Adopted a 5 month kitten that was ferral.

Hello All,

I am a disabled Marine and can't have a dogs in my Co-Op so I adopted a 5 month old kitten who was actually found in the streets at about 3 months, then got adopted by another family with an 8 year old and brought back. I spoke with the adoption place and they said that she came back different, not as friendly as before. Right now I have her in a half bathroom, with a screen blocking the door with the following;

Bed

Litterbox with Baking soda on the bottom with Fresh Step Clay Cat Litter with Odor Eliminating Carbon on top

Food - BLUE[emoji]8482[/emoji] Healthy Growth Kitten Food

A few toys

She plays with her toys, and for some reason loves to hang out in her litter box, is that normal I clean it out a few times a day?

Well here is the kicker for me, she growls like all hell when you get near her, and hisses all the time. I've managed to take a towel, and even though she growls and hisses and even swipes at  me sometimes, I pick her up and swaddle her. I then talk to her wipe her down with a cat wipe, and comb her hair and pet her on my lap for about 20 to 30 minutes. I take her on the 3rd to get her second shot and spayed.

I close the door and turn off the light when I go to bed, and when I wake up, I bring her, her food and water and she is tentative while I'm sitting there but eventually goes to her food and eats in front of me while I sit beside her. I've only had her for a week, and she comes to the screen like she wants something and when I go to her she scrambles back in her litterbox. Am I doing something wrong?

-Semper Fi

gyrene2083

Wow! Wonder what her first adoptive family did to scare this young cat and change her so much - that she came back different, not as friendly as before. An 8 year old child needs adult supervision when interacting with a kitten. But that's in the past and now she'll have a great life going forward with you.

Confined to a half bath - confining her to one room is a good idea but that's probably a small floor space. Is there any ay to give her some vertical area? Maybe a cat bed on top of the toilet lid,  a towel secured onto the toilet tank, and a box on its side under the sink for a cozy private hiding place. Better than her litter box <grin>

Swaddling her and talking to her, getting her used to being handled and to your voice, that's great. Do you do it only once a day? I wouldn't suggest swaddling her more than that, but going into her space and just talking to her a couple of times a day in addition.

Cats are generally very fond of Gerber baby chicken (no onions, read the label.) Use that as a treat, a spoonful at a time. Put the spoon on the floor at a little distance from you, then gradually bring it closer and closer until she will come while you're holding the spoon. And only give her this treat when you're there, so she'll come to associate the treat with your presence. You give the treat, not that the treat magically appears even if you are not there.

My son-in-law is an ex-marine (well, once a marine, always a marine but he's not active duty, not for a long time.) And he's very patient at getting things done. I'm sure you had the same training, same "get it done" attitude. Good for you taking on this young cat.

What's her name? Any pictures?

All best to you and your cat in the new year.

You are a wonderful person providing a home for this special kitten.     From the sound of it, odds are the 8 year old in the previous home may have abused her so it will take her extra time to learn to trust you and that her new home is safe.   I'd say just be very consistent with feeding times but don't push too hard for contact.   Hiding in the litterbox is not unusual when a cat is still new and scared of its environment.     Some Rescue Remedy for pets might be really good to put in her water too.

Others may weigh in with different viewpoints, but I'm not sure the forced swaddling and using cat wipes on her is a good idea.    Cats unless they are ill can keep their fur clean and wipes can introduce a foreign scent they may not like.    The swaddling might be triggering for her if she was held down and abused by the 8 year old.     It's better to frequently go sit on the floor in her room with her and offer her tempting things like Gerber chicken baby food on a spoon or on your finger, gradually leading her to voluntarily get in your lap or be close enough to be petted.    I have a feeling either way as she learns over time you are safe for her it will work out.

I am only wiping her with cat wipes because because I have allergies, and it was recommended I do so to help my allergies. As far as vertical space, I actually have a cat condo coming for her. So, I'm vested in this kitten. It's just the growling and hissing that can get a bit frustrating, but I'm a Marine, and I'm not going to give up.

I have a calming diffuser in there with her, and once I'm a bit more comfortable I will expand her space by leaving the door open and putting a gate to the hall, which will incorporate her space in the bathroom and hall as well.

