are there as well. Looks like I've got a little toy horder on my hands. She's too funny. She really is becoming a lovable cat!
She's also on a mission to remove tags from anything in her reach. Last night she kept trying to tear the tag off of the bottom of the bed sheet. Finally, Kevin got up and tore it off himself. We are so amused by all her curiousity right now, but I told Kevin, I think we're really in for it when she gets free rein of the whole house. I must definitely cat proof!!! Big time.
No complaints mind you! I'm just thrilled to be where we're at - seeing as I was feeling somewhat negative in the beginning.
She's also on a mission to remove tags from anything in her reach. Last night she kept trying to tear the tag off of the bottom of the bed sheet. Finally, Kevin got up and tore it off himself. We are so amused by all her curiousity right now, but I told Kevin, I think we're really in for it when she gets free rein of the whole house. I must definitely cat proof!!! Big time.
No complaints mind you! I'm just thrilled to be where we're at - seeing as I was feeling somewhat negative in the beginning.
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Just curious Sandi- when was the last time you sat down and read this thread all the way through? What a growing experience you have been through with her. I am so proud of all 3 of you!
Sandi - our cats are tag attackers too! They just can't resist. And they LOVE the boogie mat!!!!! They went so bonkers over it, we had to get another one, because they wouldn't share. LOL!!!!!
I'm SO SO HAPPY to hear how wonderful all of you are doing! She is so obviously happy - what GREAT kitty parents you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep the stories coming!!!!! What will we do when she's taken over the whole house? You'll have to move your stories to the Cat Lounge for everyone to see!
Laurie
I'm SO SO HAPPY to hear how wonderful all of you are doing! She is so obviously happy - what GREAT kitty parents you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep the stories coming!!!!! What will we do when she's taken over the whole house? You'll have to move your stories to the Cat Lounge for everyone to see!
Laurie
It's funny you should ask me that, Hissy. I've been working on Lucky's story (for the Paws & Reflect thread) and started reading this the other night and had to stop for a bit as it was getting late. I can't believe how much progress we've made in a fairly short time. That is on my agenda to read through it all one of these afternoons.:tounge2:
And Laurie, as far as those boggie mats...aren't they the greatest? The first night Kitty wouldn't leave hers, but the next day she ended up getting ill (threw up) and I fully believe it was too much of a good thing. Now she will sit/lay/etc on it for a bit and then go lounge in her chair (gee, used to be my chair, but it's been taken over). Lucky absolutely loves her boogie mat and I think it's actually helped her become more social with us. They each also have these refillable catnip mice they love, but we have to take those away (when the girls aren't looking, of course) from time to time as they can get them pretty riled up.
I just printed out this whole thread and plan to read it tonight. That way I can finish up Lucky's story for Laurie's project and really see how far we've come. I'm sure I'll be amazed. Time just seems to be flying by and with it something new comes along with our little Lucky. I can't imagine what life would be without her at this point.
And Laurie, as far as those boggie mats...aren't they the greatest? The first night Kitty wouldn't leave hers, but the next day she ended up getting ill (threw up) and I fully believe it was too much of a good thing. Now she will sit/lay/etc on it for a bit and then go lounge in her chair (gee, used to be my chair, but it's been taken over). Lucky absolutely loves her boogie mat and I think it's actually helped her become more social with us. They each also have these refillable catnip mice they love, but we have to take those away (when the girls aren't looking, of course) from time to time as they can get them pretty riled up.
I just printed out this whole thread and plan to read it tonight. That way I can finish up Lucky's story for Laurie's project and really see how far we've come. I'm sure I'll be amazed. Time just seems to be flying by and with it something new comes along with our little Lucky. I can't imagine what life would be without her at this point.
LOL!!!!!!
Are ANY of your surfaces your own in that room? Gary CONSTANTLY complains that he has no surfaces left - they all belong to the cats! (Except the kitchen counter. Mostly
)
Are ANY of your surfaces your own in that room? Gary CONSTANTLY complains that he has no surfaces left - they all belong to the cats! (Except the kitchen counter. Mostly
I know that Laurie and I will be fighting over Lucky's story when you have it condensed! (Ok, Laurie, ya wanna fight?
) Well, maybe we can just share! It's a great story and a great experience. And just think, Lucky, you have a whole house to take over!
You two are so funny!!!
Nope, Lucky's pretty much taken over all the surfaces in that room. That's why I'm planning on putting the really breakable, special items on the tables in the rest of the house away or in our hutch so they don't get knocked down. I am anxiously awaiting the time when she can explore the rest of the house. She's just so fun to watch!
Oh, and guess what? She's really starting to love me (almost as much as she loves Kevin). She was up on her perch tonight for only 5 minutes before coming right back on my chest to get her pets. (Oh, I just heard her "Heard that Bird" toy chirping - she must be playing). I have to smile. Hopefully Kevin will be able to get some sleep! I wish you guys could all be here when I spend time with her - she's come SO far already. It's incredible to just watch her at play and at rest. Those eyes just show everything she's feeling and thinking! And - I haven't gotten hissed at since she finished this bout of the worm meds. We've got to start them for 5 days again on January 29th. Hopefully, that will do the trick and she'll be on her way to worm free intestines. You can really tell that she's feeling better, too.
Ah, I do go on and on (and on) - but I know you all understand (and probably feel the exact same way about your purring babies!).
