I JUST CAUGHT HAZEL - Now What?

MsAimee said:

Umm... she's not a feral cat. Definitely not. She's Felix's sister making her the exact same age as him (6 years old). She can't have a room to herself because my parents would never agree to that and we don't have space. She's fine in the cage in the basement with my other cats. It's where she is most comfortable. Giving her too much space would encourage hiding and fearfulness.


Sorry for the misunderstanding. You had mentioned in various recent posts that she was crying all night, very upset because she couldn't find a way to escape the other day, that she had hissed and growled at you, and that the wire of her cage was bent from her trying to escape. Whether or not she's a stray or semi-feral, those behaviors are usually indicators that a cat is stressed and upset at being confined in a cage. And if she was previously more at ease coming inside and going back outside, that's something you might consider allowing her to continue to do. Each cat is very different and has different needs.

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Oh, okay. Sorry. I understand now. I don't want her to go back outside. My mom said she can have a run of the house once she gets use to things. She also might have a cold. She would have died this winter if I hadn't taken her in.

Hazel started using the litter box which I'm super excited about. I was afraid that she would never use it. I managed to get her to eat some food out of my hand. I got to rub her cheeks and stroke her half way down her back. Again, she was purring loudly. She even turned over on her side, almost onto her back but I stopped before she continued. When I came back, I tried to do the same thing but she backed up and hissed at me. What does this mean?

I still haven't got an answer. I'm just curious as to why she keeps going from purring and calm to hissing and spitting in a matter of seconds.

Graceful-Lily said:

I still haven't got an answer. I'm just curious as to why she keeps going from purring and calm to hissing and spitting in a matter of seconds.

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I don't know for sure, but I would assume she's just still getting adjusted. It's her way of expressing when she's a bit uncomfortable.

Some cats get over stimulated very easily and can only tolerate a certain amount of petting. Then they will nip or paw at you. I wouldn't worry about it. Just be mindful of her when she's letting you know she's had enough for the moment.

Thank you so much!

However, it's more like when I approach her or when I leave her, she starts growling. But once I come close and rub her cheeks, she calms down and starts purring until I leave her again. I even managed to brush out her coat a bit and she didn't mind at all. Hazel is sending mixed signals lol. I'm really confused.

Graceful-Lily said:

Thank you so much!

However, it's more like when I approach her or when I leave her, she starts growling. But once I come close and rub her cheeks, she calms down and starts purring until I leave her again. I even managed to brush out her coat a bit and she didn't mind at all. Hazel is sending mixed signals lol. I'm really confused.

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It sounds like she's comfortable with you, but not sure what to do during transition times.

Makes sense. She's making progress everyday and I've decided that I want to keep her and take care of her for the rest of her life. I'm ordering some supplies when they go on sale.

When is the right time to let her out of the cage?

So, I let Hazel out. She's currently in the basement with Felix but she's been hiding ever since. She I just leave her? How will I continue to tame her if she's hiding?

Just leave her and give her time to adjust to the new space. If finances would allow, you could order a 6-foot cat tree on Amazon or Ebay. That is a great way to help a new kitty to adjust. She could hide in the cubby holes of the cat tree and feel confident with the height, but you could also see her and interact with her and perhaps coax her to play with a wand toy.But if finances don't allow for such a generous purchase, then just keep doing what you are doing and be patient. She already allows you to pet her, so the hardest part is already over. Since she will be your forever kitty , you have lots of time to be patient with her. Let her to come to you on her own terms. Encourage her with play and treats and continue to spend time with her. She will be your buddy for life.

Alright, thank you!
I plan on making a cat tree since I'm really good with those types of projects and it's cheaper.
Hazel was hiding for a while but I came down this morning and she is sleeping on a chair like the other cats. I walked up to her and she didn't flinch or move. She has a look of content on her face which makes me really happy. I was afraid it would take ages to tame her but Hazel has come around almost as quickly as her kittens did.

Awesome update, you have made great progress with her. She is so lucky that she found you 

Great job! And Merry Christmas to both of you.

Thank you so much, everyone! Merry Christmas to you all too.

It's official! Bought her her own brush this morning.