Tips for semi feral cat?

nicolina

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So, I am getting another cat in a week or two.

He's two years old and he's been living at the shelter for almost all of his life. His mother was born outside and so was he.

He was apparently more social when he first got to the shelter as a kitten, but then he started hanging with the more feral cats and they sort of rubbed off on him.

I have experience with shy/nervous/not-very-fond-of-humans cats, but any tip you might have is appreciated. :)

I have already loaded up with his favourite treats and toys. And he will be living alone in my room for as long as he wants. (it's very quiet and calm there)

Here is a picture of him! Isn't he beautiful? View media item 238265
 

BonitaBaby

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I'm new to owning a cat, but the cat I adopted 2.5 weeks ago was described as "shy", which I didn't realize might mean not fond of humans. She was at the rescue shelter for 7 months. I noticed a huge difference as soon as I sprayed more Feliway in the car on the drive home. I spray it daily and have a Feliway diffuser in my living room to keep her calm. She sometimes runs from me, but she's getting more comfortable and running away from me less unless I accidentally do something to her...like pick up my sweats drawstring she loves...I think her personality would be very different and more semi-feral without all of the Feliway.

I wouldn't have gotten a cat if I'd known I'd have to keep buying Feliway, but I'm so glad I got her and I think the added cost is worth it. I think of it as her "antidepressant", so I plan to keep buying it for her forever.

& yes, he's gorgeous!
 
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p3 and the king

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My guess is that him being in the shelter for so long is what has made him nervous, shy and anxiety ridden.  And not hanging around semi feral cats.  Shelters are not meant to be long term homes.  And it is very stressful on all animals in there even for a short time.  They are noisy, smelly, and scary.

Feliway may work, it may not.  Certainly try it.  I've never had luck with it, though.  You can try the Calming Collar.  I have had good luck and results with this.  My theory is because it's around the cats neck so the pheromones are more potent.

For the first week or so, I would keep him in a room by himself and not with you because it may be too much for him and it will only make it harder to bond.  He'll hide wherever he can and not come out unless he knows you are asleep or not home.  Most people prefer the bathroom.  It's smaller and less places to hide.  Plus, you can go in several times a day and try bonding one on one with him.  Don't push him, though.  Let him set the pace.  Just hold out your hand and let him "pet" you first.  It may take a few days.  I like to sit on the floor by them, it's on their level, so they don't feel intimidated.  Treats help certainly.  Offer him treats.  And talk sweetly to him.

As for introducing him to your other cat(s)... Take it VERY SLOW.  His personality is likely to be prey like to them so it can put a target on his back for bullying and until he gets his confidence with you and in your room, it's not a good idea to have any interaction with them at all.

After he's in your room and seems to be bonding with you, you can start the process of slowly introducing him to the other cats or animals.  Keep it brief and expect growling, hissing and slapping.  Treats can help with this, too.  But the key is to not overwhelm him.  Keep it short and then put him back in the room where he feels safe.  It can take awhile, so don't get discouraged if after a few days, they are not best friends.  Cats do not like change and the rule of thumb is to give them at least a month to start to accept each other.  You don't have to keep him separated for that long, but I would suggest at least 2 weeks.  A few days to bond with and start a trust with you, then to your room and then at least a week, preferably more separated from the other cats with just short meetings.

I'm not going to lie, it won't be easy.  And you will probably have problems.  The key is not to freak out too much and don't punish your cats for being "mean."  And don't get discouraged with him for it not going as quickly as you'd hoped.  Patience and love... But most of all patience and don't push him too much.  Like I said above, let him set the pace.
 

caralian

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I have no experience with ferals or strays. Here in Finland there are none. At least not in this part..

But I just wanted to say, yes, he is absolutely gorgeous. I guess the same goes for every other cat introduced to a new home. Take it slow, don't overwhelm him and let things happen on his term. Having the patience is half the work, at least it was when we first took our kittens home (they weren't feral, true, but they were scared and shaken up, everything was new!)

What is his name?
 
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nicolina

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@Bonitababy  @P3 and The King

Thanks for the tips! I am fully prepared that it will take a while for him to even let me pet him. He just needs to gain some trust.

The shelter where he lived wasn't that bad. It's nothing like the shelters in the US. The cats all roam free and they have lots of space. both indoors and outdoors.

But of course that is nothing like living in your forever home. And don't worry. I would NEVER punish a cat for doing something "bad".

I knew that my next cat would either be an old cat or a semi-feral one. I have lots of experience with cats so I feel confident that if I take it slow and let him come to me, it will be okay. :)

@Caralian  Thank you! :D

I'm probably going to name him Fox. :) (he looks like a fox and I really like the x-files) 
 

shadowsrescue

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@P3 and The King gave some excellent advice. 

I would suggest getting a feliway plug in or two or some feliway spray.  You can place the plug in in the room with him.  It will help him to feel more at ease.

When you go and visit him, start with many short visits.  Also bring a yummy treat to offer when you come into the room and another for when you leave.  He will associate you with good things.  If he is reluctant to take or eat the treats, just leave them for him to explore once you have left the room.  If he doesn't eat them, up the treat value and go for plain cooked chicken, tuna or something else really yummy. 

