About 3 months ago a beautiful cat showed up on my deck. I fell in love with her. I was not sure if she had a home, but I started feeding her anyway. Soon after I started feeding her several other cats started coming for food also. My neighbor (who is not a cat person) decided that he was going to start catching these cats and taking them to the shelter. I felt horrible. About 3 weeks ago I pull into the driveway and my beautiful little kitty was trapped in a cage on his front porch. I freak out. Start knocking on their door, calling them. They agree to let me have her. My husband and I take her immediately to the vet. She had her shots. We were not able to have her fixed at that time, but hopefully will soon. The vet said she is not aggressive, very scared, about 9 months to a year old, healthy, and that she will probally never be a lap cat but anything was possible. We bring her home and I now have her in my office where she is in hiding and has been in hiding for almost 3 weeks. I don't know if I am making any progress with her. She is eating and has been using the litter box since day 1. I sit with her often, however she still runs and hides when I enter the room if she is out. We have toys for her to play with and a cat tree for her to climb on. I can't let her back out because it is not safe. I need some advice. From what I have read about feral cats is that they can be tamed, it just takes time. I want to give her more freedom around the house, but am unsure if I should let her out when she is still not comfortable coming out when I am in the same room with her. I don't believe she is a true feral, but I do know she is very scared. What can I do to help her feel more comfortable in my home? Before she was trapped I could call for her and she would come running. She would eat with me sitting right next to her. Now she hides in my office and is scared to death of me. Help please!!!
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Need advice on taming a feral cat
- Thread starter alexandrajames
- Start Date
I would imagine that she needs some privacy and lot of time.
Maybe let her be alone, just bring in food at certain times, those times should be same every day.
If you can, you could get Feliway diffuser to office, it should help after week or so.
I am in quite similar situation, you can read thread called 3 ferals at snow to get picture where I'm now, but make it short I have now two cats which I don't see much, they hide when I enter the room.
Few tips that might help, always knock to door before you enter, also I tend to say "knock knock, I'm coming in", bit silly perhaps, but it gives cat time to prepare and she will not get caught in middle of something.
Also don't look into eyes, look tail or somewhere between you and cat, but don't look eyes, go low, on your knees, don't be afraid to lie down on ground, she is not so afraid of you when you don't appear so big.
Until she starts to show herself, I think it is best not to pay much attention to her, it is best not to even look where she is, give cat impression that you are minding your own business, filling her water and food bowls, but mostly ignoring the fact that there is a cat.
Cat needs to feel that you are not a hunter and that you are not hunting her, in cat's mind there is only surviving and all others are possible threats to her surviving, so she needs to see that you are not predator.
Humm, what I have found out is that when I humm and do something cats act as they would think I would be preoccupied so that I don't see or hear them, also they seem to like music or at least some tunes.
Play eye games with a cat if you see her or even if you don't, cat is seeing you, close your eyes, turn chin to where you think cat is, it tells her that you are not a threat and trust she being not a threat to you, also don't keep eyes fully open, squint, it is sign of trust.
That is at least what I remember from what I have read, some from my experiences, however I don't quarantee everything being 100% correct, maybe more experienced members can point out if I have some mistakes?
One thing I did read from here was that don't except anything from the cat, I think it is quite well put, keeping that in mind it is easy to act way cat sees trustworthy.
Maybe let her be alone, just bring in food at certain times, those times should be same every day.
If you can, you could get Feliway diffuser to office, it should help after week or so.
I am in quite similar situation, you can read thread called 3 ferals at snow to get picture where I'm now, but make it short I have now two cats which I don't see much, they hide when I enter the room.
Few tips that might help, always knock to door before you enter, also I tend to say "knock knock, I'm coming in", bit silly perhaps, but it gives cat time to prepare and she will not get caught in middle of something.
Also don't look into eyes, look tail or somewhere between you and cat, but don't look eyes, go low, on your knees, don't be afraid to lie down on ground, she is not so afraid of you when you don't appear so big.
Until she starts to show herself, I think it is best not to pay much attention to her, it is best not to even look where she is, give cat impression that you are minding your own business, filling her water and food bowls, but mostly ignoring the fact that there is a cat.
Cat needs to feel that you are not a hunter and that you are not hunting her, in cat's mind there is only surviving and all others are possible threats to her surviving, so she needs to see that you are not predator.
Humm, what I have found out is that when I humm and do something cats act as they would think I would be preoccupied so that I don't see or hear them, also they seem to like music or at least some tunes.
