Should I Let My New Cat Stay A Barn Cat?

[Merlin77]

I took in two ferals that I had to trap, I could not get close to them. The boy I named Rusty and the girl Kitty. Even after months of feeding them I could not touch them outside they would keep distance from me. Before I trapped them, they were getting close but not where I could touch them.

After I brought them in, it took 2-3 weeks for Rusty to warm up to me and Kitty was much longer around 5-6 weeks.

Kitty

Kitty at home.

• Shane Kent
• Nov 11, 2017
• 1

Kitty on a little pink chair. Quite a contrast to laying on steel beams.

Wow, you were lucky! It took us a year to get Raini tamed. Granted she lived outside 24/7 and we didn't always see her, so we couldn't... socialize... everyday, but still. She was a wild one. She still is actually. Once, she sneaked up on one of our other cats, Snake, looking for trouble, and Snake screamed at her. It was so loud; and funny, because Snake is this teeny tiny little 6 pounder and Raini must be twice her size.

(Although Snake once managed to move our microwave a considerable distance. Not quite sure how she did it)

Anyways, 3-4 years of living outside is a lot. If she were a human, she'd be around 28-30 years old. So it will take longer for her to adjust than a kitten or a younger 1 year old cat. But I am positive it can be done!

Does she respond to catnip? If she does, you can tempt her out from under the couch with it. Plus, catnip makes cats feel good, and she might unloosen some of her stress. Not all cats respond to it though.

 

[Shane Kent]

Wow, you were lucky! It took us a year to get Raini tamed.

I wouldn't call it lucky. Was a lot of time involved. I used an empty office at work as a safe room.

kandr_floor.JPG

• Shane Kent
• Feb 27, 2017

 

[maggiedemi]

Try petting her with a long handled duster. It worked with Demi.

 

[Velania]

I don't think she likes catnip. I have a little mouse toy filled with catnip, and a special paper bag that's apparently infused with it; she doesn't bat an eyelash at either one. I also have catnip bubbles which don't interest her, but they pop before they reach her under the couch, so I can't be sure...

 

[Shane Kent]

I don't think she likes catnip. I have a little mouse toy filled with catnip, and a special paper bag that's apparently infused with it; she doesn't bat an eyelash at either one. I also have catnip bubbles which don't interest her, but they pop before they reach her under the couch, so I can't be sure...

Don't try too hard and don't be anxious for it to happen. Just sit back and let it happen. Be sure to talk to her when you see her and talk softly saying positive things like what a pretty little girl she is. Be positive, talk positive and she will be your spoiled little kitty. You do realize you made me pull the little pink couch on you Now you will have to get her one, lol.