Rescued Stray Cat Is Now Terrified Of Me

Hello fellow cat lovers!

I need some advice with building a stray cat's trust.  A little over a month ago a stray cat (she at least seems more stray than feral) started showing up on our porch meowing.  After a few days of this happening, we started putting food and water out for her every evening (she would meow to let us know she was here and hungry).  Well, in the beginning she wouldn’t let us get near her, but after a little while she’d let us get within 10 feet of her.  She also enjoyed chatting with the eldest of my 3 cats (all cats are fixed), Kramer, in the window (I call Kramer the Mother Theresa of cats because he seems to be so loving and accepting new friends ). She started sleeping on our porch overnight and eventually started coming around more often.  I made the decision to save her because she seemed to be in need of some love and good regular meals.  We also decided to name her Sling, which is short for silver lining because see is the silver lining of where we live.   I started moving the food into the doorway until she felt comfortable coming inside to eat.  One day while she was eating inside, I shut the door behind her.  I had left the garage door open so she could just run right in there – which she did.  She was very scared but finally ate some wet food a day later (good sign!) and I believe she peed as I could smell it, but she didn’t use the litter box (not completely unexpected, I’ll be purchasing some attract litter tomorrow morning).  She would also meow once in a while in which I would go out there and calmly talk to her from several feet away.  Talking to her definitely seems to help calm her down.

Unfortunately, the garage could only be a temporary stay for her because we have maintenance crews going in and out of our garage without warning (we live in an apartment) and I didn’t want her to accidentally get out.  I had been hoping to get her to the vet and upon her return put her in the spare bedroom but the vet won’t see her until she can be tamed enough to work with, so I decided to move her to the spare room in the meantime and let her get comfortable in there.  The really unfortunate part was transferring her from the garage to the spare room.  I know I scared her very much.  She was crying and hissing at me pretty much the entire time I tried catching her.  I had put on some thick gloves and tried using a thick robe to catch her (I'm sure in here eyes, I looked like a bear at that point) and also had a large tote nearby that I planned to quickly put her in.  She was incredibly quick and agile and given her small size, she was able to avoid me pretty easily, but not without letting me know she was very unhappy with what I was attempting to do.  At one point, she was behind a box in the corner of the garage, so I set the tote on one end with the lid placed in a way so it could easily be slid onto the tote, and then I came at her from the other end of the box.  She must have been exhausted at that point because she just walked right into the tote.  I put the tote gently on its side in the spare bedroom with the lid slid to the side so she has an opening.  There is an open closet with a blanket, food, and water in it, and a litter box just outside of the closet; all of which are only a few feet in front of the opening of the tote she's in.

The problem is I'm sure she now sees me as a threat and I feel absolutely terrible for how the entire transfer went down.  She was scared of me before, but I think it was just because she was unfamiliar with people but now, after this, she’s terrified of me.  Is there any hope of rehabilitating her and building her trust?  I feel absolutely terrible, but the alternative was to leave this skinny, little cat outside and let the inevitable happen, which I just could not do.  Plus with how much she meowed on our porch, I figured it was only a matter of time before the neighbors got annoyed and called animal control (I had already overheard people talking about how a cat just sits in front of our window meowing all night).  I know if there is hope for building trust that it will take a lot of time, patience, soft sweet talking, and food, especially food, but I’m hoping someone can shed some light on whether or not I can expect Sling to ever trust me or if I’ve damaged her.

Also, I’ve read several of the threads in this forum for advice and I notice many people have taken feral or untamed stray cats to get them checked out.  When I contacted my vet, they said they wouldn’t work with the cat until she was tame enough – which with how long the taming process could take, it could be anywhere from weeks to months from now before they’d examine her.  Are there vets that put cats under to do the exam?  Or is that something that’s typically done at humane societies?  I live in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and don’t know of where else I could take her that would work with a cat that doesn’t allow human interaction, but I’d like to get her in asap to ensure she’s healthy and spay her.  I would also like for Kramer to be able to meet her seeing how they seemed to have grown fond of each other.  I think he could help in the rehabilitation process, but of course won’t let them meet until I know Sling’s healthy.

