Help - I have three adult ferals I am trying to socialize - I'm failing -

I read it - it's basically the same protocol - I have to believe that mine are special circumstances and I would hate to release them in a different area here in the city - if it was a farm or a suburb in which I owned the home and land - then I would do that - thanks for your help - just freaked out because the mom was so quiet - she seems to be trying to save them from me - the beast holding them hostage...

:scratch: The article is about socializing, not releasing.

And if they were that friendly before, they may do OK inside given some time. But I would let them out of those cages into a room you've prepared for them.

You gave us very few details about the situation. Given how friendly they were before and you're living in an urban area now, I would give it a shot and see how it goes. They may be MUCH happier out of those cages, though they may need to hide for a while. I'd let them hide in whatever room you set up as the safe room, and see how it goes before making further decisions.

that's was my thoughts yesterday - the only room is the living room - there's a few hiding places but they can be contained - that's really the only room -

I appreciate your help - sorry I was not clear enough before - I feel more confident now that letting them out of the crates is the best thing...I just needed a little encouragement...
 

Just so long as there are doors that can be closed, so they can be "contained" in that room. Having a defined space will help them feel more secure, and is important for you, so they don't have you hunting them down, wondering where they are. They need to be able to hear and see you, to learn that you're not trying to hunt them, and mean only good things for them.

Vibes for you and the babies. And please feel free to ask questions and post about their progress (or get support for seeming lack of progress!)

they are out of their crates - and I know they are already happier little campers - I've secured the living room which is connected to a dining room that serves as a little home office - they are right now under a dresser - I thought I had blocked that off - the only thing I did not - however , they can see me - I'll let be for a few days and then block it off (or maybe not) I did notice Joey on the back of the couch looking very comfortable last night at one point and Charlie - the little girl - on the other sofa sleeping under a sheet - mama is hiding....they are eating well and I'm hoping this will be better for them -time will tell.

I think you did the right thing. They are used to a 7 year routine with you as their mommy and given that you are not moving them to another outdoor location, this is just exactly right. You've had them confined to where they can get used to the smells and sounds of your indoor world. I think from here on in, it is best to let them find their way around inside within the area you have set for now- and stick to your outdoor routine i.e. feeding times and food and whatever else you did except now it is indoors. Once they begin to get over their fear I would see about engaging them with playthings indoors like string on a stick etc. since that will engage their natural prey instinct and make them more confident and comfortable. I wouldn't suggest this if they didn't know you, but since you are "mom", your presence should be familiar and their fear should melt faster too. I'm not envisioning group hugs, but I think you'll be able do play with them without touching.

I have two feral kitties and in the wintertime on the coldest days I would feed them indoors (with the door to outside still open enough for them to go out). While they were inside I would play with them, no touching of course lol, using a peacock feather or string, and they enjoyed it a lot. 

It sounds like your kitties have been inside before too- just never in a situation where they could not get back out. That is usually scary for them- one of mine literally climbed the walls when the screen door accidentally snapped shut once. 

I know what you mean about taking them with you too. My two outdoor ferals would come with me too, if I ever had to move. They have been with us at least 7 years now too. It's hard to believe it is that long! William, my feral boy, is socialized now- he had to have his tail amputated and I had to bring him in for his recovery. I tried to keep him inside in the evenings just for his own safety, but he cried to go back outside to his wife, Ace . They are inseparable. When he was recovering I combed his fur and brought it downstairs for Ace so she would know he was still there. She knew I'm pretty sure, but it did help her! Ace is totally feral and will never be touched. Whenever I've had to touch her i.e. dab frontline on her neck while she's eating, she gives me a shocked horrified look as if I've molested her LOL. 

they do tug at your heart....thank you so much for cheering me on...I will keep everyone abreast of my progress...

Jane Rivelli said:

they are out of their crates - and I know they are already happier little campers - I've secured the living room which is connected to a dining room that serves as a little home office - they are right now under a dresser - I thought I had blocked that off - the only thing I did not - however , they can see me - I'll let be for a few days and then block it off (or maybe not) I did notice Joey on the back of the couch looking very comfortable last night at one point and Charlie - the little girl - on the other sofa sleeping under a sheet - mama is hiding....they are eating well and I'm hoping this will be better for them -time will tell.