She is a funny kitten, at times she stands in front of the screen as if she wants me to go to her and when i do she either looks at me or bolts. So when she does bolt, I take the newspaper in there with me and read to her as I sit on the floor, if anything she is going to be a sports fan, LOL.

Thanks for responding guys, I appreciate all the advice I can get.

-Wil

Thank you for adopting this sweet soul.  You will be rewarded with her love for a long time.  The feliway plug in should help her.  You can also try Rescue Remedy as Bastfriend suggested or Composure.  It comes in a treat formula or a liquid formula.  I prefer the liquid as you can just mix it with the food 2x a day and it works fast.  It doesn't drug the cat at all, just calms them.  I have been using it for awhile now on my 2 indoor boys who have difficulty adjusting to each other.  I have used the treats, but it often takes 3 of them to work and then takes 45 minutes to an hour to see the results.  You can find both of these products on Amazon. 

You also might want to start a routine with her.  When you come into the room to spend time with her, give her something really yummy to eat.  You can try the Gerber stage 1 chicken or turkey as well as plain cooked chicken, small bits of tuna or some delicious cat treats.  Give her something each time you come into the room.  She may not eat it right away and that's ok.  Then when you go to leave, give her another treat.  She will associate you with good things.

The hissing and growling is because she is afraid and doesn't quite trust you yet.  Give her time to come out of her shell.  I would be careful with the swaddling right now as you don't want to frighten her and make her afraid of you.  Once she starts to come and observe you when you are in the room, you can try to play with her a bit.  She may be too scared right now, but you can try laser pointers, feather wands.  She also might be interested in a catnip toy.  Just take it all very slowly. 

Most of the time, feral cats don't like direct eye contact.  They see this as threatening.  If you notice her bolting or running to hide when you look directly at her, keep your eyes averted.  I care for 2 and sometimes 3 outdoor ferals.  One has been with me since 2010.  He still has times when if I look at him directly he will bolt!! 

I wouldn't even attempt to pet her right now.  It may take awhile for her to trust you and there are alot fo tricks to starting to pet a feral. 

You have already been making great strides with her.  She will have ups and downs, but keep going.  There are so many success stories here and lots of great support.  I look forward to hearing of your progress along the way.

You Gyrene are doing very nicely, and it will be even better with time.

This wrapping up in a towel like a burrito IS a trick we sometimes recommends.  Works nicely with  ferales you try and foster. But her story is not real ferale, but sooner a severly abused cat.  So wait with this way, forcing on your touching. Like the others said.

Swiping off the fur with a semi-wetted cloth is a good trick for getting down the allergenes.  I suppose this you must continue with it,  it cant be helped, as you are allergic.

But I saw one video, where a couple of fosterers used a similiar trick, I dont remember if they just stroke over the cat, or used a brush/comb.

They almost exaggerated this combing, but it worked for them.

Cat layin in the litter may be because its like a tent.  But some cats like to lay in the litter.  You see it often cats on Shows who lie  in the litter.

I presume it is the structure which feels nice for them.

- They very seldom use the litter while on the show - they relieve themselves when back home.

Tx a lot for what you are doing!

Good luck with your furry friend!

p.s.  You didnt wrote in what way you are disabled.  But it is my guess later on, when she lies on your hurting place warming it up, your pains will get lesser and diminish, perhaps even disappear.

My aching and immobile right knee (rheumatism?) got painless and as good as new when my oldest resident took as his routine to  lay there, in between my knees.

ShadowRescue,

Thank you so much for responding, I actually am going to buy that product you said and try the liquid form. I have toys for her and play with her with the laser pointer she loves it and jumps all over. I think I mentioned before that I also bought her a cat condo and am waiting for it to come in so she can have that vertical space.

I also have the wife going to buy the Chicken and Gravy Stage 2 today. I just sat in there with her for almost 30 minutes reading her the newspaper, I don't think she likes the funnies but looks at me when I read the sports section. As far as direct eye contact I take long blinks with her and she reciprocates which was pretty cool she didn't do that when she first got here, but when she just stares I'll just look somewhere else and keep talking to her or play with her little bell balls, which she loves and on an occasion I can get her to reach out and hit the ball to me and when I hit it back she'll let me touch her paw.

