Hello! I am in need of some advice. We have been feeding feral cats in the neighborhood for years now, and never have been able to get close to any of them. For the last 3 months, a beautiful long-haired calico kitty has been living on our porch, and has been more bold than any before her, allowing us to get relatively close when bringing out food. Starting last week, she took an intense interest in our dogs, rubbing against them as they went in and out for potty, and purring very loudly in their presence. As she was playing with the dogs, we could pet her, and decided this would be a good way to get her into a carrier to take her to the vet.
Saturday we went to the vet and she was scared, but seemed very sweet. She is estimated to be one year, has roundworms, ear mites and infections, but surprisingly no fleas. We were instructed to give her ear medication morning and night for 3 weeks and then revisit the vet for spaying and retest for the mites and worms. The problem is that since we've gotten her home, she is completely terrified of us and will only get close to the dogs. We have had to chase her to get the medicine in her ears and confine her to the bathroom, which has been set up to be her space. All articles recommend leaving her until she comes to you, and visiting to bring food without touching until she is comfortable. I'm afraid that having to handle her against her will to provide ear medication is only going to make it more difficult for us to bond with her and make her feel safe. Does anyone have suggestions on how to go about this the best way in a less than ideal situation? Thank you!
Saturday we went to the vet and she was scared, but seemed very sweet. She is estimated to be one year, has roundworms, ear mites and infections, but surprisingly no fleas. We were instructed to give her ear medication morning and night for 3 weeks and then revisit the vet for spaying and retest for the mites and worms. The problem is that since we've gotten her home, she is completely terrified of us and will only get close to the dogs. We have had to chase her to get the medicine in her ears and confine her to the bathroom, which has been set up to be her space. All articles recommend leaving her until she comes to you, and visiting to bring food without touching until she is comfortable. I'm afraid that having to handle her against her will to provide ear medication is only going to make it more difficult for us to bond with her and make her feel safe. Does anyone have suggestions on how to go about this the best way in a less than ideal situation? Thank you!