Yep, our pets definitely run our lives! I LOVE IT!!!
Nope, Lucky's pretty much taken over all the surfaces in that room. That's why I'm planning on putting the really breakable, special items on the tables in the rest of the house away or in our hutch so they don't get knocked down. I am anxiously awaiting the time when she can explore the rest of the house. She's just so fun to watch!
Oh, and guess what? She's really starting to love me (almost as much as she loves Kevin). She was up on her perch tonight for only 5 minutes before coming right back on my chest to get her pets. (Oh, I just heard her "Heard that Bird" toy chirping - she must be playing). I have to smile. Hopefully Kevin will be able to get some sleep! I wish you guys could all be here when I spend time with her - she's come SO far already. It's incredible to just watch her at play and at rest. Those eyes just show everything she's feeling and thinking! And - I haven't gotten hissed at since she finished this bout of the worm meds. We've got to start them for 5 days again on January 29th. Hopefully, that will do the trick and she'll be on her way to worm free intestines. You can really tell that she's feeling better, too.
Ah, I do go on and on (and on) - but I know you all understand (and probably feel the exact same way about your purring babies!).
Yep, our pets definitely run our lives! I LOVE IT!!!
Sandi you are making wonderful progress! Gosh, it's taken me almost 3 years to get Ophelia into loving me, not just Earl.
Of course, I didn't have all this wonderful assistance.
LOL
BTW, any more pictures of the little love? I'm sure she's grown so much since you brought her in, and we'd love to see her again.
Please?
BTW, any more pictures of the little love? I'm sure she's grown so much since you brought her in, and we'd love to see her again.
I've been meaning to start taking photos of her again, but I get so caught up watching her instead. I will get more pics up when I can. Also, she really hasn't gotten much bigger because she still had worms and we didn't realize it
However, we are treating her for them now and hopefully when those pesky things are totally out of her system, she'll start putting on some weight.
She's pretty active (from 2 am to 5 am) so I'm not sure if she'll put too much weight on too soon.
I know what you mean about not having all this help when you got Ophelia. I don't know what I would've handled all this without all the expert advice. I know I'd have gone crazy!!! This site was a Godsend at the right time. (You're part of that wonderful group by the way!
).
She's pretty active (from 2 am to 5 am) so I'm not sure if she'll put too much weight on too soon.
I know what you mean about not having all this help when you got Ophelia. I don't know what I would've handled all this without all the expert advice. I know I'd have gone crazy!!! This site was a Godsend at the right time. (You're part of that wonderful group by the way!
Hi Sandi,
Just wanted to let you know I have read all the posts in this thread! (gee it took quite some time) but the story of you and your progress with lucky has got me glued! It's also makes me wish I had had all the help you've gotten from here when I got piper. She wasn't a feral, but an abused cat from a shelter who exibithed the same behavior as a feral. She is my first cat and when I got her I didn't know anything about cat's except that I loved them. Since getting her and have searched and read about her beahvior to try and turn her around. She was 3 when I got her, I have only had her for 5 months. Although she is better, because of my lack of knowlegde at the time I think she could have changed a lot more if I knew then what I know now....for example she hid under the bed for 2 days, ate drank and used the litter box, but not when we were around. finally she came out, even head rubbed. But when ever we pet her her tail wagged, and we didn't know that was a bad sign. Then she hissed at all stagners and growl when ever you touch her the wrong way. Even bite for no reason (not piercing skin). She also won't play at all. We've tried every toy you can buy and make. We even built her a cat tree and cubby. She sleeps in the cubby but never played with the tree. It seemed at first she was warming up to us, but now she only wants food and to be left alone, occasionally does friendly things like rub herself on the floor on the carpet. It's really cute! Me and my hubby still love her but wish she would be more happy and playful and show more love and not fear. I am so sorry didn't mean to babble as I do not want to interfere in lucky's story! COngrats I am so happy for you and lucky and can't wait ot hear how it goes when you are all one big family!!!
Just wanted to let you know I have read all the posts in this thread! (gee it took quite some time) but the story of you and your progress with lucky has got me glued! It's also makes me wish I had had all the help you've gotten from here when I got piper. She wasn't a feral, but an abused cat from a shelter who exibithed the same behavior as a feral. She is my first cat and when I got her I didn't know anything about cat's except that I loved them. Since getting her and have searched and read about her beahvior to try and turn her around. She was 3 when I got her, I have only had her for 5 months. Although she is better, because of my lack of knowlegde at the time I think she could have changed a lot more if I knew then what I know now....for example she hid under the bed for 2 days, ate drank and used the litter box, but not when we were around. finally she came out, even head rubbed. But when ever we pet her her tail wagged, and we didn't know that was a bad sign. Then she hissed at all stagners and growl when ever you touch her the wrong way. Even bite for no reason (not piercing skin). She also won't play at all. We've tried every toy you can buy and make. We even built her a cat tree and cubby. She sleeps in the cubby but never played with the tree. It seemed at first she was warming up to us, but now she only wants food and to be left alone, occasionally does friendly things like rub herself on the floor on the carpet. It's really cute! Me and my hubby still love her but wish she would be more happy and playful and show more love and not fear. I am so sorry didn't mean to babble as I do not want to interfere in lucky's story! COngrats I am so happy for you and lucky and can't wait ot hear how it goes when you are all one big family!!!