Play eye games with a cat if you see her or even if you don't, cat is seeing you, close your eyes, turn chin to where you think cat is, it tells her that you are not a threat and trust she being not a threat to you, also don't keep eyes fully open, squint, it is sign of trust.
That is at least what I remember from what I have read, some from my experiences, however I don't quarantee everything being 100% correct, maybe more experienced members can point out if I have some mistakes?
One thing I did read from here was that don't except anything from the cat, I think it is quite well put, keeping that in mind it is easy to act way cat sees trustworthy.
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It might take a bit of time, but check out this thread
http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11395
Three weeks hiding is pretty normal. She is used to being able to get away and now that this access is cut off, she is hiding to feel safe.
Avoid any contact with her, just set up a schedule and stick to it so she knows her food, water etc...appears same times every day. See to her litter pan on a schedule and just ignore her (unless you believe she is ill). If you take the pressure off of her- she will relax and come out. They hate to be ignored.
She doesn't sound feral at all, someone's neglected pet or a cat who got lost- did you have the vet scan for a chip?
http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11395
Three weeks hiding is pretty normal. She is used to being able to get away and now that this access is cut off, she is hiding to feel safe.
Avoid any contact with her, just set up a schedule and stick to it so she knows her food, water etc...appears same times every day. See to her litter pan on a schedule and just ignore her (unless you believe she is ill). If you take the pressure off of her- she will relax and come out. They hate to be ignored.
She doesn't sound feral at all, someone's neglected pet or a cat who got lost- did you have the vet scan for a chip?
Welcome to TCS, and THANK YOU for rescuing this kitty!
What's her name?
Cats are all about territory, and she hasn't made your office hers yet. She's on unfamiliar ground, doesn't understand what's happening or why, and she just needs time. But you're doing the right thing, and she WILL love you for it. The bond you'll form will be amazing. Just turn off your clock, and give her all the time she needs. Take a big deep breath, and know we're here to help!
The process of socializing a scared cat is all about earning their trust. The very first things to do are to help kitty understand you want nothing at all from her, and have her associate you as caregiver (especially when it comes to food LOL).
Right now, being confined to your office is best - though if you have no other animals, you may want to move her to your bedroom? There's nothing less threatening than a sleeping human.
But if you spend a lot of time in your office during the day, then keep her there.
Do as many things as you can for her on as fixed a schedule as possible. Clean her litter boxes at the same times every day. Clean her water dish at the same time every day. Clean and fill her food dish (if she free feeds kibble) at the same time every day. Feed her meal(s) of wet food at the same time every day. Cats LOVE routine, and this will REALLY help her settle in. Give a light knock on the door before you go in, and tell her you're coming in.
Otherwise, spend as much time in there as you can - but not trying to interact with her. Just let her get to "know" you and learn how "non-threatening" you are.
Spend as much time as you can down on the floor, with your side facing her. Read a book out loud, fold laundry while you talk to her, knit (while you talk to her), work on a laptop, practice yoga, yawn, stretch, exercise, take a nap, sing, bring DH in there and play a board game or cards on the floor.... whatever you can think of to do or need to do, do in there, on the floor, if you can.
Let her watch, listen, and learn.
Whenever you get up to leave, put a couple of treats out where you were sitting. This will help her come to associate your scent with something she loves.
You can also get a t-shirt really good and sweaty and put it under her food dish.
If you don't have a night lite on in there, it's a good idea to get one. It will make her feel less vulnerable.
If there's a window, put something up by it so she can sit and watch outside. It may take her a while to feel comfortable enough to hop up there, but you can leave treats for her up there.
She probably doesn't know what toys are. You may want to whatever's around outside where you live - a couple of pine cones, maybe some acorns... she may bat those around. But when she starts to get a little more comfortable with you, you might want to try using a wand toy - only making the toy at the end wiggle on the floor at first, and slowly, like a hurt animal. She'll likely be scared of it at first, but that "prey movement" usually ends up getting the best of them. When we rescued Chumley this summer, he was TERRIFIED of the wand toy at first, and it sent him fleeing. It took a week or so, but he stopped fleeing, and began to get really interested in just watching it move. Finally one day he attacked it when it was within reach.
Now he's a play maniac. But do not ever leave any wand toys out anywhere she can access them. Ferals/strays that have lived outside for some time tend to eat the string, and this can require surgery to fix.
Do you already have a Feliway plug-in going? If not, if you can afford it, that's definitely something to consider.
