I really have a dilemma on my hands. A little background: Last January I rescued 5 month old siblings. I was hoping to adopt a pair, and the shelter insisted that these siblings be placed together and with someone with experience with feral cats. That would be me
I was in love immediately! The male, Max is very affectionate and outgoing, but his sister, Ruby, is still skittish. I understand why they needed to be adopted out together. The big problem is that she will not let us groom her. She will not let anyone pick her up. She does come to me and my daughters for treats and patting when SHE is in the mood for it!
Ruby has a beautiful full mane around her neck, but it is starting to mat. What to do? Even if I could get her, it would be a fight, and I am not willing to do that to her. I cannot even get her into the crate to take her to the vet for his help with the matting.
Any advice is surely welcome! I have the crate right out in our family room and I toss treats into it and she will occasionally go retrieve one, but is out of there faster than lightning! LOL She is very comfortable with my daughters, but I don't want to ruin that bond by having them try to brush her. She would fly off anyway and with feral cats, any work you do to socialize them goes out the window if you break that trust.
I have had cats my entire life. Last December I had to put down my sweet Duchess at 19 years old. She was feral and it took YEARS, but I finally got her to trust me. I plan on being just as patient and persistent with Ruby, but that doesn't help with her matting in the present.
Thanks in advance.
Lola
I was in love immediately! The male, Max is very affectionate and outgoing, but his sister, Ruby, is still skittish. I understand why they needed to be adopted out together. The big problem is that she will not let us groom her. She will not let anyone pick her up. She does come to me and my daughters for treats and patting when SHE is in the mood for it!
Ruby has a beautiful full mane around her neck, but it is starting to mat. What to do? Even if I could get her, it would be a fight, and I am not willing to do that to her. I cannot even get her into the crate to take her to the vet for his help with the matting.
Any advice is surely welcome! I have the crate right out in our family room and I toss treats into it and she will occasionally go retrieve one, but is out of there faster than lightning! LOL She is very comfortable with my daughters, but I don't want to ruin that bond by having them try to brush her. She would fly off anyway and with feral cats, any work you do to socialize them goes out the window if you break that trust.
I have had cats my entire life. Last December I had to put down my sweet Duchess at 19 years old. She was feral and it took YEARS, but I finally got her to trust me. I plan on being just as patient and persistent with Ruby, but that doesn't help with her matting in the present.
Thanks in advance.
Lola