Hello everyone,
I'm sorry in advance for the long post, but I wanted to include all pertinent information. A cat was trapped at a wildlife rehab facility (TWC) where I volunteer. Animals unfortunately are dumped there from time to time, so I'm unsure if that was the case with this kitty or if he was born feral. I foster cats for the Humane Society, but he is currently unsafe to handle and therefore non-submissible to HS (they would have to euthanize). My plan is to keep him short term to see if his disposition improves at all, which would demonstrate a potential become a good companion with some further socialization. If it does, I will find a "Home Again" foster through HS (it's a program for animals requiring longer term fostering, which I am currently not able to provide); if not, I'm left with TNR, which is at least better than nothing.
The cat is a black DSH and looks to be in good condition (shiny coat, good weight, bright eyes), probably young or middle-aged. I haven't been able to determine gender (I only say "he" because I prefer that to "it") or spay/neuter status, as he is extremely defensive around people. He was in a kennel for a week at TWC and would lash out if someone approached to within a foot or so. He was dangerous and upset when we transferred him to a carrier, but completely calm during the drive to my house (stayed in the middle of the crate, rather than bunched in the back; no hissing/growling, even when I talked to him or picked up the crate to bring him inside). He is staying in my spare bathroom now---this his first day with me---and hisses/growls some when I open the door, and meows a while (not unhappily as far as I can tell) when he hears my other cats meow, but is otherwise quiet. He likes to stay somewhat hidden (ex: behind the toilet or carrier), but doesn't scrunch into corners, tremble, or maintain dilated pupils. He seems calm overall, as long as he doesn't think I want to touch him. He came out from behind the toilet and into full view when I put soft food in front of him, which he happily consumed.
There are a few complications with this scenario, unfortunately. 1) I don't know this kitty's history whatsoever (not even "we've been feeding him for a few weeks", etc). 2) I can't keep him long-term, just long enough to determine the best course of action. 3) I have cats of my own, one of which is apt to hiss/growl at the door from time to time, and I don't know what effect that will have on him.
I have never attempted to socialize a feral cat before and would very much appreciate any input on the subject. Some areas I'm particularly concerned about are:
1) Rough time estimate, if there is one, for which ferals or strays begin to show any signs of improved disposition (ex: about a week, 1 month, etc). This is particularly important because I don't want to decide on TNR prematurely.
2) I am a University student, and my schedule changes throughout the week. I want to keep this kitty on a schedule because I know cats like consistency, but I also don't want to forgo socializing opportunities 4 days of the week just because I'm at school all day for 3 days of the week. Thoughts?
3) Is my one cat hissing/growling going to be considerably detrimental to this kitty's potential progress? Should I keep my cat away from the feral's vicinity (despite the closed door between them) while he's here?
If anyone has any advice, I can't express how grateful I would be. I really want to do what's best for this kitty but my research so far hasn't been able to shed light on this particular set of circumstances (most tips seem to be geared toward people who intend to keep the cat). Thank you all so much!
I'm sorry in advance for the long post, but I wanted to include all pertinent information. A cat was trapped at a wildlife rehab facility (TWC) where I volunteer. Animals unfortunately are dumped there from time to time, so I'm unsure if that was the case with this kitty or if he was born feral. I foster cats for the Humane Society, but he is currently unsafe to handle and therefore non-submissible to HS (they would have to euthanize). My plan is to keep him short term to see if his disposition improves at all, which would demonstrate a potential become a good companion with some further socialization. If it does, I will find a "Home Again" foster through HS (it's a program for animals requiring longer term fostering, which I am currently not able to provide); if not, I'm left with TNR, which is at least better than nothing.
The cat is a black DSH and looks to be in good condition (shiny coat, good weight, bright eyes), probably young or middle-aged. I haven't been able to determine gender (I only say "he" because I prefer that to "it") or spay/neuter status, as he is extremely defensive around people. He was in a kennel for a week at TWC and would lash out if someone approached to within a foot or so. He was dangerous and upset when we transferred him to a carrier, but completely calm during the drive to my house (stayed in the middle of the crate, rather than bunched in the back; no hissing/growling, even when I talked to him or picked up the crate to bring him inside). He is staying in my spare bathroom now---this his first day with me---and hisses/growls some when I open the door, and meows a while (not unhappily as far as I can tell) when he hears my other cats meow, but is otherwise quiet. He likes to stay somewhat hidden (ex: behind the toilet or carrier), but doesn't scrunch into corners, tremble, or maintain dilated pupils. He seems calm overall, as long as he doesn't think I want to touch him. He came out from behind the toilet and into full view when I put soft food in front of him, which he happily consumed.
There are a few complications with this scenario, unfortunately. 1) I don't know this kitty's history whatsoever (not even "we've been feeding him for a few weeks", etc). 2) I can't keep him long-term, just long enough to determine the best course of action. 3) I have cats of my own, one of which is apt to hiss/growl at the door from time to time, and I don't know what effect that will have on him.
I have never attempted to socialize a feral cat before and would very much appreciate any input on the subject. Some areas I'm particularly concerned about are:
1) Rough time estimate, if there is one, for which ferals or strays begin to show any signs of improved disposition (ex: about a week, 1 month, etc). This is particularly important because I don't want to decide on TNR prematurely.
2) I am a University student, and my schedule changes throughout the week. I want to keep this kitty on a schedule because I know cats like consistency, but I also don't want to forgo socializing opportunities 4 days of the week just because I'm at school all day for 3 days of the week. Thoughts?
3) Is my one cat hissing/growling going to be considerably detrimental to this kitty's potential progress? Should I keep my cat away from the feral's vicinity (despite the closed door between them) while he's here?
If anyone has any advice, I can't express how grateful I would be. I really want to do what's best for this kitty but my research so far hasn't been able to shed light on this particular set of circumstances (most tips seem to be geared toward people who intend to keep the cat). Thank you all so much!