I just have to brag on my rescue, Tuly. i brought her in from outside. She hid in my bedroom for a month, and then hid in the "front" of our condo for a month. I spent a LOT of time on my stomach on the floor reaching in under the bed to pet her. And a LOT of time in front of the dresser petting her behind the curtain. Then a LOT of time reaching behind the big tree in the living room petting her.
In the last week or so she has been sleeping in the "house" at the bottom of the tree, or on top of the "house". She also goes on top of the mantle. I have been able to pet her more and more.
Then 2 nights ago I was on the couch and she walked by and I put out my hand as usual and called her and she came! She rubbed my legs and gave head buts for about 15 minutes. Last night she did the same thing. Then she actually came up ON the couch by me and stayed for 10 or 15 minutes!
It is like a light went off that "petting is good". She still is skittish - she looks around when she is eating, every few bites. And sudden movement sends her running. But I think she has made HUGE progress in only 2 months. I was getting discouraged, but it seems like all the effort has paid off.
I hope this is encouraging to for those of you who are trying to socialize ferals or semi-ferals. Keep at it. It may take longer but it is possible. Years ago I got an abused cat and it took almost a year before she would come to me. But she turned into a very affectionate kitty. It is SO worth the effort!
In the last week or so she has been sleeping in the "house" at the bottom of the tree, or on top of the "house". She also goes on top of the mantle. I have been able to pet her more and more.
Then 2 nights ago I was on the couch and she walked by and I put out my hand as usual and called her and she came! She rubbed my legs and gave head buts for about 15 minutes. Last night she did the same thing. Then she actually came up ON the couch by me and stayed for 10 or 15 minutes!
It is like a light went off that "petting is good". She still is skittish - she looks around when she is eating, every few bites. And sudden movement sends her running. But I think she has made HUGE progress in only 2 months. I was getting discouraged, but it seems like all the effort has paid off.
I hope this is encouraging to for those of you who are trying to socialize ferals or semi-ferals. Keep at it. It may take longer but it is possible. Years ago I got an abused cat and it took almost a year before she would come to me. But she turned into a very affectionate kitty. It is SO worth the effort!