You can also either leave a radio playing on a classical station, or you can buy some harp music and leave that playing for her. A lot of classical music isn't actually very calm, and ferals seem to LOVE harp music. http://www.amazon.com/Harp-Hope-Dian.../dp/B000CADMS0
These are other music alternatives:
http://www.catfaeries.com/music-for-cats.html
http://www.musicmypet.com/
Also, most health food stores will carry Bach Flower Essences, specifically Rescue Remedy. You can add a few drops to her water (that's all it takes, it's not a "more is better" kind of thing). There is a spray, but for scared cats, drops in the water is best.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...LAID=525395526
Don't worry about her "freedom." Right now she's missing the territory she knows, and she has NO IDEA how happy she's going to be. Having more space she doesn't know or feel comfortable in won't help right now.
She'll be running to you when you call again, and she'll eat with you sitting right next to her. This WILL happen. Rescuing her was the best gift you could give her. The next best gift, right now, is just as much time as she needs to realize what a wonderful gift she's been given.
Cats are all about territory, and she hasn't made your office hers yet. She's on unfamiliar ground, doesn't understand what's happening or why, and she just needs time. But you're doing the right thing, and she WILL love you for it. The bond you'll form will be amazing. Just turn off your clock, and give her all the time she needs. Take a big deep breath, and know we're here to help!
The process of socializing a scared cat is all about earning their trust. The very first things to do are to help kitty understand you want nothing at all from her, and have her associate you as caregiver (especially when it comes to food LOL).
Right now, being confined to your office is best - though if you have no other animals, you may want to move her to your bedroom? There's nothing less threatening than a sleeping human.
Do as many things as you can for her on as fixed a schedule as possible. Clean her litter boxes at the same times every day. Clean her water dish at the same time every day. Clean and fill her food dish (if she free feeds kibble) at the same time every day. Feed her meal(s) of wet food at the same time every day. Cats LOVE routine, and this will REALLY help her settle in. Give a light knock on the door before you go in, and tell her you're coming in.
Otherwise, spend as much time in there as you can - but not trying to interact with her. Just let her get to "know" you and learn how "non-threatening" you are.
You can also get a t-shirt really good and sweaty and put it under her food dish.
If you don't have a night lite on in there, it's a good idea to get one. It will make her feel less vulnerable.
If there's a window, put something up by it so she can sit and watch outside. It may take her a while to feel comfortable enough to hop up there, but you can leave treats for her up there.
She probably doesn't know what toys are. You may want to whatever's around outside where you live - a couple of pine cones, maybe some acorns... she may bat those around. But when she starts to get a little more comfortable with you, you might want to try using a wand toy - only making the toy at the end wiggle on the floor at first, and slowly, like a hurt animal. She'll likely be scared of it at first, but that "prey movement" usually ends up getting the best of them. When we rescued Chumley this summer, he was TERRIFIED of the wand toy at first, and it sent him fleeing. It took a week or so, but he stopped fleeing, and began to get really interested in just watching it move. Finally one day he attacked it when it was within reach.
Do you already have a Feliway plug-in going? If not, if you can afford it, that's definitely something to consider.
You can also either leave a radio playing on a classical station, or you can buy some harp music and leave that playing for her. A lot of classical music isn't actually very calm, and ferals seem to LOVE harp music. http://www.amazon.com/Harp-Hope-Dian.../dp/B000CADMS0
These are other music alternatives:
http://www.catfaeries.com/music-for-cats.html
http://www.musicmypet.com/
Also, most health food stores will carry Bach Flower Essences, specifically Rescue Remedy. You can add a few drops to her water (that's all it takes, it's not a "more is better" kind of thing). There is a spray, but for scared cats, drops in the water is best.
Don't worry about her "freedom." Right now she's missing the territory she knows, and she has NO IDEA how happy she's going to be. Having more space she doesn't know or feel comfortable in won't help right now.
She'll be running to you when you call again, and she'll eat with you sitting right next to her. This WILL happen. Rescuing her was the best gift you could give her. The next best gift, right now, is just as much time as she needs to realize what a wonderful gift she's been given.
Indeed, feral needs really long time to just let someone near her and if trapped inside first my samples did try go trought the walls.
Other has had over week of captivity other 4 days and they start to accept there is no way to escape from the room, but it takes really lot of time with ferals and these two are perhaps semi ferals as I already got them to eat from hand and they do know me from last autumn, so having completely alien feral inside would be even more of a challenge.
JTbo, your advice is just great! You've learned a lot and remember well!!
