I was driving home on a long trip Friday night in the pouring rain... I stopped for gas and saw 5 feral cats hanging around the gas station. Three were about 9 weeks according to the woman who worked there. I had another 2 hours to go in the car so I knew I couldn't take them with me. But those babies haunted me all weekend till today when my husband and I went back there to see if we could catch them. We got the 2 smallest, but I'm afraid I didn't know about the trap cages. We actually caught them by hand and put them into a carrier, and one was ok with it, but the other kicked and screamed and fought for his life. I was so stressed to traumatize him, and now I'm afraid I shouldn't have done it. I should have learned about the trap first. They both settled down in the carrier looking resigned to their fate. We got them into a small room and opened the carrier into a dog kennel but they wouldn't move. I'm afraid they are paralyzed with fear! We left the room for a few hours and went back in... They are still In the carrier! I just hope I didn't damage the little guy for life. It broke my heart to see him scared and struggling. I've never taken in a feral, but it's getting cold and I'm afraid they will freeze. Do you think I still have a chance to gain their trust?
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I caught 2 feral babies today... I hope I didnt do it wrong!
- Thread starter jacci
- Start Date
Yes, you must believe in it! After all, you DID the very best for them to have beeing done! You went back, took them, and NOW they do have a life before them. From barely perhaps, its now a sure thing.
If you think they defensive got traumatized, begin all sessions with playing / etc the more daredevil. The shy will see it, and soon enough, follow the suit.
Next time, wrap them up in a towel. Or even - take the scruff. Immobilized this way, they wont fight as much, and thus, its more calm for them.
You had began rightly, letting them cool down on their own. Proceed so. Its normal they are shy and hiding the first days. Even some bough cats may do so.
When you come in, have som food with you. Little but often - this way they quicker connect you with food and something nice.
If you dont have much time - try to do it at the same time every day.
Talk much to them in friendly voice, make soft friendly voices... Dont look directly at their eyes, look a little aside. No lifted hands. Do yawn a lot...
Tx a lot for caring!
Good luck!
If you think they defensive got traumatized, begin all sessions with playing / etc the more daredevil. The shy will see it, and soon enough, follow the suit.
Next time, wrap them up in a towel. Or even - take the scruff. Immobilized this way, they wont fight as much, and thus, its more calm for them.
You had began rightly, letting them cool down on their own. Proceed so. Its normal they are shy and hiding the first days. Even some bough cats may do so.
When you come in, have som food with you. Little but often - this way they quicker connect you with food and something nice.
If you dont have much time - try to do it at the same time every day.
Talk much to them in friendly voice, make soft friendly voices... Dont look directly at their eyes, look a little aside. No lifted hands. Do yawn a lot...
Tx a lot for caring!
Good luck!
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You have most assuredly have done the right thing. Their world has turned upside down, so they will be frightened. But I guarantee you, that within a week, they will relax as they realize you aren't going to hurt them. They may adjust at different rates. Slow and steady is the ticket. Never move or approach them quickly; speak softly and calmly when ever you are with them.
Gerber chicken baby food is a good bribe. Most kitties can't resist it. Try a little on a plate at first, then on the end of a spoon, and finally on the. End of your finger.
Sit in the room with them. You can read to them out loud, which gets them used to your voice and presence.
Thank you for going back for them. You are an angel!
Gerber chicken baby food is a good bribe. Most kitties can't resist it. Try a little on a plate at first, then on the end of a spoon, and finally on the. End of your finger.
Sit in the room with them. You can read to them out loud, which gets them used to your voice and presence.
Thank you for going back for them. You are an angel!
Oh yes you did Good, most assuredly. Be patient, talk softly, when you see them go in with Food. A way to cats' heart is through their stomach 
You absolutely did the best thing for those 2 guys! You most certainly saved them from a very, very tough (and probably VERY short) life struggling outside. So a big thanks - and eventually, they'll thank you too
We all work with ferals a little differently…but you'll find this is a great place for advice and reassurance. I personally wouldn't work on touching or picking up too much initially…they'll need a little time to come around to trust that you're where food and good things come from. If you've got them in a small room to themselves - that's perfect. And having a carrier inside a large dog crate is great too. Make sure you shut the room to the door when you come in - you never know if one might decide to be brave before they truly trust you - and slip by you and slide out the dog crate door while you've got the crate door open. Then you'll REALLY want to make sure you have the room door shut - as talk about terrorizing and making them take a few steps back! We had that experience with a feral group of kittens …actually two (you'd think we'd have learned)…and then it's even harder to build the trust back up. Anyway….
If you can put a tv or a radio in the room, leaving it to either classical or talk radio is a great idea. We have a tv on, and I often put HGTV on since it's never really loud or frightening. That way they get used to small noises and people talking even if you're not in there. The more time you can spend in with them though, the better. I sit and read --even read aloud to them. I talk to them a lot. It's also a good idea to have a routine - I always come in the room the same way (with the same, quiet, sing-song voice about "food's here kittens!"). Routine feels good to them. And it's good if they know you actually are the food supplier - just dumping dry food in and leaving them won't get you anywhere. I always leave a little dry in the cage (eventually the room) for them, but let them know i'm supplying the soft, which I use as a real tool for excitement, etc. I start out with Gerbers Stage 2 Baby FOod Chicken on a spoon, offering it while I talk quietly. Few kittens can resist! It's very smelly - which draws them in! It can't be their only source of food - but it's a great "love bribe."
Good luck and keep us posted! You can get lots of tips and help on this forum!
We all work with ferals a little differently…but you'll find this is a great place for advice and reassurance. I personally wouldn't work on touching or picking up too much initially…they'll need a little time to come around to trust that you're where food and good things come from. If you've got them in a small room to themselves - that's perfect. And having a carrier inside a large dog crate is great too. Make sure you shut the room to the door when you come in - you never know if one might decide to be brave before they truly trust you - and slip by you and slide out the dog crate door while you've got the crate door open. Then you'll REALLY want to make sure you have the room door shut - as talk about terrorizing and making them take a few steps back! We had that experience with a feral group of kittens …actually two (you'd think we'd have learned)…and then it's even harder to build the trust back up. Anyway….
If you can put a tv or a radio in the room, leaving it to either classical or talk radio is a great idea. We have a tv on, and I often put HGTV on since it's never really loud or frightening. That way they get used to small noises and people talking even if you're not in there. The more time you can spend in with them though, the better. I sit and read --even read aloud to them. I talk to them a lot. It's also a good idea to have a routine - I always come in the room the same way (with the same, quiet, sing-song voice about "food's here kittens!"). Routine feels good to them. And it's good if they know you actually are the food supplier - just dumping dry food in and leaving them won't get you anywhere. I always leave a little dry in the cage (eventually the room) for them, but let them know i'm supplying the soft, which I use as a real tool for excitement, etc. I start out with Gerbers Stage 2 Baby FOod Chicken on a spoon, offering it while I talk quietly. Few kittens can resist! It's very smelly - which draws them in! It can't be their only source of food - but it's a great "love bribe."
Good luck and keep us posted! You can get lots of tips and help on this forum!
