Kitty caught, not sure what to expect now?

Hi there,

We live in Mexico, and last night while having dinner we noticed a 6-8 month old kitty being fed from people dining at the restaurant.  This was cute, of course, but as we have learned by living here the cats are not welcome by the restaurant staff and eventually they find ways of getting rid of them. Not nice ways to be honest.  This kitty was friendly enough she would let you pet her, and rubbed on your ankles and even rolled over for some play time.  After some planning, securing a box and some tape, we were able to capture her. I was able to pick her up by the scruff of her neck and she was calm with that part, but getting her into the box was more stressful for her.  After securing her we took her home and she has now been in a bathroom where we put some food, water, some empty boxes, etc. for her to try and calm down.  We have plans to take her to the vet in the next few days.

The questions I am having are, how do I get her to come down from a high wall in the corner? I created a cave of sorts, up off the ground, covered with a towel inside, and I think she would prefer to be there than out in the open, but she is paralyzed by fear up in this corner on a wall. She is not eating, but did use the litter box.  She seems to prefer my husband and when he enters the room. Her ears are as flat as when I go in the room. We use really soft voices and are trying to get her used to our presence. She does not hiss or growl, but is just kind of stuck in her position high on this wall.  I am afraid of traumatizing her again with a capture and trip to the vet, but know its necessary.  Since she is young and was receptive to people, allowing us to pet her and feed her by hand, is there any chance of her coming around as a pet? Or should I consider releasing her and feeding her outside? We do not live in a rural area, but its not a super busy area either.  I just don't know the next step, or what will be best for her.  Any tips would be very helpful, thank you!

Patience - that is the key.  She may be feeling a little puckish because you were the one who scruffed her, so give her a few days and she should come around - especially if you are the main one who feeds her.

I would definitely NOT release her until she's been spayed (or the vet tells you she's already been spayed).  If you release her without spaying her, she will have a pretty sad life - kittens, kittens, kittens.  Plus, if you still feed her, you'll have all those kittens to contend with!

She will definitely come around as a pet, as soon as she realizes you are her friend.  For the trip to the vet, can your husband be the one to get her in the carrier?  That way, you're both "the bad guy."  She will be annoyed with you but as you pointed out, its for the best.

You can also buy a good carrier and feed her in it.  That way, there won't be such a struggle to get her in it.

Good luck and thank you for helping her!

I agree, patience is the key. The higher a cat can get the safer it will feel, hence this is probably why the cat is sitting up so high and doesnt want to come down, bless you for saving her life. Patience really will win over in the end and something really yummy that the cat cant resist might help too, so try to offer him/her different things until you find something she/he loves.

You can play some soft music for her.  Feliway adapters work well too.  Continue to leave food and fresh water.  Eventually she will get hungry and eat.  Keep your visits short and talk calmly.  Hopefully you can get her to the vet soon for spaying and some shots.  With patience I know she will make a great pet.  Just give her time and love!

Thank you for rescuing her from a brutal life on the streets.
 

You can also sit in there with her and read out loud to her.  It will get her used to your voice and presence.

I agree with the above.  It is very kind of you to take her in.  Honestly, I have rescued feral kittens all my life and they have all made lovely pets with time and patience.  If you find a treat or food that she likes (consider jarred baby food meat) and leave it out for her with fresh water.  Don't give her direct eye contact when you are in there and don't let your stress level rise around her.  Give her some time to calm, she will come down for food and water.  Talk in a calm and relaxing voice and don't try to push touching or petting her unless you must for her health.  Also read somewhere that the radio with classical or even "harp" music can be very soothing....can't say for sure, I don't have a lot of CD's laying around of classical harp music but I am going to start searching for my own feral.  Good luck to you.  Hang in there.  She will make a great pet, I am sure and always better for her to be inside than out.

Jujee35 said:

I agree with the above.  It is very kind of you to take her in.  Honestly, I have rescued feral kittens all my life and they have all made lovely pets with time and patience.  If you find a treat or food that she likes (consider jarred baby food meat) and leave it out for her with fresh water.  Don't give her direct eye contact when you are in there and don't let your stress level rise around her.  Give her some time to calm, she will come down for food and water.  Talk in a calm and relaxing voice and don't try to push touching or petting her unless you must for her health.  Also read somewhere that the radio with classical or even "harp" music can be very soothing....can't say for sure, I don't have a lot of CD's laying around of classical harp music but I am going to start searching for my own feral.  Good luck to you.  Hang in there.  She will make a great pet, I am sure and always better for her to be inside than out.

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I found harp music on CD at my local library!  I also downloaded some from Amazon onto my ipod.  My cats (and dog) love the calming harp music.  I play it when my animals seemed stressed or a thunderstorm is brewing.  It really does help.  When I brought my stray/feral into my house in late May, I played the harp music on repeat from my ipod all night long.  If I forgot he would meow and meow all night.

The stage one chicken or turkey baby food is a great idea.  My cats love it.  There are videos on Youtube about socializing feral kittens and the man uses baby food.  Not many cats will turn it down.