Feral kitten found in drainpipe

kabama

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Hi everyone,

I am brand new and joined specifically to gain some advice from you well experienced people!

I live in Shanghai, China and am a teacher at a school. On Wednesday we had crazy rain and I could hear cat crying outside my classroom window. I went outside to investigate and eventually found the source of the sound came from underground in a tiny sewer pipe. No coaxing would get the kitten out so we left all the covers open and hoped it would make it's way out. Boy did it!

A work colleague opened the desk drawer the next day and discovered a very fearful, spitty, hissy kitten, same cry sound. It was captured and placed in a wicker basket with lid and since I am the work cat lady they suggested I take it home and get it checked out. I already have a boy (called cat) and I felt he could do with a friend (after a vets ok) so I took the kitten home, arranged the spare room for him, bought food, an extra litter box, toys, water, etc.

I didn't anticipate how difficult it would be and I feel very disheartened.

Where we live in China there is no such thing as a rescue service; animals are taken in by locals or they are left to die. Thousands of Unneutered cats roam around and I knew if I didn't take the kitten home, it's life span would be drastically cut. My intentions are good and I fully expect a journey of trust building.

The problem is he (I think) is petrified. Even after a few days I cannot get near him without him lashing out and spitting. I have sat quietly in the room with him, swapping eye kisses, and speaking in a soothing voice, playing music, not looking in the eye, lying down; they just hides. His current spot is high above the ground on the air con unit or amongst the curtains. I am concerned as when he sees me he begins to tremble, his ears go sideways and he's generally in a state of heightened anxiety. I'm even starting to think I did the wrong thing in taking him in.

It has progressed to him crying whenever I leave the room, and I mean big baby style screechy (I guess like a two year old tantrum) cry. When I go in the room he is silent.

My other cat is being a total trooper and not reacting badly to this upheaval, he's just curious about the noises behind the closed door.

Please guys, help me. I really don't know what to do to help his little guy. I will take him to the vet this week, but at the moment, I have no chance of getting near him without losing a know arm.

Here's a picture of him


 

ondine

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Oh, poor little man is probably terrified.  You are a good soul to help him.  Its pretty obvious he's had no contact with humans, so you are now his teacher!

Depending on his personality, it may take months for him to realize humans are OK.  Your best tool will be patience.

Is the room set up so he can't hide in too many places?  He needs a safe spot but if you can't get to him, you will not be able to work with him.  If you have a crate you can secure him in, that may be a good start.  Otherwise, make sure he can't squeeze himself into spots where you can't reach him.

If you can get Gerber chicken baby food, try that.  Any food will be a good bribe but most cats can't resist this.  He need to learn you are not dangerous and more importantly, you are the bringer of goodies.  Even if you can't get the baby food, any good wet kitten food will be great.  Avoid dry for the time being - if you have to, you can add that later.

If he does not use the litter box, toss a little dirt and dried leaves on top.  He's used to using what's outside and that will help teach him what litter is for.

Finally, do get him a vet appointment.  He may have worms and other nasties and those need to be cleared up as soon as possible.

Thank you for stepping forward to help him!
 
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shadowsrescue

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Thank you thank you thank you for rescuing this sweet boy.  Here is a series of videos on helping to tame feral kittens.  It is a 3 part series and starts with the rescue of the kittens.  Keep watching and you will see some great tips.

http://www.urbancatleague.org/TamingVideo

Let us know how we can help you.  This site is full of awesome info.
 
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kabama

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HI thank you for the replies so far!

I have no crate, and I have no idea what size I should get. I am looking at ones that can contain a litter tray, but should i go smaller rather than bigger? 

Also - how do i get him in it? And how do i change the litter - he will freak out with close proximity.

I feel awful, such anxiety about all this, I keep having moments of "What have i done?" I didn't think through what I was doing, I just reacted. 

He is in the spare room, and i have blocked off as many holes as i can but its an average size bedroom, and he spends his time on top of the air con unit, near the ceiling. 

For now I have been spending time in the room, just sat on the bed, blinking at him and chatting away about nothing in particular. I don't have baby food but he eats whiskers kitten wet food and immediately took to the litter tray so that's something. 

He is silent (mostly) when i am in the room, but when i leave he cries and cries, building to quite the crescendo of screechy baby cries. The neighbours must hate me right now. 

At the moment I am panicked, I feel i have bitten off way more than i anticipated. I need some serious hand holding through this.