Sorry for the lengthy post!  Any advice is super appreciated!

Thank you!

Samantha

P.S. Not sure if this will be helpful, but I think she's a young cat.  She's definitely not a kitten, but is so small that I think she must be only a year or so old.  Or she could just be a very small adult cat (maybe around 5 lbs, but I'm not the best at weight judgement).  Also, when I say "she" I really don't know.  She may be a he, but I have just get the feeling the Sling's a she. (My profile picture is a picture of her.)

Well what a story of a wonderful rescue. Sling IS a girl because she is a torte and all torte's and calico's are female. I am picturing the "garage tote" capture and am just bowled over that you were able to do that. YOU HAVE NOT ruined your chances with her. Not at all. Yes, she is going to be very frightened for a day or two until she settles into that spare room and calms down. I would get some Feliway going in that room. It is a plug in and will help her to calm, hopefully. I would google on your computer Trap/Neuter/Return organizations in your county or surrounding counties. They will help you find a vet who will work with this scaredy cat. Believe me, there has to be a vet who will work with this cat. Sometimes, they want them in a trap so they can easily sedate them. Check with the TNR orgs or local humane societies, they will know a vet. She does sound like a feral cat BUT with an outgoing personality and you have that in your corner. IF she is reverted feral (had human imprinting as a kitten then abandoned to fend for herself) then she will come around fast as lightening. You will see. I honestly don't think age has anything to do with socializing a feral cat. I have socialized "senior" ferals that have made the decision to give up the outdoor life for good and seem to want that connection. They are all different and can't be lumped into category together. The following article written by a long time member here with excellent feral skills will help you tremendously. I like offering up this article because it saves us from having to write it all out over and over. :lol3: Thanks, Laurie Anyway, you are doing it all right. Keep us posted and if you have any questions, please ask away http://catcentric.org/behavior-and-psychology/socializing-a-feral-cat-its-all-about-trust/

Thank you for such a thoughtful response and reassurance!  I read the article and will keep it bookmarked as my guideline through this!  I will be sure to do everything you’ve suggested, too.  I do have an additional question though; what makes you believe that she is a feral cat? 

I’m having a hard time trying to figure out how to tell the whether a cat is stray, feral, or reverted feral.  I did some research on the differences, which is what led me to believe she was a stray.  I didn’t really include those things that led me to believe that in my original post, but they may make a difference.  The first time I saw her it was through an open window and she ran back from the window only about 5 feet but then sat down and started meowing at me.  Within days she had no problem sitting right below the window while I talked to her.  She did get scared whenever I opened the porch door and when I went outside, but she never ran far (within 15-20 feet).  Also within a few days of feeding her and talking to her, she would clean herself right in front of the window, exposing her belly and looking completely relaxed.  A final thing that made me think she might be a stray is that the very first time I tried putting the food in the doorway she came in to eat it within a matter of a couple minutes of me opening the door.  She was almost completely in the house eating while I sat on the other side of the room.  Are those things that a feral cat would do?  Of the 3 cats I have, 2 of them were abandoned kittens, but were so young that they were domesticated without a hiccup, so I really am new to understanding stray and feral cats!  But whatever I can do to help a cat, I’ll do it!

The reason I’m so interested in knowing if she’s feral or stray is because her future permanent home may depend on the difference.  If she’s feral and has no interest in being domesticated, I may look into finding her a home with a barn cat community or somewhere that she can live her life outside but safely while being fed and looked after - a place where she can be happy and healthy.  Otherwise if she is a stray cat, I would consider keeping her or finding her a permanent, loving home.  Regardless of the outcome, I’m going to be sure she’s healthy and spayed before any permanent plans are put in place.

Thanks again for your help!

