A feral's first pettings

It's been a while, but I thought I would share my update on Moonshine, the little feral kitty I rescued and have been working to socialize.

Three months after I rescued her (92 days to be exact) I was finally able to pet her with my bare hand without having to lure her with a feather toy (and without her bopping me in response). This took a lot of patience, persistence and two months of petting "training" with a feather toy.

[VIDEO][/VIDEO]

You can see her entire playlist of videos on Youtube by clicking here.,

Is there anything more rewarding than this?  Keep up the good work.  We have had our little feral almost 9 months now and she continues to warm up to us.  She, Asha, comes upstairs every evening for me to sit next to her and pet her.  She is also coming into visit me on the throne, which is good because I am above her when I pet her.  I think the sweetest thing is how she is figuring out that my legs and elbow and other parts of my body can be rubbed up against.  And what a motor!  Bless their little hearts.  Don't tell me cats don't need people.

What incredible news and LOVE the video. It truly is one of lifes greatest joys to me when a feral cat finally allows you to touch them. My outdoor feral cat, Willow, for the first time in 18 months is not sniffing my hands and rolling on the ground in front of me. :heart3: Warms the heart completely.

OH Thank you!!! I made a string toy the other day to touch my new feral kittens (just caught 2 more). I wasn't sure it would help, but I'll keep at it, since you had success. 

Yes, definitely keep at it, Suzi. Weeks and weeks went by where my feral wouldn't let me pet her with anything but feathers. Every time I tried to sneak in my hand she would bop my hand and I would back off for a day or so. Then one day, she didn't bop my hand. And now she even lets me pet her head. I can't promise when it will happen, but it will happen eventually. Don't give up!

Since little Asha did let me touch her outside, once she settled in for a few weeks, I just carefully approched her on her perch until she would let me pet her.  After that, little by little we got to know each other.  She is so soft.