My other cat, "cat" was a street cat too. My fiance found him very weak and took him home, about a year ago. They didn't know what they were doing, they just stuck him in a room with food and litter and left him to it until he was ok with them.  He was skittish and even now takes time to warm to strangers but he is the most placid, friendly, caring baby, I adore him. I want the same for the next cat, 

Help, seriously, help!
 
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kabama

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Also - any idea of age? I thought perhaps at least 8 weeks - maybe 9?
 

ondine

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I would think about eight weeks or so.  Believe it or not, you are doing things correctly.  Your boyfriend did too.

By allowing him to take the initiative, you give him a sense of control over his life.  He's disoriented and frightened now, that control is important.  Do as you have been doing - talk quietly whenever you are in the room.  You can sit and read to him.  No sudden moves - act as if everything you do is perfectly normal.

If you get a crate, I'd get a 3' crate - any smaller and he may be too crowded.  If it would be too traumatic to get him in there, don't bother.  As long as he's safe and can't get into trouble in the room, leave it as is.  He'll figure out soon enough that you are a friend.

Don't panic, don't worry, enjoy this time.  He will soon be just like "cat," enjoying his life as a happy house cat.
 
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kabama

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Thank you, at the moment i feel a little blind!

I am worrying about how to get him to the vets. He's not easy to get close to. 
 

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Some of my cats were strays but none of them are feral, so I don't have any real experience in this area. I leave carriers out all the time because my cats like to sleep in them. It also makes it easier to get them to the vet because they aren't scared of the carriers.

Try putting a small carrier in the room, maybe set it on the bed or dresser rather than the floor. Put a blanket, towel, or cat bed in to pad the carrier and leave the door open. Maybe your kitten would feel safe in a contained area. If he/she does use it you might get lucky and be able to just close the door when it's time to go to the vet.

If the kitten isn't already in the carrier, I would suggest wearing heavy gloves when you try to pick him/her up. Have a towel spread out ready to wrap him/her securely. Set the carrier on end with the door open on top. Lower the kitten, wrap and all, into the carrier back end first. Get your hands out and hope you can close the door before kitty can scramble out again.
 

ondine

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Goldycat - excellent idea!  Carriers in the room will serve two purposes.  They will give him a safe place and because he's used to them, it will help you when it is time for the vet.

Try getting a slightly larger one to feed him in.  Once he is used to being fed in the carrier, it will be easier to get him in it for a trip to the vet.  Remember, any trip to the vet will be traumatizing, so just like a regular house cat, he'll have to learn to deal with it.
 
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kabama

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Hi everyone,

My general prescene doesn't bother him so much anymore, he just watches me from a distance. I ended up curled up on the bed reading Dan Brown's "Inferno" to him (riveting lol) and then fell asleep there for a few hours. 

He is silent in my compnay, but does not move from the same spot. He does not eat around me, or use the litter tray, all is done in a cloak of secrecy. It's this reason that I am concerned, as i cannot bond or build his trust as our interactions are limited. 

I went in this morning and he had eaten all his food, so i purposely didn't give more, in the hope he will respond more to me as "food bringer" It's just talking him down from the air con unit that I will struggle with. 

I am in two minds about a cage, mainly because getting him, and putting him in it will undo any work so far. I have a carrier for my other cat - can i use that or will the smells of previous cat be pffputting?

Again, thank you so far for your help, I really do appreciate it.

K x
 

ondine

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This is perfectly normal behavior, actually.  He's taking his time, as cats do, to assess the situation and judge how safe you are.  Keep up the routine, speak and move quietly and he'll come around.  Reading is great.  You may be surprised to find him on the bed next to you one of these days!

I would either buy a new carrier for him - if you plan to keep this kitty, buying a new carrier just for him is a smart investment.  If you must use the current carrier, wash it thoroughly.  Use bleach to get rid of the smell of your cat. 

Remember, because of his past, this is going to take some time.  Patience is your best friend right now.  Hang in there!
 
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kabama

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Gah ok, I am the worlds least patient person - this is killing me lol.

He has discovered a new hiding spot - the top of the wardrobe. I got too close by accident and he spat and hissed at me, so there may be a step or two back. I couldn't see him at all this morning, but all food was eaten again. I put a tiny amount of food out for him. 

Shall i buy a bit cage or no? To do so i would need to get a cat trap, but they look so urghhh that he may get more distressed. 

