Made a quick stop past the shelter this afternoon

Where else can I get kitten nuzzles without having to take care of kittens all the time?

They have dilute tortie with beautiful crossed golden eyes. She's friendly, but easily frightened. They have her back in the "fat cat" room, since she wasn't showing well in a cage. I go back there every time I come in and give her a little loving. She loves to be petted, trying to bury her face in my arm.

I went back to pet her a little, then stood around in the lobby talking to some of the shelter employees about various things. After a little while, one of the ladies looked down and here came Jackie around the corner out into the lobby! She's never gone out there before on her own. I sat down on the floor and she mugged me, wanting attention. We came to the conclusion she heard my voice and followed me out there.

So, there may be hope for her yet.

Awwwww!! She wubs you!!!

Seems like it.

I've had good luck with breaking the ice for a number of cats who everyone thought had very little chance. I've seen several who were huddled in the back of their cage the first time I saw them. After taking them back in the play area and loving on them for a while, they've opened up and turned friendly. I think it's just fear, and when they discover being taken out of the cage can result in a pleasant experience, they're more interested in what's going on.

I agree. My Bru is the most loving cat and if you read his papers from the Manhattan SPCA it shows how they can change once they trust people. On the first day they describe him as nervous, hissing unable to handle. 2 days later it says... allows handling and petting VERYfriendly. LOL

Originally Posted by mrblanche

I've had good luck with breaking the ice for a number of cats who everyone thought had very little chance. I've seen several who were huddled in the back of their cage the first time I saw them. After taking them back in the play area and loving on them for a while, they've opened up and turned friendly.

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So I think this should be your specialisation. Cooperate with some good cat shelters and help with that big breakthrough. I.e. do precisely what you are doing, but as much and as systematically as possible.





Or possibly work as a foster yourself in your own home.

The trap to avoid for a good foster is to herself/himself adopt the fostered cats... One or two adopted is good, as a good resident cat is very often a good help in fostering. But several adopted dont leaves place for new fosterings... - It depends of course also on how many cats in total you are prepared to have: 1-2 fosterers and how many residents?? What with eventual kittens??

Thus, a good fosterer shouldnt be turn into "merely" an owner.