Confused About Progress with Semi-ferals

kamitchell6

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I adopted 3 one year old semi-feral cats about 2 months ago. I dedicated a finished basement to them. Several weeks ago I introduced my dog and since it went so well I now leave the door open so they can roam the house freely. They come up frequently and enjoy the additional windows and exploring.

Things are really going well and they are adjusting quicker then I ever thought they would. They are completely different cats from the first few weeks when they were too timid to come anywhere near me or my children.

Before I feed them I sit on the floor by the empty bowls and they all allow me to pet them. They seem more comfortable with my hand approaching them while we play with toys.

Upstairs is a completely different story though. If I approach any of them they dart away as fast as they can.

I am confused. Do they just not feel comfortable outside their safe spot downstairs? Is this a normal adjustment that is going to take a while for them to be comfortable with? I don't get it.

They have less high places to go to upstairs but
 

ondine

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Downstairs is their first safe place inside, so to them its "home."  Upstairs is becoming home but it has new smells, new sights, new everything.    I would give them time - they will adjust.

One tip - when you put yor hand out to pet them, use your fist.  It will look like a cat asking for a head bump and they will be less likely to shy away.  Once your fist touches their cheeck, you can slowly open your hand for a proper petting.

Thank you so much for taking them in.  What a joy to see them blossom!
 

gadragonfly

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This is my first post here and I apologize for not introducing myself first, but I've been reading this forum this week and I'm impressed with the help that is offered here.  When reading your original post you said when you feed them you sit on the floor by the empty bowls and offer your hand but it sounds like when upstairs you are approaching them and they dart away.  If you are standing over them as you approach them they may be frightened by your size.  You might want to try sitting on the floor upstairs, even offering treats while up there, but not "approaching" in such a way that you stand over them or that they have to look up to see you.  Just a thought. Otherwise it sounds like you are doing an excellent job of socializing your semi-feral kittens.
 
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kamitchell6

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Oops. I didn't realize my post posted. I wasn't quite done :-)
Thanks for the responses. It all makes sense I suppose if you're a cat. I haven't tried feeding or treats upstairs mainly because of my dog but I can experiment a bit whenever he is outside. I also try to only go near them when they are on the couch or a countertop and I hunch over trying to be smaller, but yes the sitting down must be important so I'll start trying that as well. I love that they are becoming more social. Sometimes it's hard to remember their background and that they are going to take more time adjusting. I'm just so glad they are.
 
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