I go to the Uk for two weeks in 5 weeks time, i hope to make considerable progress so my friend can at least feed him without him freaking out. 
 

ondine

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Yes, sometimes it can be tough.  Whatever you do about the crate, do it soon.  It will take him time to re-adjust, so you want to give him time.  Personally, I wouldn't bother.  Just keep his routine as normal as possible and make sure he can't escape from his room.  The new spot is typical - he's up high, so he feels in control.  Just treat it as normal.

Before you leave for UK, please bring the friend who will be feeding him to visit a couple of times.  You might even let him to the feeding for a couple of days before you leave, if possible.  It doesn't have to be long or involved but the cat needs to get used to the new human.  Otherwise, he may try to bolt at the sight of someone new.
 
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kabama

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The kitten is still eating and using the tray, but unfortunately shows no sign of being less terrified of me or a willingness to have me anywhere near him. He clearly is petrified of me, hisses occasionally, but mainly stays silent.

I really cannot work out how to convince him down from up high. I'm not sure what will do it, because right now it's just the same each day.

Poor thing. I am concerned for him, I hope he will relax and trust me soon. :-(
 

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Can you tell us what you are doing to try and make him less petrified of you?

Here are some suggestions to try:

1.  Have you tried food rewards?  Gerber stage 2 chicken or turkey baby food ( only chicken/turkey and water no added spices) is known as "kitty crack".  Cats love it.  You can offer it on a dish, then spoon and progress to your fingers.  Did you watch the above video and see how they use it?

2.  Sit in the room with him and talk to him each day.  Read aloud to him so that he gets used to your voice.  Do not loom above him.  Sit on the floor.  He will be terrified if you loom over him or reach to try and grab him. 

3.  Play music for him.  Soft classical music.

4.  Do you have a feliway?

5.  Have you tried Composure treats or liquid to help calm him?

6.  Do you have toys for him?  Do you interact with him?  The da bird toy is amazing.

Socializing a feral takes lots of work and lots of patience.  It will not be easy.  Yet the awards are unbelievable.  It takes work and time.  You need to visit often for short periods.  Block spots where he is hiding so that he is forced to be out more.  He will need a safe hiding spot such as a cardboard box or hiding box in a cat tree.  Can you look out a window? 

We are here to help so ask lots and questions.
 
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kabama

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Hi there, yes I don't look over him, especially since he favors high spots: I spend time with him each day, reading to him, chatting about my day and playing the "blinking game" with him. I've even fallen asleep in there. I don't have feliway or the treats you mentioned as they are not in the country I am in (china) but he eats whiskers kitten food. .

I have tried to give him various comforts, like a big fluffy stuffed sock for him to cuddle with, toys that make bird song sounds, a scratch post, a hoody of mine so he something to smell, treats, I will try music, and see if that helps.

I have bachs rescue remedy, some people mention putting it behind their ears but since I can't get close, how about a drop or two in his water?

I went in the room the other day and is clearly caught him out "ground level". I sat on the floor, lay down, stretched and chatted, blinked, but gave distance.

 
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kabama

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And (sorry I missed this bit) yes he has a big window to look out of. He favors the curtains, and the curtain pile, or on top of the air con unit. It's very high. The pics I posted where when I "caught" him at ground level.
 

shadowsrescue

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You can definitely use Rescue Remedy.  Put drops in his water and his wet food.  If you are able to touch him, you can put 2 drops in your hands, rub together and then pet him.  I place 2 drops in wet food each time I feed and in the water bowl as well.  You can also mix 4 drops in a small spray bottle and mist on bedding or other places in his room. 

Can you touch him at all?  I have heard that getting a soft toothbrush, you can brush them with it.  There is also a trick of wrapping him up like a burrito.  Here is a thread that explains it

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/271730/...kittens-i-have-to-tame-so-much-for-a-time-out
 
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kabama

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Good morning! So I thought I would show you a picture of the set up I have going on-

The first pictures the giant bay window where I have made up the den/eating/pooping area

I'm sat on the bed, playing some quiet Mozart, and reading some novel to the kitten but the only reaction I'had to the music so far was a couple of little mews and cries, then back to silence. As time has gone on (it's been about 40 minutes) I'm being watched right now a little more obviously, and he is paying a lot of attention to me, meowing at me quite mournfully, especially when I read.

He hasn't come down, but I have put an entire dropper of bachs into his water, and 4 drops mixed in with his wet kitten food.

What else can I do? His mews and meows are so sad and gradually more insistent. I'm not sure if that's a good sign or not!!!
 
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