Soon to be new mom for a recently rescued semi-feral cat...

Hello all!

So I rescued a cat 18 years ago and he passed away in January at about 22 years of age.  He was great, but I missed having a cat in the house. Several months later, I realized that the next cat I wanted was a Maine Coon.  But I didn't want to get one from a breeder, and figured I'd look on Petfinder, not thinking I'd find one right away.  And I did.  She's a Maine Coon/Munchkin mix...I found out today that the family left her to fend for herself when their house when into foreclosure last year...the woman who rescued her was able to trap her in 11/14. She's about 3.5 years old.

I met her today for the first time at the foster house.  This cat has been in 3 different homes since 11/14, so she's obviously going to be cranky...and she was.  Hissed when she saw me for the first time, but I'm not surprised or thwarted.  I was going to take her home today, but the foster suggested that I keep her in a cage for a bit, until she is acclimated.  I'm fine with that, and they are being nice enough to lend me one so I don't have to buy and store one myself...and they are driving to my place to bring her to me!

Here's my question...how long do you think I need to keep her in the crate?  Part of me feels like I will know (I'm fairly experienced with cats, just not semi-feral ones), but how long do you think would be too long?  A week?  Prior to the cage idea, I was just going to keep her in a closed off room for awhile (I live in a 2BR apt), and stay in there with her until she got used to me/realized I was a safe food source.  That's what I did with my previous rescue and it took about 4 hours for him to be totally OK with me.  I feel like she is going to be more of a challenge...one that I know I have the patience to handle.  

I've read up on Feliway and am planning on getting it...does it really work?  I just want the transition to be as easy as possible on her.

Are there sticky threads on here that already answer these types of things?  I looked around and didn't see anything about having a caged cat...with the exception of introducing a new cat into a house where other cats already exist.  I don't have any other animals, nor am I planning to with this gal (she's not keen on any other dog/cat).

I'm excited, because I know deep down there is a beautiful, smart, sweet, fierce gal under all that cranky fur...

Thanks!

I think a crate idea is fine for a day or two, but if you have a spare room that is completely cat proofed that would work too.  By cat proofed I mean, if there is a bed in the room, it must be flat on the floor or picked up.  Under a bed is the first place the cat will hide and you will not be able to get her out.  Also block behind book case, dressers or other furniture.  Get on the floor and think like a cat.  They can get themselves into really small spaces.  Do have a safe hiding place for her.  A cat tree with a hiding box or even a cardboard box with a cozy blanket. 

Have the litter box on one side of the room and the food on the other.  Feliway's do help.  Go ahead and get one plugged in.  I also use Composure liquid max calming supplement.  Amazon has the best price on both.

When you are working with her, sit on the floor at her level.  Do not loom over her.  Talk softly and watch your gaze.  She may not like direct eye contact.  When you come to visit her, bring a special yummy treat.  You can try plain cooked chicken, tuna or even Gerber stage 2 chicken or turkey baby food.  It's in a small jar with chicken/turkey and water only.  No added spices.  Cats love it and it works well for socializing and as a special treat. 

Play a radio for her.  Also have some toys.  Maybe a perch to look out the window too. 

Take it slowly.

Are you able to handle her (pick her up)?  If so you could allow her to come out of the cage when you come to visit and then put her back when you are ready to leave.  I wouldn't use the cage for long if you are able to handle her.

Thank you for rescuing her!

Thanks for the reply!  I have a mostly cat-proofed room...the bed is the one thing I can't move.  It's way too heavy for me, which is why the shelter recommended the cage for a while.  Her foster can handle her, so I'm hoping when we are finally in her new home that she'll be OK with it with me.  I don't want to force it on her right off the bat.

Before I left the foster I had to get my purse (which was where she was), I got down very low, blinked at her, told her I'd be seeing her soon, and she didn't hiss, so I consider that progress! She's just frightened, I can sense that.

I'm going to stay home from work and hang with her for a few days in a row to get her used to me and get on a reasonable schedule.  I've got toys (both interactive and solo), cat scratch lounger, scratching post with hammock, carboard box with blanket, catnip, treats...all of the things that a cat would possibly like. 

The cage bit is just new to me...I guess I'll just see how she is and hope that my instincts are right!  I feel like I'm on the mostly right track!

As always, ShadowsRescue has covered things well.

If there is a way to block under the bed, do so.  It will be her go-to point.  If you can't, you can't, but be aware it may slow down her adjustment if she can get under there.

Staying home for a few days is good but don't spend all day in there.  Once your regular routine starts, it will be another adjustment for her.  Besides routine cleaning and feeding, you can sit in the room for short periods of time and sit on the floor, reading out loud to her.  It will get her used to your presence and your voice.

I know you are excited and I would be, too.  She's a lucky kitty!  But taking your time and having plenty of patience is key right now.  It may take her a few days to adjust to her new situation.  She may wait a few months, just to be sure it doesn't change again.