Make sure you have the room cat proofed.  If you put him in a spare bedroom, pick the bed up or place it directly on the floor.  If not he will run under and hide.  Block other hiding spots such as under or behind dressers or bookcases.  Do have a safe place for him to hide such as a hiding box in a cat tree or a simple box with a cozy blanket or towel.  If there is a window in the room, be sure it is kept closed.  Yet do allow him to look out.  A cat tree in front of the window would be ideal. 

After a few days of settling in, play with him.  He may be afraid at first, but offer different toys such as wand, mice, balls, catnip. 

Introductions are another ball game.  Follow the guidelines and move at a snails pace.  You will be inclined to rush the process as everyone wants the cats just to get along.  You will need to assess the personalities of your current cats as well as the new cat to see how they will mesh.

I brought a stray turned feral into my home last year.  He was neutered and about 3.  He had been living outside for about 1 1/2 years.  I had one cat living inside.  The cat I brought inside, had his own room for about a year.  He lived there 24/7 for the first 2 months adjusting to indoor life.  Introductions to my resident cat were easy at first, but then I made the mistake of rushing the last few steps.  It set me back months.  It was a long long process.  The new cat loved his room and slept there with the door closed each night for a year.  Then he decided he no longer wanted to be shut in.  He and my resident cat have come a long long long way.  They had fur flying fights each day.  Now they will play with each other and choose to spend time with each other.  It took lots and lots and lots of work, but in the end it was so worth it. 

When you are ready for introductions let us know.  There are lots of great links I can share.
 

BonitaBaby

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I don't know anything about introducing new cats to each other personally, but I do remember reading that the introduction period is really important for getting them to like each other and not to rush it or they might not get along. That you should keep them separated for a while and swap their things so that they can smell each other's scent...blankets & beds & toys...so they get used to each other before actually meeting. I hope that helps!

Edit: I was posting at the same time as the above post so didn't see it...
 
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mani

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He's absolutely gorgeous, nicolina, 
and bless you for giving him a wonderful home...

No advice except to follow the previous advice P3 and ShadowsRescue are giving.. they have the experience to help and the settling in period is so important.

Please keep everyone updated.. !
 
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nicolina

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@ShadowsRescue  @Bonitababy

Thank you! I feel confident that I know what to do now. I'm planning on taking it really slow.

When I visited him at the shelter I noticed that he was willing to have some contact. I put my hand in front of him and he reached forward to sniff it. 

A lot of the other cats there just hissed when you got close.

@Mani

Thanks! :D I talked to the shelter yesterday. He's coming next wednesday or friday. I'm really excited! :)
 
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nicolina

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Hello again! :)

After some trouble finding a day for him to come he is finally here! 

I will follow your tips and tell you how it turns out.


By the way, I did name him Fox! And I love him already. <3
 
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nicolina

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My god, he really is stunning. 
Thank you! :D

He's still very scared, but he only been here since yesterday so that is expected. 

I give him treats or food or toys every time I approach him to get him to associate me with positive things.

It turns out that he was born outside and didn't have any contact with humans until he was six months old. That was when he was captured (it was very traumatic for him) and brought to the shelter. 

He lived there for two years, until yesterday <3
 

alyssam

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Oh my gosh he looks just like my HP, our resident feral girl.

I'm the only one that she really trusts. I think it's because I made a point to spend time with her every time she came around. Even if that time was spent just sitting in the same space as her.

Best of luck to you!
 
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nicolina

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I'm the only one that she really trusts. I think it's because I made a point to spend time with her every time she came around. Even if that time was spent just sitting in the same space as her.

Best of luck to you!
Aww, she's so cute! 

I'm already noticing a difference with Fox! I found out that he LOVES kitty grass! He even takes it from my hand and let's me pet him carefully <3
 

BonitaBaby

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Aww, she's so cute! 

I'm already noticing a difference with Fox! I found out that he LOVES kitty grass! He even takes it from my hand and let's me pet him carefully <3
Yay! He's so gorgeous!!
 

karissima

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Cat grass is wheat grass, or wheat sprouts really. Safe for cats to eat/chew.

I got a kitten that was rescued from a kitten mill. It took 3 months of seclusion before she would even come out of hiding. I ended up introducing her to the others by putting them in "her" room, since after 3 months it was more hers than theirs. 2 years later last month, she's a loving little girl and gets along very well with our other cats. She still has some "odd" tendencies, like fear of bags, still hides from strangers, etc, but with patience I think all cats can be great companions! I'm so pleased that you would take on this beautiful if challenged fellow!
 
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nicolina

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I thought I should give you all an update on Fox.

He now has free roam of the apartment. He walks with his tail held high and with confidence.

He tries to head butt the other cat's all the time, and us humans are okay if we keep our distance. :)

It will take a LONG time for him to trust me enough for me to touch him, but it's so worth it. He is an amazing cat! <3

 

4purfectkitties

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Awwwww!!!!!! He is stunningly beautiful! Sounds like you are doing an amazing job with him too.

Keep up the great work[emoji]128077[/emoji]
 
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