KoKo's Story..

Hi cat lovers,
I'm learning so very much from your posts.. I've befriended a semi-feral female/already spayed Siamese cat.
It's been 2 months and the progress is just exceptional.. I truly thank all of the wonderful instructions, the tips, ideas and this site..
I've taken videos and pictures, this poor helpless little cat was skin and bones when she was discovered in November of last year in my driveway..
She was so afraid of me and my family, couldn't even take a step within 10 feet of her without her running with her tail and body cowering.. HEARTBREAKING.. ABSOLUTELY SHATTERED MY HEART.. That night I looked up as much information as I could, I'm also recovering from a left broken foot, and two broken ribs, however, I got myself down the porch stairs that late midnight evening as my heart just couldn't stand the ache as I thought about her.. With directions here, and much needed inspiration and determination, in the 30° weather,I made a shelter for her..

Fresh food, water, and built this fort through the instructional site.. I've had cats (indoor) my whole life, and every cat has been a rescue..

Thank you for sharing your story and for rescuing Koko.

The kindest thing you can do for her is to be sure she is spayed.  Since she is still going outside, you do not want her to end of pregnant.  I would start by feeding her in a carrier or humane trap.  You can start by placing the food just outside the carrier/trap and every few days move it further and further inside until she is comfortably eating inside the carrier/trap.  This could take a week or so.  When you feel she is eating comfortably, schedule the appointment.  On the morning (or evening before if needed) put just a tiny bit of food in the carrier or set the humane trap.  If you are trying for the carrier, it might be much harder to get close enough to get the door shut.  I know some people have tied a string to the handle and sat a safe distance away and pulled the string to close the door once the cat is inside.  This method can be tricky.  I find a humane trap very easy to use and much safer for a feral cat.  It is often easier for the vet to handle the cat as well.  Where I live, we have low cost spay/neuter clinics that are used to handling feral cats.  They do not require appointments as long as the cats is secured in a humane trap.

Regardless of how you catch her, once she is safely inside, cover the carrier or trap with a sheet or towel to keep her calm.  I would be sure that the vet you are taking her to will do the spay/neuter at that time and not require you to bring her back again.  This should be discussed ahead of time with your vet.

I hope all goes well with her continued socialization as well as getting her to the vet.

Thank you so very much, actually KoKo is already a sprayed female thank heavens..
I'm trying to get her into my home and get her medical care.. Our vet is wonderful, he only tends to cats.. And he suggested the exact same, I so appreciate your wonderful words.. I see that you're a rescuer and I have never dealt with a stray/feral so I very much appreciate your saving lives..
Sincerely & graciously,
LinandNin & KoKo

How wonderful that she is already spayed!  I can completely relate to loving a feral cat and watching their progress.  My Shadow Baby was very much the same.  He has lived on my property for 5 years now.  I did everything possible to make him gain my trust.  He is now what I would consider semi feral.  Yet living inside the house full time is just not for him.  He has been in my house many many times and even slept inside all night during bad weather.  Yet for now he remains living on my deck with 2 other ferals I care for.  They have 2 wonderful insulated and heated cat houses.  The heaters keep the houses 30-40 degrees above the outside temperature.  Plus they snuggle together and sleep on heat pads.  So I know they are happy.

I also have inside cats and a large dog.  One of my inside cats is a rescued feral.  He too lived on my deck for awhile before I brought him inside full time.  His story was a do or die.  I was his very last option.  He was not doing well with the other cats outside.  It took him awhile to settle down inside and learn to trust and receive love.  It then took even longer for him to accept my resident cat and dog.  Now all is well.  They all get along and peace exists.  It was a long journey.

My hope for my 3 outside boys is for them too to know they joys of inside life.  Now is not the right time for them or me.  Yet I know that someday I will try.

Thank you for all that you do for Koko.  You are her angel.  The love you feel for her radiates in your post.  I am sure she loves you just as much.

Keep us posted here on her progress.

I LOVE YOUR STORY!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

If you are interested you can read about all of my feral guys on my blog. The link is in my signature.

That's such a nice story. Thank you for helping Koko, she's very lucky to have you.