I see in the start of your original post that she was talking to you from the beginning, forgot about that when I replied to you. And now that you explain her behavior in more detail, she is definitely not a true feral cat. The eating in your presence, rolling on the ground, almost coming into the house, meowing at you etc. are signs that she is a stray and has had human contact. A few of my feral cats will meow at me AFTER they learn to trust in my presence as a means for food. As the days go on, you will know better. She should come around very quickly now that she is confined in that spare room. :bigthumb: She just needs time to settle and trust you. All cat's have such varying personalities, feral or hand-raised. Some cat's just don't like to be pet or lap cats. She might have some distrust with humans too. Who knows what has happened to her in the past. She is safe now, and will be just fine.

Thanks!  That’s good news to hear!  She’s starting to come around nicely.  The attract cat litter worked wonders!  Since I set up the two boxes with litter, she hasn’t had a single accident!  I also picked up some cat pheromone calming spray and started noticing a change right away!  She has come out of her hiding spot and now sits on a box under the window (she’s got a great view outside from it).  Whenever I go into the room, she doesn’t run.  She’ll hunker down a bit, but doesn’t seem nearly as panicked as the first few days.  Although, she doesn’t eat around me yet, she does usually eat immediately after I leave the room (she has already put on some weight and doesn’t look as sickly ).  After a few more days of her getting used to being out and around me when I’m in the room, I may try moving her food a little closer to her hang out so she doesn’t have to travel as far (nor cross my path) to eat when I’m in there. 

I am concerned about one thing with her though and I don’t know if I should or shouldn’t be.  She’s started drinking a lot of water.  I keep a small bowl of water in there for her (about a cup and a half of water) and it would last over a day, but in these past few days, she’s been polishing it off in about half a day and also urinating quite a bit.  I read that this could be a symptom of kidney failure, but she’s doesn’t have a lack of appetite and has been gaining weight.  Is this something I should be concerned about or is it normal for an outdoor cat that’s been brought inside to drink a lot?   

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

That is a lot of water (1 1/2 cups) for a cat to be drinking up in about 12 hours. Cats really don't drink that much, although I have never measured! Of course, the stress she is under could be contributing to this and the fact that her coat will need to shed out a bit for her to acclimate to indoor living. Is it hot in her room? Maybe she is really warm and that is why she is drinking more. Are the pee clumps large or very small? You are doing a great job monitoring her. Hopefully once she settles in more comfortably, the drinking won't be as much. If this continues or she seems to be peeing in small amounts then she would need a vet visit. It sounds like she is feeling good and eating, so that is really great.

Cats don't normally drink that much water unless they are hot or sick. Of course, there are always exceptions. I just adopted a feral cat from the Humane Society (yes, they told me she was feral and what to expect) in Denver. I live in San Diego, so I had to take a turn-around flight to pick her up. She has had diarrhea for two weeks now and drinks a ton of water (thank Heaven or she would be dehydrated). A call to my vet resulted in Hills I.D. food and probiotics. California law prohibits vets from prescribing medication for an animal they have not examined, so that was the best we could do. Also, KayOpectate will work, but she is feral and not approachable, so that was a no-go. Basically, I am in the same situation as you are - both our cats need to see a vet - but we both have problems with that. Your vet won't work with feral animals. Mine has no problem with it, she said if you can bring her in, we can examine her. They have even offered a house call, but she is not approachable and would be running all over the room. I never knew cats could run across ceilings until I got her. Spider-Cat. Anyway, yes, there are vets that will work with feral animals. Usually they will ask you to trap them in the same type of wire trap the Humane Society uses. You may even be able to get your local Humane Society to trap her for you if need be or perhaps they can recommend a vet who will work with a feral cat. Once trapped and transported to the vet, they can tranquilize her there. Pancreantitis will also cause a cat to drink a lot of water.  I just ordered Bach's Rescue Remedy for pets and Mimulus. These are flower essenses that you add to your cat's water and will calm a feral cat and help her accept you. Google Bach's Rescue Remedy for more info. Our pet store wants $40 for the plug-ins, the flower essenses are much less. If you've ever seen My Cat From Hell, you might have heard Jackson Galaxy metion he uses these. I, too, have a Tortie. She is a food monger. What is it with Tortie's anyway?

