Advice on finding a home for a feral cat we've taken in

Hello everyone: 
 

We took Bernice in a month ago - she was a semi-feral who has been bitten by a dog at least twice and needed surgery (see her, below).  We got her surgery, installed her in a room of her own, have litterbox trained her, and fattened her up.  She lets us pet her on the head, but overall emits fear - she won't move if you're in the room with her and I've literally seen her move 1 time in the month she's been here (but i know she moves around the room due to where we place food, treats).

We want Bernice to have a home.  Outdoors aren't working for her - her instinct to freeze when afraid is what got her bit.  I have tried every person I know - begged friends to post her photo on their Facebook pages, etc.  We have four cats in a small house, so it's not an option for us.

Any advice on finding her a home?  I am hesitant to use Craigs List of Freecycle given the stories of people getting animals and using them as fighting dog bait.  I don't know how to vet anyone I don't know, and can't stand the thought of her going to a crappy home.  I don't want her going to a shelter, and she is already scared.  Basically, we need to find someone who will accept that it's probably 6 months to a year before Bernice starts to behave like a "normal" house cat.

Any and all advice is appreciated. She is ok where she is - safe, warm, etc., but she deserves a home of her own.

Oh, what a sweet little smudgey mustache!

I have friends who use Craigslist and Freecycle.  The big things for them are a home visit and a vet reference.  One lady I know will google people (and has found potential adopters with rap sheets).  It isn't hard to find out information about people (whether that's a good thing or bad thing is something that can be debated elsewhere).

If they don't have a vet reference, ask them for references from friends or co-workers with pets.  They may be able to give you insight into the potential adopters pet-potential.

Facebook is another way.  Of course, all my Facebook friends have already adopted!

If you know someone with a Petfinder presence, they can do a courtesy post for you.  But again, even on Petfinder or Facebook, you'd have to assess the potential adopters and their homes.  People who have good intentions will not mind and may welcome the opportunity to show off their new kitty's new home.

It really is a lot like hiring a new employee.  If all the up front work is done, the result is usually a good fit.

Good luck and thank you for helping her.

A tip to screen off the worst is also, to ask for a  donation to some praiseworthy cause. Preferably  from Bernice The Cat as the sender.

Re her anxiety.  Had you tried with a Feliway diffuser?

There are also  different flower essences you can use.  Tried with them?  If no, we can give some tips.

Good luck!

Yes, yes, yes, try the feliway diffuser and Feral Cat Rehab from Spirit Essences or you can try Rescue Remedy too.  Both work very very well.  I also love calming harp music or classical music.  Composure treats for felines work well too.  All have calming affects.

This is all great advice. I had never thought of a vet reference but its a good idea.

We have tried feelaway in the past when integrating a new cat and were dissapointed but will look into those other options.

What are "composure treats"?

Marc Leslie said:

This is all great advice. I had never thought of a vet reference but its a good idea.

We have tried feelaway in the past when integrating a new cat and were dissapointed but will look into those other options.

What are "composure treats"?

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The composure treats are made to help calm a cat.  I use them on my animals before going to the vet, before or during thunderstorms, stressful times in the household and I used them daily for a stray I brought into the house.  You can find them by doing a search for composure for cats on Amazon. 

Feral Cat rehab worked wonders for all of my ferals.  It's just drops that goes into their food or sprayed on bedding or rubbed into their skin a few times each day.  It works at deeper levels to help the cat feel more calm and safe.  You can read about it by doing a search on Spirit Essences.  They have loads of other essences as well.