StefanZ,

Thanks for responding, she's a real trip, she'll come to the bathroom door where the screen is at and just stare at me and I'll talk to her from my "Archie Bunker Chair", and then when I walk towards her she either bolts or stays there looking at me. lol

So swaddling her is or isn't a good idea. I swaddle like I said for two reasons, one to pet her and hopefully get her used to it but like you said she was may have been tortured by the eight year old, and when she hissed or growled at her may have gotten hit for doing so and was brought back, I can't say. The other reason is to wipe her down, comb her, and to give me a chance to pass a quick mop on the bathroom floor to pick up any loose hair.

I appreciate all your advice and help.

-Semper Fi

gyrene2083

My late son was a Marine and I have to say there is nothing nicer, IMHO, than a big tough guy caring for a small animal.  You rock!

Ondine said:

 
My late son was a Marine and I have to say there is nothing nicer, IMHO, than a big tough guy caring for a small animal.  You rock!

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Thank you and may God Bless you and your family. As for Lexi, she's still hissing and growling but I ignore her. This morning I pulled her food right near me. I spoke to her and read to her how bad the Knicks where doing and slowly but surely she came out, stretched went all around the bathroom and approached her food from the far end of the mat all the while looking up at me, as I reassured her and read the paper and slow blinked with her. She finally came over and ate.

I finished the sports section, and kept reassuring her then she was done stretched looked at me and jumped in her litter box, so I took the time to straighten out her room and she seems to not like me touching her toys but again I ignored her. I didn't pick her up yesterday, and am wondering if I should even bother trying today with the towel. I don't know how else I am going to wipe her down and comb her if I can't pick her up, any ideas?

-Semper Fi

Grumpy 'Ole Marine

Yes, ignoring the hissing works.  She's just letting you know your boundaries but remember that your boundaries will have to grow a little so she is comfortable with your being closer.  From your description, it does not sounds like the swaddling traumatized her too much.  I think if you can swaddle her without making her too uncomfortable, you should do it on occasion.  You should be able to tell by how she reacts.  If she struggles and looks frightened, hold her for a heart beat, then let her go.

Remember to talk to her in falsetto - deeper voices frighten cats.  I think they hear the higher voices better (ever notice how almost everyone says "here, kitty, kitty" in a high pitched voice?).  Reading the paper out loud to her is an excellent strategy.  It gets her used to your presence and your voice.

Also, getting down to her level is less intimidating, too.  As with everything else, cats are such individuals, you have to take it a step at a time.  A lot depends on the cat.  But so far, it sounds like you're doing everything right!

It sounds like things are going great - that's one lucky kitty.    My semi-feral loves her big tall cat tree, she loves to get on the highest perch and supervise the room.     One thing that really was a breakthrough moment with Patches was when she realized she loved being brushed with a narrow tooth metal cat comb.  Similar to this   It helps me get the loose fur off her and it's a type of contact she really enjoys.    Maybe you can explore this with Lexi and it will help your allergies too.     Some cats also like the rubber toothed brushes but some hate them too.

If the cat is allowing you to swaddle her, then she's probably a stray and not a feral. If she were a true feral at 5 months old, she'd likely claw your face off if you tried to swaddle her. Do you have a bedroom or spare room you could put her in with a litter box, toys, and a bowl of dry food? Cats, especially strays and ferals, hate being confined in a small space.  You might try leaving a radio on with music at a low volume. I make chicken breasts for my adopted ferals and give it to them as an occasional treat. Don't put spices on it, or if you're giving her some you made for yourself, rinse the spices off. Shred it up, put it in a bowl with water, and heat it a bit in the microwave. She'll love you for it! Cats LOVE food.

Cats don't like to be swaddled or forced to do anything. The best way to socialize her is to spend as much time as you can with her, sitting nearby and talking to her or even singing in a soft voice. This is how I've socialized several ferals. Also, play with her with a wand toy several times a day and she will come to associate you with pleasant things and see you as a friend.

Well for now she'll be in the small bathroom that is all I can do for now, until we take the Christmas tree down. She has plenty of Christmas toys my mom bought her, and loves playing with them. However I am learning she is super territorial, she growls if I go near her bed while she's in it or her litter box. She's already swiped at me a few times and caught me good on my thumb. I have been giving her baby chicken stage 2 baby food, but it takes at least 5 minutes before she stops growling and smells it, then she's tentative to come to me.

