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I'm seeking advice before I get to the "release" part of this exercise.
Tabitha is a 9 y/o DSH spayed dilute calico. She was born feral on my families farm. She has "domesticated" some, but remains fairly true to her independent/self-sufficient nature. She's been in the house since April 24th, first residing in my bathroom, then being upgraded to living in my bedroom. She was caught due to some health issues - she was very ill. She had a URI, required fluids for a few weeks, had lost most of one of her ears due to frostbite, and was in desperate need of a dental.
May 18th she had her dental, and is down to 3 front fangs. She has issues with eating food - and can only manage certain shapes (she can't eat the normal food I feed the farm kitties).
She is somewhat taming down - but I know the moment I release her she'll be back to her old ways. So I am building an enclosure for her, attached to a shed. She will require ongoing care - weekly ear cleanings, canned food daily, special feedings, etc.
Now - she's doing OK in my bedroom, still shies away from me - but what will happen when I release her into a cage?
She *hates* being crated indoors - and will dump any food/water/litter & try to dig her way out.
Will she freak out & be climbing the walls to escape?
I will have other cats in there with her, but she has always been independent & not really closely bonded to any other cats.
Should I lock her in the shed for a few days to let her adjust?
The enclosure is only started - it's been in the works since May.
We have the space cleared, the lumber, the wire, all the pieces, now they just need to come together. It'll be 6' wide - anywhere from 10 - 20' long.
Tabitha is a 9 y/o DSH spayed dilute calico. She was born feral on my families farm. She has "domesticated" some, but remains fairly true to her independent/self-sufficient nature. She's been in the house since April 24th, first residing in my bathroom, then being upgraded to living in my bedroom. She was caught due to some health issues - she was very ill. She had a URI, required fluids for a few weeks, had lost most of one of her ears due to frostbite, and was in desperate need of a dental.
May 18th she had her dental, and is down to 3 front fangs. She has issues with eating food - and can only manage certain shapes (she can't eat the normal food I feed the farm kitties).
She is somewhat taming down - but I know the moment I release her she'll be back to her old ways. So I am building an enclosure for her, attached to a shed. She will require ongoing care - weekly ear cleanings, canned food daily, special feedings, etc.
Now - she's doing OK in my bedroom, still shies away from me - but what will happen when I release her into a cage?
Will she freak out & be climbing the walls to escape?
I will have other cats in there with her, but she has always been independent & not really closely bonded to any other cats.
Should I lock her in the shed for a few days to let her adjust?
The enclosure is only started - it's been in the works since May.