I have worked at the same company for 11 years. A coworker was feeding feral cats at a designated location at the back of our parking lot near the woods, and I began assisting her with the feeding schedule about 6 years ago. Some cats have come and gone, and a few have been present the entire time. Most do not associate with each other and only a couple will eat together.
Most have been spayed or neutered and released. One in particular that completely refuses to associate with any other cat has become quite attached to me as I not only am a food source for her, but also spend time petting her. We have interacted with each other for years, and we are to the point that she will jump into my car when I open the door as I give her handheld treats. I can completely rub her from head to tail, and she will even sleep in my lap for minutes at a time (I believe that she feels completely safe in my presence and might be the only time she can completely sleep without being on guard). She has never bitten me or swiped at me. She does not interact with any other human.
My question is whether or not I could ever domesticate her into my home? I am at the point where I don't even want to change jobs because I am so concerned as to what would become of her. I have one domesticated male cat in my home that is used to being the king of the castle and am also not sure how he would interact with her. However, when he smells her on me, he licks and rubs my hand and generally doesn't seem to be bothered.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Most have been spayed or neutered and released. One in particular that completely refuses to associate with any other cat has become quite attached to me as I not only am a food source for her, but also spend time petting her. We have interacted with each other for years, and we are to the point that she will jump into my car when I open the door as I give her handheld treats. I can completely rub her from head to tail, and she will even sleep in my lap for minutes at a time (I believe that she feels completely safe in my presence and might be the only time she can completely sleep without being on guard). She has never bitten me or swiped at me. She does not interact with any other human.
My question is whether or not I could ever domesticate her into my home? I am at the point where I don't even want to change jobs because I am so concerned as to what would become of her. I have one domesticated male cat in my home that is used to being the king of the castle and am also not sure how he would interact with her. However, when he smells her on me, he licks and rubs my hand and generally doesn't seem to be bothered.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.