Sucker for a pretty face

About six weeks ago, a very large buff male turned up injured (lacerated forepaw and right ear stripped entirely of fur) outside my office. We're in an industrial park area, so I knew he was probably feral. I had some tuna on hand, so I dished it up and brought it out to him. He loped away from me, but didn't go far. He ate up all the tuna and spent the rest of the day hiding in the bushes. At the end of the day, he sauntered away and hasn't been seen since.

But, he set me in action and I immediately began doing research into feral cat colonies and TNR. I attended a class at our local SPCA and was introduced to the traps and techniques. I made arrangements to borrow a trap and set up a spay/neuter appointment. Meanwhile, I began leaving a dish of food out every evening as I left the office.

I caught my first one a week ago, a stinky little gray tabby with the sweetest face. He put up hardly any fuss when I transported him home and then to the vet the next morning. He had his surgery, rabies shots and tested negative for FeLV and FIV. The vet figures he's about 6 mos old and in good physical condition.

I had planned to release him after two days of recuperation, but, since he's fairly young, I thought I'd make an attempt at socialization. This may be a rookie mistake on my part, but I want to give this beauty boy a chance to live in comfort and be loved.

So, last Friday, I set him up in a large dog kennel that contains a small cat carrier and small litter box. I have covered the kennel with towels and I've installed a Feliway plug-in in the nearest outlet. The room is kept dark and quiet, with only a small night light kept burning (the room has no window, so it would be pitch black without it).

He has been well-behaved so far; he allows me to open the cage to refill his food dish and remove and replace his litter box without hissing or swatting at my gloved hand. I keep up a smooth patter of gentle talk when I'm in the room, but he is still too fearful to attempt eating while I'm in the room. My daughter also brings him food and observes the same protocols.

He has not yet been discovered inside the carrier, but he does spend a lot of time sitting on top of it when he isn't cowering in the litter box. I think I'll give him a Tshirt I've slept in as a cushion for the top of the carrier as a way to get him accustomed to human smells.

I realize that because he's an adolescent instead of a young kitten, this could be a long process with no guarantee of success. I promised myself I'd release him to his colony if life indoors proves too stressful for him.

Anyway, I'm happy to receive advice and counsel, and any encouragement I can get!

Welcome to TCS and you have done a wonderful thing for this beautiful boy. You are on the right track with socialization. I find that funny that he doesn't retreat into the carrier when you come into to feed and visit. The slept in nightshirt with your smell on it is the way to go and try to replace it each day or so. You can put the t-shirt inside of the carrier. I would spend as much time near the crate as you can, talking, reading and opening the cage door and just resting your hand near the kitty. When you are not there, leave a radio on soft, the voices and music will get the kitten used to human voices.

After a week or two in the crate and you are making some progress, do you have a small room or bathroom you can move the crate into? And then start leaving the door open on the dog crate for a day or two before you take the dog crate away. but leave that carrier in the room for a hiding place. If you do choose a bedroom, make sure to take away the frame on the bed so the bed sits directly on the floor. You do not want the kitten to get somewhere you cannot reach him or get close to him. And as you already have done, plug in the Feliway diffuser in that room as well.

Do you have other cats? If so, I would keep them away from the kitten for a little bit. Although, the kitten would probably love the company of the other cats, and I found that Magilla came out of her shell more in her room when I allowed my cats in her room. But don't do this until you know the kitten is totally free of any possible illness and parasites.

I am positive you can bring this little guy around. Magilla was six months when she was trapped too, and three months later, she is extremely affectionate towards me and seeks me out for snuggles. She loves my other cats and plays with them everyday. Every feral is different in how quickly they come around though. It did take almost two months before Magilla was totally trusting of me and I now can stand up and move around and she just follows me instread of running off to hide. Even hand-raised kittens can have out-going personalities or shy personalities, and ferals are the same. The main issue with the feral is building that trust with you. Once you have that, you are well on your way to having a loving and loyal cat.

Welcome to the Forums!

You did start sharply, and right on the right trace!

Learned the handbook, and thus - you can go by the handbook, as it seems you really do!


The sweaty t-shirt. I think you should wait a little. It is a good trick, but useful first when you are associated with positive values.

As yet and now, you are his may-be enemy... So wait a little, a week or two.

After it, I think too you could - and should try.

Good luck!

I do not agree with waiting on scent association. This will make your newly trapped feral more comfortable the sooner your smell is associated with comfort, and the quicker the better. You can also put the t-shirt with your smell under the feed bowls as well. This will associate your smell with the necessity for survival, food. . Ferals come to rely on scent association and since day one of you trapping this cat and day one of your feeding of this cat, he already has your smell. So the sooner you incorporate that into his environment, the better, IMHO.

Thanks, Feralvr, for the response.

The crate is being kept in a storage room/small office that is part of the attic space over my garage. I expect to begin leaving the cage door open in a few weeks after he starts to show less fear.

We have two other cats who have been kept away from the room he's in. I don't plan to introduce them until he's more relaxed and trusting.