I'm getting her spayed on Friday, I am hoping the growling and hissing will slow down, my son and daughter are getting afraid of her, and the wife already has given me a few looks because she hissed at her a few times. I'm trying though...

-Semper Fi

Grumpy 'Ole Marine

The spaying will definitely help.  She may always be a little timid and all of the people in the household will learn quickly enough what sets her off.  We have two cats we can only pet for a few seconds before they run off.  They ant loving so badly but were not properly socialized before we got them.  But we allow them to be who they are and we're all fine.

When she's let out of the bathroom, make sure she has it or another "safe place" to run to if she gets overwhelmed.  Good luck!

gyrene2083 said:

 
. I have been giving her baby chicken stage 2 baby food, but it takes at least 5 minutes before she stops growling and smells it, then she's tentative to come to me.

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But does she come to you eventually or towards you some?   Sounds good if she's making any moves towards you.   It is just going to take quite some time.    I do encourage you to try the fur brushing/combing at some point.    That is the #1 activity that helped me tame my two feral kittens though they had a clean slate with no negative experiences with humans before.   

You might enjoy checking out Jseltzer's thread about Roxie as that's a cat with a traumatic past and there was much growling and swatting, the progress she's made is amazing.    Since Lexi is younger I expect it'll go even faster for you.

You are doing a great job in such a short amount of time. Nashe will come around with time and patience.

I think she is just scared too. I foster feral kittens a lot. I like to take a small blanket, kind of wrap them up like a burrito, and just hold them and talk softly. Just sitting the first few days and then walking with them as they get more comfortable. You can also wet your fingers and rub their heads and ears like their mom would do. Kittens love that.

Good luck and keep posting on your progress!

Bastfriend said:

 
But does she come to you eventually or towards you some?   Sounds good if she's making any moves towards you.   It is just going to take quite some time.    I do encourage you to try the fur brushing/combing at some point.    That is the #1 activity that helped me tame my two feral kittens though they had a clean slate with no negative experiences with humans before.   

You might enjoy checking out Jseltzer's thread about Roxie as that's a cat with a traumatic past and there was much growling and swatting, the progress she's made is amazing.    Since Lexi is younger I expect it'll go even faster for you.

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She does come to me when I give her chicken baby food from my finger, albeit it's a monumental task on her part. I could see her wanting to come to me but she's so afraid and distrustful at this point that it takes roughly anywhere from five to ten minutes for her to do so. I also do brush her hair when I pick her up but there where some conflicting advice on here that has left me kind of lost on what to do, Like KRZ said the taking of a small blanket and wrapping them like a burrito was one of the first ways I would do it then I would open the blanket talk to her and pet her then I would take out the comb her and then take the cat wipes to wipe her down to help keep the dander down, for me.

She is playing a lot in with presents she got for Christmas, and she loves when I play with the laser with her but she still is skiddish and still growls and hisses at me. I would love to read that article if you have a link to it, also I would like to thank everyone who has voiced their encouragement and opinions. Tomorrow I'm taking her to get spayed so wish the little kitten luck.

-Semper Fi

gyrene2083

Hi gyrene2083, here's the link to Roxie's story http://www.thecatsite.com/t/265746/i-think-i-adopted-a-formerly-feral-cat-help

About the brushing, when I brush Patches she is not constrained at all so it is possible to do.    She of course had to get tame enough to where I could first let her sniff the brush and become familiar with it (followed by treats) and slowly work up to mixing brushing with petting and once she decided she likes it I can brush any time now.    She paces around on the bed while I stand there as her hairdresser and brush/comb her fur.   

And that's wonderful that she can eventually fight through her fear to come get the chicken baby food.    I think seeing how much fear they have to overcome makes the trust that you do eventually earn from them so very precious.     Once upon a time my Patches basically lived under the sofa most of the time and was convinced I was going to throw things at her and hit her (she'd wince every time she saw me make any motion that could conceivably be that).    Now she proudly claims my bed as her lounging space, and demands to be brushed at 9pm sharp every night and let's me know when I'm late!