I work at a shelter and we're always getting in wild/feral cats. After some time at the shelter and getting used to people, most become wonderful cats and find great homes. Some take longer than others, but they usually come around. I've seen some pretty bad cases, where I've thought there's no home for a certain cat, but I've even seen them come around and become great companions.
Now my question is, we've recently taken in a feral kitten about 6 months old named Mr. Mush by one of the volunteers. He is located in the lobby in a cat condo. We put the most scared kitties up front as they become socialized and used to people faster. Sounds cruel but actually works. We have signs on their cages that say "look but don't touch... I'm very scared." This has worked very well. But Mr. Mush is one of the worst cases I've ever seen. We can pet him, but he just hunches in the farthest corner of his condo and practically withdraws from his body until it's over. If we walk by and act like we're going to open his cage, he hisses and spits and just puts up a fight. I have not attempted to pick him up, but they were telling me that when he came it, he was just throwing himself against the side in order to try and escape. Poor little guy. We're currently looking for a foster home for him.
I've tried everything that has worked in the past, but nothing seems to be working for Mr. Mush. He needs to learn that it's okay to trust and be petted, but he's just so far gone. I'm worried they're thinking of putting him down. I'd take him if I could but I cannot. Any advice?
Now my question is, we've recently taken in a feral kitten about 6 months old named Mr. Mush by one of the volunteers. He is located in the lobby in a cat condo. We put the most scared kitties up front as they become socialized and used to people faster. Sounds cruel but actually works. We have signs on their cages that say "look but don't touch... I'm very scared." This has worked very well. But Mr. Mush is one of the worst cases I've ever seen. We can pet him, but he just hunches in the farthest corner of his condo and practically withdraws from his body until it's over. If we walk by and act like we're going to open his cage, he hisses and spits and just puts up a fight. I have not attempted to pick him up, but they were telling me that when he came it, he was just throwing himself against the side in order to try and escape. Poor little guy. We're currently looking for a foster home for him.
I've tried everything that has worked in the past, but nothing seems to be working for Mr. Mush. He needs to learn that it's okay to trust and be petted, but he's just so far gone. I'm worried they're thinking of putting him down. I'd take him if I could but I cannot. Any advice?