BTW, do you need help searching for a low-cost spay clinic? If you could share the county in which you live, or a city of some size near you, we can help you find one.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #8
Thank you all so much for the advice. No I don't think the vet scanned her for a chip, but I'm not sure. I have never been able to touch her. Until I took her to the vet, I didn't even know if she was a she or not. I would like to get her fixed, but I think it would be best to wait until she is more comfortable. I just want to do what is right for her. I know that she cannot go back outside. I have been reading everything I can about feral and semi-feral cats. To my knowledge there are no organizations where I live that help with feral cats. Any advice on how to help get a TNR organization started?
Alley Cat Allies and Best Friends are the two national cat advocacy organizations, and both have great resource libraries.
http://www.alleycat.org
http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehom...sourcelibrary/
We didn't start a TNR org, we just started TNRing. We bought a trap, and chatted with the local vet. We bring home baked goods for all the staff all the time.
We get a discount on the cost of spaying and neutering, and they let us board the cats overnight (for males) and for two nights (for females), so we don't have to keep them in the trap during recovery.
But if you want to search for TNR orgs, or low-cost spay/neuter clinics, Pets911 and Petfinder are great places to start.
http://www.pets911.com
http://www.petfinder.com
At Petfinder you can search for shelters in your area. They'll describe what they do, and you may be surprised to find that some have TNR programs.
Other sources of info:
http://www.StrayPetAdvocacy.org
http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/OVERVIEW_RESOURCES
http://www.feralcat.com/
http://www.alleycat.org
http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehom...sourcelibrary/
We didn't start a TNR org, we just started TNRing. We bought a trap, and chatted with the local vet. We bring home baked goods for all the staff all the time.
We get a discount on the cost of spaying and neutering, and they let us board the cats overnight (for males) and for two nights (for females), so we don't have to keep them in the trap during recovery.
But if you want to search for TNR orgs, or low-cost spay/neuter clinics, Pets911 and Petfinder are great places to start.
http://www.pets911.com
http://www.petfinder.com
At Petfinder you can search for shelters in your area. They'll describe what they do, and you may be surprised to find that some have TNR programs.
Other sources of info:
http://www.StrayPetAdvocacy.org
http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/OVERVIEW_RESOURCES
http://www.feralcat.com/
What a story!! And I am so happy that you were able to see her in that trap that day at your neighbor's. It sounds like she was meant to be your cat.
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Some very good advice has already been given
and I will not add too much more. Keep this cat in that "safe" room, do not let the cat have a larger area yet... This could take many weeks. Spend as much time in the room as possible, reading out loud, talking quietly to the cat, no eye contact. You can play a quiet radio/or TV if you have one in the room. Feliway is a great idea to add as well. I always put a t-shirt with my smell. I would sleep in a night shirt and then put that in Magilla's tent (her hiding place) on her bed. I would change out the t-shirt everyday with the one I slept in the night before
. I would also sit in her room when I brought her the wet food. I would just sit in there and be quiet reading or writing and she eventually started eating with me in the room. It just takes alot of patience. After she starts eating in your company, you can start to try to get her to play with an interactive wand toy. Don't move fast with it, this is only to get her interest on that toy and off you and bring out the hunt in her which she naturally has. This will start building trust and happiness to her. It is all about trust with these ferals, and some are quicker to come around than other's. Trust, patience and more patience are the recipe for bringing these wonderful cats around. Feral's make the most loving and loyal cats. Magilla has been in my house for about three months now. And just two days ago, she has finally approached me on the couch for pets and loving. She is totally trusting of me now and I can pick her up and snuggle her and kiss on her. She loves the attention and is almost more loving than my other babies!!!!! It is a very rewarding process and don't expect anything from her or rush the process in any way. She will sense this. There is no one time frame for how long this will take and I like to tell people to really enjoy the tiny steps they make as it is an amazing feeling when they start trusting. Just let her come around in her own time.. for your sweetheart
Some very good advice has already been given
From my experience, it's better to have her spayed first and then try to tame her. Once she goes into heat, she'll be under constant stress and won't pay any attention to you. And she'll keep trying to escape. It's much easier to tame a spayed cat. So if I were in that situation, I'd have her spayed ASAP and go from there.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #12
Thank you all again for the advice. This morning I left some wet food out for Luna. I sat in the room with her for about 15-20 and then had to go get my husband and daughter off to work and school. I went back a little later, maybe a hour, and she was out eating and did not run off when I opened the door and peaked my head in. I was so happy. I just said hi and then closed the door and let her be. I know it's small, but it's better than anything else. I hadn't seen her out in 3 weeks!
