Hi,
My wife and I adopted a beautiful feral tabby when she was about eight weeks old. We were told she was captured in the wild, but don't have too many other details. She is now about (7) months. She is a real lover. As advised by the foster home, we kept her in one room of the house for about six weeks until she became accustomed to us. She's progressing fine and is almost a normal kitty. Now she has the run of the house, plus she gets to go outside (under supervision) regularly. She doesn't try to run off or anything, in fact, she always keeps the door to the house (her escape route) in the corner of her eye, while she wanders and hunts. The only thing that's a little distressing, particularly for my wife, is that you can't stand over her, stoop down, and pick her up. She darts away at the slightest gesture to do so. However, when she's napping, if you approach quietly and gently, you can pick her up without any protest or escape attempts at all! Also when in bed (i.e. not standing), or sitting on the couch, she will sit on your lap, or snuggle next to you, no worries. She loves to be petted, and is a LOUD PURRING MACHINE.
Does anyone have any tips for making her more comfortable about being picked up? My wife has a stressful job, and part of kitty's duty is to provide what we jokingly call "therapy," meaning cuddling. I always whistle when I feed her, so she's learned to come when I whistle if she's outside. When whistling in the kitchen, she comes running up wanting her food, and follows closely to the feeding area. During this time, she sometimes allows us to bend over pet her and even pick her up, but that's as good as it gets. Thanks for the help!
My wife and I adopted a beautiful feral tabby when she was about eight weeks old. We were told she was captured in the wild, but don't have too many other details. She is now about (7) months. She is a real lover. As advised by the foster home, we kept her in one room of the house for about six weeks until she became accustomed to us. She's progressing fine and is almost a normal kitty. Now she has the run of the house, plus she gets to go outside (under supervision) regularly. She doesn't try to run off or anything, in fact, she always keeps the door to the house (her escape route) in the corner of her eye, while she wanders and hunts. The only thing that's a little distressing, particularly for my wife, is that you can't stand over her, stoop down, and pick her up. She darts away at the slightest gesture to do so. However, when she's napping, if you approach quietly and gently, you can pick her up without any protest or escape attempts at all! Also when in bed (i.e. not standing), or sitting on the couch, she will sit on your lap, or snuggle next to you, no worries. She loves to be petted, and is a LOUD PURRING MACHINE.
Does anyone have any tips for making her more comfortable about being picked up? My wife has a stressful job, and part of kitty's duty is to provide what we jokingly call "therapy," meaning cuddling. I always whistle when I feed her, so she's learned to come when I whistle if she's outside. When whistling in the kitchen, she comes running up wanting her food, and follows closely to the feeding area. During this time, she sometimes allows us to bend over pet her and even pick her up, but that's as good as it gets. Thanks for the help!