Lei-Ann

Hey! I don't have any advice, but I just wanted to say I have a sweet boy cat named Kramer too. :lol3:

First off, let me apologize for being inactive for over a week!  I’ve been so busy with midterms and Sling’s ongoing developments!   Speaking of which, some unfortunate news has come about.  My boyfriend and I had to go out of town Saturday night and when we got back on Sunday, we found 2 premature dead kittens on the floor, still in their sac (they looked like they were in the later cycles of development).  I’m really worried about Sling now and will be taking her to the vet tomorrow morning (found one that will work with her).  She is a different cat since that; leading me to believe she actually is feral and was just more approachable because she was pregnant (I read that pregnant cats are typically more affectionate).  Before Sunday, I thought I was making good progress.  She wouldn’t flinch when I went into the room and would actually close her eyes and completely relax with me a matter of feet from her.  She even started eating around me.  But since yesterday, she’s more panicked and hides constantly, especially when she hears me coming in the room.  She also doesn’t meow anymore.  I’m very concerned about her health.  Regardless of whether she’s stray or feral, I just hope she’s okay.  She’s still eating a lot but I can’t help but wonder why she aborted her babies.  She didn’t exhibit any signs of pregnancy (except for heavy eating), but she didn’t nest and aborted the 2 kittens in different spots in the middle of the room.  Has anyone had a similar experience? 

Feralvr, to answer your questions, she did seem to start drinking normal amounts after a few more days.  She is peeing in small amounts, though (about the size of a small orange) and she doesn’t seem to have regular bowel moments (most are not very solid).  All of this is really leading me to believe there is something seriously wrong.

Lei-Ann, that’s great that you gave a feral cat a chance at a happy life!  As I’m quickly learning, it’s a challenge!  You mention that your Tortie eats a lot – does she know when to stop?  I ask that because I think if I were to give Sling more food, she would keep eating and eating.  I had put more than enough in her dish Saturday to last until Sunday and it was completely gone when I got home on Sunday.  I was quite shocked because it was a lot!  And yes, I am very familiar with My Cat From Hell – I love that show!  That man has an amazing ability and I’ve learned a lot about my own cats’ behaviors from his shows!  I have a spray that's supposed to help calm her and it seemed to help up until yesterday.  I may have to look into the Bach's Rescue Remedy and Mimulus that you mentioned.

Hi speakhandsforme!  Kramer seems to be a good name for sweet boy cats!

Thanks for everyone's help with this!

hno: How utterly sad to hear this news of Sling's stillborn babies. This explains the water drinking and the peeing to me. :nod: She was probably getting ready to give birth and knew there was something wrong but didn't know how to tell you. Poor thing. Hun, you are doing right by getting her to the vet tomorrow. OH dear, I am worried as well. You are right about one thing too. Sling knew that she needed you to help her and that is why she has accepted you. I swear, these cats are so much more intelligent than most people give them credit. I am so sorry about the babies....... Truckloads of vibes coming Sling's way for her vet visit. Please update when you can.

Thank you Feralvr!!!  I've got some more sad news, but it is followed by great news, so your vibes must have worked!   The vet found another "unresponsive" fetus in her and removed it. They believe that the babies died due to stress or to the fact that Sling is a small, young cat.  Because she was enclosed in a quiet, calm room for the past few weeks, I'm more inclined to believe the babies didn't make it due to Sling's tiny size.  BUT she is a healthy kitty otherwise!  All of the tests came back negative and she is now spayed and ready to start her path to a happy, stress-free life!  I was saddened by the news of her additional fetus, but was thrilled to hear she is healthy and that the babies didn't die because of a serious health condition.  I'm so glad to be done scaring her and can't wait to make her a happy, content kitty!  Plus, after a few days of rest and calmness, she'll get to meet her window buddy, Kramer. 

Oh, and the vet thinks she's only 2 or so years old - she's got a long, healthy life ahead of her!

Thank you for all of your help!  You've been such a great support through this!

Hi, I just adopted a colony of 5 feral cats(all neutered and spayed, shots, etc)  yesterday, so I have been on web educating myself. I had my garden shed insulated, we have thermal blankets with straw, nooks and crannies, a door to an outdoor completely enclosed "cat io" (my Apple won't let me type the word). I found the BEST website this am about transitioning feral cats. Stray Pet Advocacy.org.