I'll update more as the story develops. Thanks everyone for the welcome.

Perfect set-up for this boy then . And please do keep us updated and I wish you much luck with this kitty

Wow, what a wonderful thing you're doing!

This is a great site for help and advice - sounds like you've got a good plan already.

And yes - it's best not to worry about introductions until he's made his safe room "his." I realize he doesn't even have free run of the room yet. Before he does, just ensure that it is "cat proof." I don't know if it has beams or rafters, but those can be tricky. One rescuer had one bolt up and not come down, so she ended up putting litter box, food and water for kitty up there. I think the cat lived up there for a year or more before coming down. But cats have flexible collar bones, so anything their head will fit into, they can get into.

Personally, I like to put the t-shirt under the food dish first. Also, if you sit in the room and read out loud or work in there or something (just give him time to check you out LOL), leave treats behind where you were sitting. That will help him associate your scent with food. IMO associating you with food is the first real step in the process.

Please do keep us posted. And feel free to ask away.

I also think what you are doing is great

I have found myself in a similar situation. I'm also just learning about feral cats. Luna is about 9 months old and is still hiding in my office. She is slowly starting to come around. From what I have read it takes lots of love and patience, but it is totally worth it. I fell in love with Luna from day one. Just don't give up!!

This site has given me wonderful advice and support and I am definately thinking of you and your new friend. Good Luck!!

Alexandra,

Thanks, it looks like you're a few weeks ahead of me with your Luna, so I've been reading your messages with interest, hoping they'll give me an idea of what to expect from our little stranger.

He has hissed only once at me, when I tried to persuade him to go into the carrier (by tapping him gently on the back with a wand toy) so I could clean his litter box the first time. He wasn't going to cooperate, so I grabbed my kitchen tongs and pulled the litter box out of the crate while he sat atop the carrier without making a sound or attempting to escape.

When I bring him his food, I'll sit and talk to him for awhile, but he still waits to eat it until I've left the room. It will be a major milestone when and if he relaxes enough to let me be there while he eats.

From what I have read it can take a lot of time for these little kittys to come around. Luna, a few nights ago for the first time, really let out a good hiss at me. I thought I had taken some big steps backward, but this morning she came out from her hiding spot 3 times while I was in the room. Just meowing and 1 very faint hiss. She was just checking me out. Of course she didn't hang around long.

Before she was trapped she had gotten to where she would come out and eat in front of me. I have never been able to touch her. Since I have had her home with me, she hasn't come out to eat yet with me in the room.

I was unable to have her spayed when I first took her to the vet. I am hoping in the next few weeks to be able to do so and have no idea how to get her into a carrier. That will be an experience.

Do you have a name for your little guy yet?

I've heard that the younger the cat is the easier it is to tame them, but I guess it probably depends on the cat too. Your guy is a little younger than Luna is.

I'm wishing you and your new friend lots of luck

Don't give up! You're doing a wonderful thing for this little guy!

Originally Posted by MalibuStacy

...When I bring him his food, I'll sit and talk to him for awhile, but he still waits to eat it until I've left the room. It will be a major milestone when and if he relaxes enough to let me be there while he eats.

Click to expand...

They all go at their own speed (frustratingly enough for us humans who just want to love all over them!) - but he WILL get there!!!!!

BTW, a few things that can help:

Feliway
Harp music (a great one is Harp of Hope: http://www.amazon.com/Harp-Hope-Dian.../dp/B000CADMS0
Bach's Rescue Remedy drops added to his water.

Yes, hang in there!

You are doing just fine, don't worry. Do you have a name? I am so surprised he doesn't hide inside the carrier when you come around. Does he just crouch on top of it?? You could also get one of the ferret hammocks to hang from the top of the crate, I bet he would love that. He might really like to hide up in that, you do have the crate covered with a blanket or towel over the back half of the cage? That will make him feel more secure as well.

He probably feels trapped if he goes in the carrier when you come in. I had a towel on top of my carrier and it hung down about half way over the entrance. Then he might feel safer going in there when you are cleaning. (I wish I could find a diagram of the cage set-up, I am trying to find it on-line). The point of the carrier inside the dog crate is not only for a place for him to hide, but so you can get him into the carrier easily for a trip to the vet if needed. I am pretty sure you don't need to use the kitchen tongs, but understand your thinking. I don't think he will lash out at your hand at all.

For each feeding, make sure you sit near the cage and just read a book and don't look at the cat. The idea is for him to eat when you are present at each feeding. Leave dry food for him, but only offer the wet food when you are there and he has to eat it with you sitting there. They are very, very smart and he will learn quickly to eat that yummy wet food because you are not leaving until he does. He will give in and start eating in your presence. This will take more time on your part, but the early stages of socialization take much more time and effort on your part.