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Aw, that is just GREAT news!!!!!! Yes, they'll be much happier out of those crates! Awww....... :rub: And on the back of the sofa? Under a sheet on the sofa? That's just huge and fabulous!

Under the chest is a great hidey place. :lol3: I'm not sure I'd worry about blocking it off. This was Spooky the first day we moved into a new house. She lived under there for at least a week, coming out only to use the litter box, eat, and drink some water. When she started exploring, it was only at night, and it was more like two weeks that she'd retreat under there during the day. And she'd been inside, socialized for two years at that point, it was just a new place. :lol3:

Just a quick update - the three are out and about - Joey - the son - is enjoying my couches along with his sister (which is a huge surprise) mama came out but would not let me see her - but I did see the back of her so I know she's eating and not just hiding -

This morning I was on my computer and Charlie came out and sat just looking at me - WOW.

Wish I had a camera I could film them when I'm gone ...
 

Aw, all they needed was out of those crates!

I am so proud of you.......!!!!  I would not block anything off.  Let them explore and learn on their own terms.  You are doing a great job!!!

jcribbs said:

I am so proud of you.......!!!!  I would not block anything off.  Let them explore and learn on their own terms.  You are doing a great job!!!

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How are things going?

They are going great - sitting right now with charlie (the little girl) she's on the couch resting - the mother and son are hiding - but yesterday the mom was out with me - and the son sleeps on the couch at night with his sister.

I'm so sorry I didn't understand at first how trusting they already were of you and that they'd been going in and out of your old home. But they're just doing AMAZING! What a wonderful, wonderful thing you've done for them. And I bet you're loving it!!!! :rub:

Well, they did not come in to my other apartment - they would step in when it was real cold but they would not hang out - but the porch - they lived on practically when the weather was nice - just want them to be happy -...

Well sure seems like they are or are going to be very happy.

Thanks for all your help - I was questioning the crates and you gave me the confidence to let them out....

just an update - it's been two months - kitties have settled in pretty good - still running and hiding from me sometimes - but I can sit in the room and they basically just sleep alot - they play at night - one concern - are they happy?  How would I know?

The mother and son are like lovers - lol.....and the little girl seems to be by herself - I wonder if she's okay like that....

also - son does not groom very well and I've noticed fur on his rump area that needs to be brushed out - any suggestions?  Last year was the same - but they were outside and when they cam to eat I would take a brush real quick and get a clump everyday....

any help is appreciated...

Hi Jane - just read through your thread and think what you have done is absolutely incredible how you have taken in these kitties. YES!!!! They are happy. They are playing - at night . They just don't want that deep connection with you, a human, :lol3: yet........ and maybe never. Hard to say. I have three feral kittens that I socialized as babies - i mean just week's old. Perkins and Perla have taken many, many months before they would allow me to walk up to them for pets. Perkins only liked to be head bumped I would have to approach him from a crouched position, coming at him so all he could see was the top of my head and all I could see was the floor. Anyway - now all I do is walk up to him in this manner and I get all the free pets I want not. He loves it. Perla and Perkins are not lap cats - far from it, and I don't care either. I guess I am telling you all this because mine were socialized as teeny, weeny kittens and still have some issues with humans. Yours are much older and I think the progress you have made is truly amazing. :nod:

My Perla is also a loner. Likes to be by herself. She is happy that way and I am sure your girl is the same way. Cats know what they want and what they don't want. They will please themselves this way. That is the cat's nature :lol3: So be assured that they are doing everything that makes them happy. You have a great environment for them and have no expectations. That in itself is going to make this whole process successful

Oh for the son and the grooming. Cats have glands at the base of their tail and lower back area. Sounds like a bit of grease to me. usually, tomcats have that problem, but any cat can have that "greasy" area. If he allows, you certainly can brush him and try to wash the area. Although, not sure how he would appreciate a "wash" of that area. :lol3: Sometimes, diet has a role in this issue as well - the "greasy, dirty" looking coat. Anyhoo - your doing GRAND!!!!!!!!!!