Sounds like progress to me! Good for you (and for Luna).
Wishing you all the best. I'll confirm what the others have said on here: the little milestones are really rewarding. My out-and-out feral (who lives in my barn) now lets me see her and talk to her from about 25 feet away now, as long as she's near her hidey-hole. Four months ago, distance didn't even come into the equation: she simply didn't want to be seen. So I reckon you're coming along nicely.
Wishing you all the best. I'll confirm what the others have said on here: the little milestones are really rewarding. My out-and-out feral (who lives in my barn) now lets me see her and talk to her from about 25 feet away now, as long as she's near her hidey-hole. Four months ago, distance didn't even come into the equation: she simply didn't want to be seen. So I reckon you're coming along nicely.
If you haven't already, check out Best Friends Animal Society's web page. They have a brochure called "Socializing Very Shy or Fearful Cats". Almost by definition, stray or feral cats are very fearful.
I second what ever one has said; patience, patience, patience. Also always helps to get down to their level physically: sit on the floor, never stand. I look like King Kong to the feral/stray cats I'm taking care of--and I'm a 5 foot tall 90 pound weakling.
I second what ever one has said; patience, patience, patience. Also always helps to get down to their level physically: sit on the floor, never stand. I look like King Kong to the feral/stray cats I'm taking care of--and I'm a 5 foot tall 90 pound weakling.
I have minor difficulties to appear as small too 6.2 feet and 300 pounds
Oh yes, don't keep your fingers straight, make them curled, for cat that is nails out / nails in thing, that along with no eye contact has done wonders for my cats.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #16
Well, I got home about a hour ago and Luna is back to hissing at me, some soft meows too! I like those better than the hissing, but it's ok. I have been getting down on her level from the start. My husband, however, I don't think realized what he was getting into. He has never really been a cat guy. He knew that I had been feeding Luna for a while and was ok with that. He has also been very supportive of me bringing her into our house and keeping her. I have now pretty much banned him from entering the room unless he is going to follow the rules (no hovering over her, trying to pet, etc.) I think he thought she was just going to be a regular house cat from the beginning. He is learning though. I am too. Until Luna I never knew about feral cats or semi-ferals or about shelters just putting them down or about TNR programs. I am looking forward to helping many more ferals in my area. And I have my husband's support. Thank you all for your advice and support. It means a lot.
Yes - during the process of socialization, there will be many small victories and plenty of setbacks. Sometimes it's three steps forward and one step back, and sometimes it's one step forward and two steps back. Sometimes the kitties get so mixed up they'll get to the point they want a pet - at first - and purr and kind of hiss at the same time.
But really, even the hissing is a good sign! It means she's getting more comfortable in the space!
Mine are different animals during day and night, in dimly lit room at night or late evening cats have much more courage, if you keep making notes about time when Luna is more tolerant you should find that it is evening or very early morning around time of sunrise or bit before.
I always rub their bowls with my hands, so that there is my scent around when they eat, also I rub floor next to bowls, they should connect my scent and food that way together and that also should help in making bond.
I always rub their bowls with my hands, so that there is my scent around when they eat, also I rub floor next to bowls, they should connect my scent and food that way together and that also should help in making bond.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #19
I have been trying to feed her wet food early in the a.m. (5a or so) before anyone else in my house is up. I leave dry food out for her all the time. Last night, however, I did give her a late night treat (a little tuna). I sat in the far corner of the room, talking to her softly. She stuck her head out from behind the big mirror leaned against a wall that she has made her safe spot. She just looked at me. I sat still talking to her softly. She did this a few times but never came out totally to eat. She can also see me entering and exiting the room from the other side of the mirror. Today I have been sitting with her most of the afternoon. I think she is curious and wants to come out but is still way too scared. At night I have been leaving a night light on for her, as well as a lamp on during the day. It stays pretty dark in her room even with the blinds open. This morning I did see her leaving her litter box, which is on the other side of the room, I think I interrupted her. As she moved across the room she wasn't as close to the ground as normal and actually stopped to look at me and took a sniff of some food before going back behind her mirror. So I think maybe she is relaxing just a little bit. I think it is going to take a lot of time, but that's ok, I've got time. Like I said I fell in love with her the first day I saw her. Thank you so much for all of the advice, anything else is much appreciated. I think I may try to do late night treats just to see what happens.
Curiosity will win in the end!