As I sit here typing to you, Magilla, who was six months when I trapped her, is sitting on the couch snuggled up next to my leg. She now seeks me out and is very loving. It has been over three months and this just started two weeks ago. The first month she was terrified when I came anywhere near her cage and couldn't even tolerate eye contact. I spent alot of time sitting by the cage, reaching in the cage, and slowly started petting her. She would plaster herself up against the sides and hiss. But I still gently pet her for a few minutes at a time. That is why the cage is soooooooo important for socialization. You need to start to get very close to this cat so he can't get away from you, start reaching your hand into the cage to clean the litter box and change the food/water bowls. At this point, I do not think he will even attempt to dash out, that crate is his safe place right now.

This is such a rewarding process and you are doing a great job. You do have gently push a little bit each day to get a bit closer so he knows your hands mean love and kindness. Sorry if this is toooooooooo long. I just think it is wonderful what you are doing and want to help if I can or at least think I am helping

Feralvr,

Your advice is so very much appreciated. He finally went into the carrier yesterday; I guess he needed to take his time to be sure he wasn't going into another trap. This morning, I found he had also dug himself a trench at the back of his litter box, and it looked like he had salivated all over the soft catnip toy I had left for him.

I had been giving wet food in the morning and dry in the evening, but I think I should switch so I can spend more time in the room while the tempting wet food is there as you suggested. Perhaps that will help him associate me more with good, yummy things.

I have a Feliway plugged in right next to the crate, and I just burned a CD of harp music that I'll test out on him tomorrow once I dig out my old portable CD player.

I think I'll call him Charley Delisle, after the kid in the Tom Waits song "Kentucky Avenue" who was sitting at the top of an avocado tree. This guy seems like a Charley.

Ok, Charley Delisle it is!! And a great name it is . The harp music is a super idea and he will really appreciate that. Also, the fact that the catnip toy was all salivated on is a really good sign . My cats leave those wet toys on my bed . Charley is really settling in I think. I would feed the wet in the evening when you have more time to sit with him then. He will start to look forward to you at the end of the day with the good stuff.

When you start to reach your hand near Charley, look to the side or below him with your eyes, your hand should be very low, below his head. Don't reach over his head at all at this point. He will probably turn his back to you or flatten himself way back in the carrier facing away. You can start very slowing just stroking his side. If he has his head towards you and down, reach low and just scratch under his chin or the side of his face near his ear. I know you will feel nervous about touching him for the first time and don't do it if you are going to pull your hand away if he hisses and growls at you. If you stay calm, relaxed and confident he will sense that and learn that his scare tactics won't work with you. Avery, one of the ferals I trapped along with Magilla in December was a terror at the shelter. She hissed and growled and absolutely no one would pick her up or even pet her. When I would go she did the same thing to me, but I just reached in and picked her up right away. They just need a very confident person to handle them.. If you are nervous and showing uncertainty or fear, they will sense that and play on that, very intelligent cats. These ferals need to be taught how wonderful being pet and touched, it is just something they don't know. In their minds, you are a big scary monster and they want nothing to do with you so if you never pet them, it is fine with them. That is the beauty in all of this, teaching them love and kindness, it is soooooooo darn rewarding.

There is absolutely no rush to touch him yet if you are not sure about it. I just find that the sooner you can start petting the quicker they start to come around and learn to trust. It took Magilla about four to five weeks before she started enjoying pets and now she begs for pets . She used to hiss and growl too, but I just kept at it. That is the only way, you just have to keep at it and eventually you will reap the rewards of your persistance. Charley will be a great kitty, I am sure!

The other suggestion we found really helpful with our Chumley was when you do need to reach out toward them, do it with your hand in a fist. It looks like a cat head and is even less threatening.

On Saturday, I made the switch to giving wet food in the evening instead of in the morning, and tonight Charley felt bold and hungry enough to eat his dinner with me in the room. I praised him and called him a brave boy. I'll pay another visit at bedtime and offer some chewy treats and a chance for a pat on the head if he's still feeling courageous.

Thanks again to everyone for all your wonderful, helpful suggestions. This forum is a godsend.

That's great news!!!

Sounds like you and Charley are off to a wonderful friendship!

Good luck!

That is a HUGE leap of faith on Charley's part. Wonderful news!!! Isn't is a great feeling when you make these tiny steps in the right direction.... A few steps forward, a few back (this is to be expected) and then alot of steps forward.

I can just "hear" your smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, Charley has gone back to waiting for me to leave before eating; he held out for 45 minutes last night until I had to go make dinner for the household humans. Baby steps, I know...

This weekend will mark two weeks of keeping him in the crate. He has never shown any desire to bolt when I've opened the crate to feed him or clean his litter box, so I think he's ready for me to leave the crate door open. The room is reasonably free of inaccessible hiding places - there is a small dresser in the corner that he can hide under - so I expect he'll continue to use the carrier in the crate as his main hideout when I come into the room.

What do you suppose it means when a cat puts his toys in his water dish? He has taken his fur mousie and chime ball into his carrier, but he has put his catnip strawberry and bouncy ball in his water dish several times. At least I don't have to worry about his poster of Rita Hayworth concealing an escape tunnel.