Can I make a diference?

At the shelter I volunteer at we have several extremely bad tempered 'forgotten' cats, they are not really forgotten, they are just so timid and nervous of people that they lash out or run when they are approached, these cats are finding it hard to find their forever home, the shelter is a non kill and the cats have space and a lovely sun room that they 'own' the cats are happy but would be even happier if they had their own home and family.

I really want to work with all of these cats and build up their trust. I only volunteer once a week on a Saturday and only have about an hour to spare with them once all the cleaning is done.

Does anyone have any recommendations to help me with these cats, I thought I would just pick one to work with at a time, and see how I go.

Originally Posted by My cat Mellow

At the shelter I volunteer at we have several extremely bad tempered 'forgotten' cats, they are not really forgotten, they are just so timid and nervous of people that they lash out or run when they are approached, these cats are finding it hard to find their forever home, the shelter is a non kill and the cats have space and a lovely sun room that they 'own' the cats are happy but would be even happier if they had their own home and family.

I really want to work with all of these cats and build up their trust. I only volunteer once a week on a Saturday and only have about an hour to spare with them once all the cleaning is done.

Does anyone have any recommendations to help me with these cats, I thought I would just pick one to work with at a time, and see how I go.

Click to expand...

Have patience. Trust doesn't come automatically. You are doing a very good thing. I wish there were more people like you.

I've spent time with a kitty like that. Only, he's in a cage. I just sat, leaned my face into his cage & talked to him for so long. Eventually I was able to pet him. Over time, I can now hold him & get him out of the cage. It takes awhile....

I would go sit in the room & begin to just talk to them. Let them come to you.

Originally Posted by white cat lover

I've spent time with a kitty like that. Only, he's in a cage. I just sat, leaned my face into his cage & talked to him for so long. Eventually I was able to pet him. Over time, I can now hold him & get him out of the cage. It takes awhile....

I would go sit in the room & begin to just talk to them. Let them come to you.

Click to expand...

Sounds good to me.

Echoing the other posters' thoughts, and thanking you so much! Just let the love you feel come through to whomever you're working with; cats are much more sensitive than people, and they will pick up on it immediately, though it may take more time than that for a frightened or depressed cat to respond. The more time you spend, talking softly and communicating good thoughts, the better the cat will like it and, in time, (s)he will hopefully blossom. NO CAT IS UNADOPTABLE!!!

We've had *ridiculous* success with our feral, Molly.

All we've done is speak to her in *very* soft tones, and always complimentary. I tell her how beautiful she is, that she's our pretty girl, and how grateful we are that she allowed us to be part of her life. We keep our voices low and soothing, and talk to her only when we can see her (when she isn't hiding). She seems less intimidated that way.

Also, we let her come to us. I usually still keep my hands covered, because she does sometimes still scratch at us, but I will move very slowly and lower my hands to her level. She can "pet herself" on them if she chooses to do so, but I never push the issue.

I also tend to think that it's a good idea not to hover over an unsocialized cat. Keep in mind that as far as feral cats are concerned, you're a predator. If you stand over them, you seem like a threat to them. It's better, IMO, if you sit down when you're attempting to communicate with them, preferably on the floor and preferably with some protection for hands and face

I agree with the other posters here and I COMPLETELY understand your frustration. I find myself drawn to the shy and frightened cats. I make a point of working with them in hopes of helping them get adopted. If they are out and there is room and you're already wearing "cleaning" clothes, sit on the floor so you are not so physically threatening. Talk to them, hand them toys, and maybe treats and yes, let them come to you. I haven't met a cat yet that doesn't like to rub on a poked out index finger!

And good for your for caring so much!

its seems like great advice that you all are posting, Thank you, I hope to put it in practice on Saturday.

That's really cool. A scared kitty who hides in the back of the cage, hisses or swats at people and generally acts unfriendly is very hard to place. I have one little black female right now who runs from people. But once you get her trust she is such a love-bug! She will now come out of the cage and jumps up on the storage bench where I am sitting, nudges me and walks back and forth across my lap. She is very shy and startles easily - will run back to the safety of the cage, but she is coming along. She will also come to the edge of the cage and meow for me. She will finally now let my boyfriend pet her, too. She even climbed in his lap!

She will always be shy, but will make someone a great loving pet IF I can get her adopted.