Unbelievable dense information about the time and methodology....and my hunch is that you will have a loving muffin with the kindness and patience you have already shown.  I socialized two 10 week old feral kittens about 8 years ago. I owned a very large antique store and there was a colony behind the dry cleaner next door. A woman was working with the colony and the TNR program.  I knew nothing about ferals then.  We wanted to help so my painter helped me build shelters  insulated and filled with straw and we painted them dark brown and snuck them down into the brush behind the dry cleaner. I wanted to help so the woman in charge asked me to take in 2 kittens and try to work with them. (I LOVE cats but am deathly allergic...it is criminal).  However, I could have them at store as we were open 7 days and the 2 women who worked for me were also cat lovers. They came in in a cage and we had a perfect empty large closet right off off my office. I would sit on the floor and talk to them for hours at night.  (OMG my butt would kill, and my legs would fall asleep...).  It was suggested that after a few weeks I try tempting them with Beechnut chicken baby food (not Gerber's it has cornstarch) and anything with onion salt can make cats very anemic.  So I did, I would open cage and hold it on a long spoon and keep talking to them in the same soft voice . The little girl (Charlotte and Wilbur), was grey and white with green eyes and could have been the most beautiful cat I have ever seen. She slowly started to approach the spoon and move closer towards me.  Routine is very important to ferals so doing the same thing at the same time every day is important. When I felt she was ready I put it on my finger and she began to lick it off my finger.  I never put my hands out toward her except the finger with the food so it was her choice. I will never forget the night she stepped out of the cage, brushed up against me and started purring. I felt like I had just given birth.  It was the beginning of a absolute love affair, two months later the rescuer came in, and I had one on my keyboard and on my lap with her paws literally around my neck. Charlotte LOVED everyone.  We started to let them roam free in the store, it was 10,000 square feet...and it was awesome. They would be curled up on a settee, if I had a meeting and we sat out in the store with a rep she would be draping herself over them....I think she converted some people who didn't like cats.

I got pregnant at 40, in vitro first try and as my lease was up I decided to closed the store.  I had already had both cats neutered/spayed/shots.  I tried to find a home to take both, Wilbur the boy was stunning, like grey velvet with blue eyes.  Friendly, but still skittish.  I couldn't find homes together. So my bookkeeper who worked at the store took him...he now sleeps with her sister who lives with her.  My mom lives in a condo complex outside of Boston. There is a great group of single women around 65-70. One of my mother's friend had just lost her cat and was devastated.  I drove Charlotte up to Boston from Connecticut, and sobbed the whole way back.  However, I know that they are both in great homes...they hit the cat lottery. It sounds like Sling (love that name) is going to have the same like.  Check out the web site I suggested, it talks about the 2 steps forward, 5 steps back..all of the issues that make these creatures so interesting. I truly believe that you sound like someone who will help Sling over the mountain!  Best to you! Meg from CT.

Are you in the Denver area? If so, call Feline Fix and they will loan you a trap and you can take the kitty in to be ck'd and fixed if necessary. Sometimes it takes a while for a cat to trust. I am not sure what happened your letter was so long. Hope this helps

Even feral cats or cats that have had a home at one time and have then been abandoned and out on the street for a long period of time are still considered somewhat feral and can have trust issues. They can come around in time ... I have an outdoor cat that appears to have had a home at one time but had serious trust issues . Athough I could feed her and she would come fairly close to me , in the begiinning she would be and occasionally "freak out " and bite me for no apparent reason. It took almost a year for her to trust me completely and now she jumps up on my lap and nuzzles my face. Sweet baby ! [emoji]9829[/emoji]  It really depends on the cat's personality , the length of time he has been on it's on , how much if any human contact it has ever had , an most importantly TIME. If you show , it love and trust , it will come around in time... Alot of people expect this to happen overnight , but the truth is, it can take a yr or more. Def worth the wait and effort ... Love your story and your cute baby ! ...  [emoji]9829[/emoji]