Is it ok.....

That Monks is still spending 3/4 of her time under the sofa in my bedroom? It will be two weeks out of the crate this Monday. She'll come out from under the sofa to play (she love Da Bird), mutual groom with another cat, to be brushed by me, etc. She has gotten comfortable coming up on the bed and has fallen asleep there a few times too, BUT she only stays out for short periods of time.

Feeding is a little tricky because she's afraid to boldly go up to her bowl. She sort of sneaks over instead of feeling confident and comfortable to just eat. I've even put the food very close to the sofa a few times when I've felt she wasn't eating much.

She has a fear of quick movements, hair (don't know what the heck that's about), feet walking across floor, etc.

Is all of this normal and ok?

Is there anything else I should be doing to help get her used to spending more time out?

Thanks!

Yep, everything is normal. (I just skimmed your other thread about Monks.)

I'm not sure at this point is Monks was feral or stray... from the information you gave I'm leaning toward feral. Either way, she's quite young, and you have plenty of wiggle room in socializing her.

However, you just need to "turn off the clock" of your expectations about how fast she should be coming along. :nod: She will progress on her own schedule, your needs notwithstanding. :lol3:

Just keep doing what you're doing, and she'll get used to you. slowly but surely.

speakhandsforme said:

However, you just need to "turn off the clock" of your expectations about how fast she should be coming along.

She will progress on her own schedule, your needs notwithstanding.

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Point taken.

I couldn't agree more with what Speakhandsforme said I also think Monks has made great strides and will do more on her OWN time schedule, not yours! :lol3: Your doing a great job and doing everything right. I have to add that even though, for example, my Perla was socialized as a very young kitten, she still shows signs of fear when approached and will dart off. Her two brothers are the opposite of her now. They are all almost two years old and have progressed at different speeds and paces. They all are so individual and you can't expect anymore from them than they can give at the present time. I have learned that patience in the long run really pays off. Perkins didn't allow petting till almost 18 months of age BUT now he is a total lovebug with me. :rub: Things will progress and just enjoy the process :winkblue:

Ok. Thank you. You're right. I do have to let her proceed completely on her own schedule. Even though I sound anxious in my posts I don't try to push her outside her comfort zone. I really am very patient and consistent in our daily routine.

This afternoon she took a nap on the bed and let me rest my hand on her the whole time. I thought that was pretty awesome. I think *she* will end up being a snuggle-bug too, but I understand she might not ever be ok with being picked up or having feet racing towards her. Can't say I blame her.

pugsanonymous said:

Ok. Thank you. You're right. I do have to let her proceed completely on her own schedule. Even though I sound anxious in my posts I don't try to push her outside her comfort zone. I really am very patient and consistent in our daily routine.

This afternoon she took a nap on the bed and let me rest my hand on her the whole time. I thought that was pretty awesome. I think *she* will end up being a snuggle-bug too, but I understand she might not ever be ok with being picked up or having feet racing towards her. Can't say I blame her.

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Totally understand about the feeling of "hurry up and be socialized" :lol3: Your doing great btw! Patience and consistency AND don't ever hesitate to come here and express your concerns, frustrations and worries! We all have them when dealing with these types of kitties. It is great to be able to get support here!

What a great feeling that must have been today during nap time! How wonderful. You are on your way with her!!! :winkblue: