Adopted A Feral Cat From A Shelter, Need Help.

[AntonioFlower]

I recently adopted a feral cat that a shelter brought in months ago. I knew she was really shy but I didn't think it would end up being this bad. All she does is hide under my bed, literally. She doesn't want to eat or drink, she has only been to the litter box once since yesterday, and she doesn't want to play with any of her toys. I'm worried for her, I'd rather have her at the shelter healthy than here unhealthy and nervous. I just want her to be happy. Please help me anyway you can, I'd like to provide a safe, loving home for her.

 

[maggiedemi]

Have you tried petting her with something on a long handle like a backscratcher, duster, or sock taped to a stick?

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi - Thanks for coming here!
There are many people here with experience regarding feral kitties.
I think if it were me, I'd leave the water and food and box within her reach, and otherwise leave her alone. She is working very hard to figure out new smells, sights and sounds, and at this point has no idea what is safe and what isn't.

For you to remove your specific attention from her will give her the space to think about everything. When you freshen her food or water and clean the box (yes, I'm suggesting this can take days) speak to her softly and lovingly, don't look right at her, and then, again, go away and continue about your regular doings.
Thank you for giving her a safe home!!

 

[rubysmama]

Welcome to The Cat Site. And thank you for adopting your shy girl.

It can take some time for non feral cats to get used to their new home. And if she's a feral, it will probably take longer. I have no experience with ferals, but have read a lot of these threads, and have learned that a true feral will literally climb the walls trying to escape. If she's not doing that, then you're already past step one.

Below are links to some articles that may help with her socialization. Be patient. And don't doubt you did the right thing adopting her. No way would she be happier at the shelter locked in a cage. She just doesn't totally know it yet.

A Feral Cat Or A Stray Cat? How To Tell The Difference
Should You Try And Tame A Feral Cat?
Adopting A Stray Cat
Handling Feral Cats
How To Get A Cat To Come Out Of Hiding?
10 Must-know Tips For Happy Living With A Shy Cat

Good luck. And please post a pic of her when you are able to get one. We love pictures.

 

[trudy1]

So how long have you had her at your home? This will give forum readers a sense of timing.

Thanks for taking her in. Usually these take patience and time but the rewards are great.

I’m sure after “months” at the shelter she is trying to figure her way.

 

[kittychick]

A AntonioFlower You've come to the right place for advice and help (and a shoulder when things get frustrating or scary). This site (and I'm partial to this forum, but they're all wonderful) are FILLED with people with lots of knowledge who want to help.

First of all, thank you from the bottom of my heart for adopting - - and an even BIGGER thank you for adopting a scared kitty - - they're so often overlooked over the kitten screaming "look at me!!!"

The above advice is wonderful (as always). The links listed by rubysmama are great. It's very likely she's a stray and just scared, but it certainly is possible she's actually feral. And how you deal with stray versus feral can be quite different - - so reading through those links will likely be very helpful!

Yes, true ferals do take more time to acclimate to new surroundings, but if you're willing to go slowly, she'll likely turn out to be a loving companion (if nothing else - you've saved her from a life at a shelter 24/7). That said - every cat is different - just like people. Some ferals can end up, with time, love and patience being very loving and demonstrative - even with strangers. And some end up, while being happy to be inside, prefer to be loved from afar.

A (relatively short) story of our own inside previous feral...(her pic is attached - she's Flick, named for the heart-shaped "flick" of white on her chest). We TNR'd her - trapped, entered, released back to her outside area - - and she stayed near us for almost 3 years. But when a neighbor began poisoning "those damn feral cats" (that's a quote) in our neighborhood colony, we brought her inside, with no idea how she'd do - or if our other 5 permanent feline indoor residents would tolerate her. I'm definitely not saying all ferals - or strays, etc. - will end up like Flick, but bringing her in changed not just her life, but our lives too. She's my shadow, loves visitors, is thrilled to see me in the morning - galloping up the stairs at the first rustle of my sheets, and sleeps on my lap every minute she can. But to show you how different cats can be - our neighbors took in her sister "Racquel." They were raised together, and had similar personalities outside. But while Flick is one of the most outgoing, loving cats I've ever known, Racquel took over a year before allowing her "dad" to pick her up. She definitely loves her family and is far more comfy and safe inside, but for her it's been a slow road. But back to your kitty.....

Most shelters do their best to make all of their kitties as happy and as comfy as possible - but it's not the same as a home (so again - wahoo to you for giving her a forever home!!!!). Do you know her background - - and how she actually behaved at the shelter? Was she allowed to be out and about with other kitties - and if so, how'd she do with them? Were employees able to touch her, even hold her? Answers to those questions can help us in how to help her become comfortable. And do you have any other cats (or dogs), or people in the home? Those can also play a large factor in her fear to emerge from under the bed.

Ferals (or other kitties who are very scared when coming to a new place) generally do best started off in a quiet area with little traffic and noise - - a place they can call "their own" as they adjust. I know people do the acclimating differently, doing what works best for them. I usually start a feral/stray/scared kitty in a VERY large dog crate, with a smaller cat carrier (door removed) inside that she can use as a "cave" when she wants. This keeps her slightly confined enough that you can get her if there's an emergency - and lets her settle into the new smells and sounds without so much room that she's overwhelmed. If you don't have or can't borrow - or simply don't agree with that way - - I'd at least confine her to as small a room as possible (like a spare bedroom). I keep a radio (or TV) playing almost 24/7 softly to something that's soothing but does have people talking (like NPR). It'll help her get used to human voices - AND disguise "scary noises" happening outside of her area. I also use Feliway plug-ins - pheromones that help calm most cats.

Whatever room you put her in, "cat proof" it as much as possible before you let her loose in there. That means removing or blocking off anything she can get under, behind or into. We take the mattress in our "kitten room" off of its frame so that kitties can't get under it. As I said - we use the crate method just initially, letting her have "her room" once she feels a bit less scared. We also put in (obviously) food and water, and cover the back 2/3 of the crate with a sheet (keeps her from worrying about "something coming to get her" from any side. And then I work sit with them - - alot. I sit and read aloud - - be it book, today's newspaper, etc. I also take in my laptop and work -also talking softly to the kitty. And I sit or lie alot on the floor - standing up may feel to her like she's being towered over and threatened (think how big you are compared to her!). I also always put in with the kitty a small (beanie baby size) stuffed animal for comfort.

One thing you can try to lure her out is using Gerbers Stage 2 Chicken & Chicken Gravy (yes - real human jarred baby food). Be sure to use this specifically as many other jarred baby foods contain onion or onion powder - both of which are toxic to kitties. I put a bit of it on a looooong handled spoon (you can order a telescoping one cheaply from Amazon - - or you can use a long handled iced tea spoon - - not as long, but does the trick). I lie on the floor and stretch out and offer it to her, talking all the while. It's VERY smelly and cats LOVE it (we all call it "kitty crack"!). Chances are - she'll want it so badly she'll creep forward and taste it. Keep using it, moving it slowly closer and closer to you. It may take some time - but eventually, I've usually ended up luring them right up to me with it! I also place a bit of it on top of the hard food (if you're feeding her hard) - - it smells so much it'll draw her to it when you're not there. (DO remove any uneaten - and the hard that it touched - the next day - as it will go bad).

I know that was a long intro about starting to gain her trust. I always tell myself - -- her being that wary of people is what kept her alive so that she could meet YOU!!!

Once she's comfy at your place - - she'l be FAR happier than she'd be at a shelter. You did the right thing - - you've just got to be willing to give her time (and love and attention). And that time will feel SO worth it when she's finally more comfortable. You'll appreciate your relationship with her SO much more because of it. Good things come to those who wait, right?

Keep us posted - and send pics!

 

[AntonioFlower]

Thank you all for your help. I had bought dry food for her and she would not eat it. I went to go buy some canned wet food and she ate the entire can. The only thing is, she will only eat from a spoon, I left the can there and she ate nothing of it, I put it in her food bowl but still nothing. The shelter recommended putting her in her cage since she only eats from a spoon and it is difficult to get her out of her hiding spots. She still won't drink water and I've tried playing with her but she just sits there. In reply to the ones curious how the shelter treated her, she is often put in a room with another cat and a person so she can socialize but she runs and hides. The people there worked with her everyday and are very loving and caring. It just makes me sad that she is so stressed and probably wants to be outside. Anytime they opened her cage she ran away and hid. I don't know what to do.

 

[AntonioFlower]

So how long have you had her at your home? This will give forum readers a sense of timing.

Thanks for taking her in. Usually these take patience and time but the rewards are great.

I’m sure after “months” at the shelter she is trying to figure her way.

I've had her for 3 days but it feels like every minute is an hour.

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi, if you don't mind me asking, does she want you holding the other end of the spoon? What happens if you put several spoons out, leading to a dish?

 

[Furballsmom]

Mostly just keep doing what you're doing, however do keep your emotions in check, she is definitely sensitive to that. If she's hiding so badly, how did you get her to eat? --her eating a whole can is pretty awesome!
Would she be interested in goat milk, or broth that has no salt, onion or garlic.
Hang in there, patience on your part is as huge a component here as anything.

 

[Furballsmom]

So, a long handled spoon, the baby food that kittychick mentioned above, and hang on to that dry food, she may come around to it later.

 

[AntonioFlower]

Hi, if you don't mind me asking, does she want you holding the other end of the spoon? What happens if you put several spoons out, leading to a dish?

I have not tried setting the spoon down when feeding her but I will try it later. Like I said, she doesn't eat the food straight from the can or from her feeding bowl. I'm not sure about goal milk or broth, she doesn't seem to want much. I know that my expectations were definitely too far but I was just so excited on the first day because she pretty good. Patience is the biggest part but the beginning is also very difficult.

 

[Furballsmom]

Oh, but SO worth it

 

[AntonioFlower]

Have you tried petting her with something on a long handle like a backscratcher, duster, or sock taped to a stick?

She will let me pet her and she sometimes starts to purr but she also tries to back away if I try to pet her.

 

[Furballsmom]

Oh, that's a HUGE thing that she will let you sometimes and purr!! Hang in there, you are doing just fine.

 

[theyremine]

If she eats from a spoon you are holding AND allows you to touch her and even purrs after only 3 days? That's just awesome. With love, patience, and time, she will become a great companion.

I have 4 former ferals. Some took longer to trust than others, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. Good luck in your journey and thank you for rescuing a feral.

 

[AntonioFlower]

If she eats from a spoon you are holding AND allows you to touch her and even purrs after only 3 days? That's just awesome. With love, patience, and time, she will become a great companion.

I have 4 former ferals. Some took longer to trust than others, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. Good luck in your journey and thank you for rescuing a feral.

Thank you for this, we have been discussing returning her to the shelter but after some of these comments I will definitely try to be a better owner for her. Yeah, it's great that even after only 3 days she seems to be slowly getting used to me. Worst case is that we have to return her. She is my first cat ever and if I have to return her, she will always have a special place in my heart. I know someone out there will provide a better loving home but until I make a decision, I will love her with all my heart and create a good home.

 

[kittychick]

Please please please consider putting of taking her back to the shelter and working with her longer. If you've only had her for 3 days - - - she's making WONDERFUL progress for a shy/feral/stray cat. She's probably not actually feral -- feral cats have spent their life with no to very little human contact - - it would be extremely rare for a feral cat to eat when you're around or purr. We have feral cats that we work with daily for sometimes 3-6 months before making the kind of progress you've made in days! She's probably a very frightened little girl, perhaps even abused in the past, who just needs time to adjust.

Even shelter cats that are relatively outgoing sometimes take days or weeks to understand that they're in a safe place, with people who love them. I can't tell you the number of people who return kitties after 3 or 4 days, saying "she's hiding under my bed/in my closet/behind the couch/etc.....she played with me here, why is she different at my house?" I always tell people to remember she doesn't speak our language - and she's just been plucked from a place where she was still a little unsure, and is now in a new place with new people, smells, and sounds and she doesn't know what these strange "people things" want from her. And before you know it - she's back at the shelter again. Which is SO hard on a cat. Cats are sensitive beings who like consistency - they like routine. And they love being loved. It just sometimes takes them time to understand that now THIS is home - and YOU are the bringer of all things good - - -love, treats, yummy food, and even playtime.

And know that just because she sometimes makes a beeline away from where they were trying to socialize her doesn't in any way mean she necessarily desires to be outside. It's a myth that all cats are simply dying to be outside. Outside may be even more overwhelming for her and actually frighten her further! Not to mention that outside is FAR less safe for her.

And getting pet her already is a very big point of trust for her. Since you've never had a cat - - do you know that there are right and wrong ways to pet her? One thing to remember is always pet her in the direction her fur grows - not "against the grain." And many cats who are still a little wary about petting respond to the offering of your hand in a fist shape - - make a fist, and hold out your hand at about her head level, talking softly to her. Let HER bump into your hand - - - if she rubs the side of her face against your fist, she's "marking" you - - letting other cats (even if there aren't any in your house) know you're all hers! A very high form of praise. Same thing if she walks around your legs, rubbing the side of her face against your legs - - - she's marking you. Lots of people think cats like to be petted like dogs, but they generally don't. It's best to stay away from rubbing her belly, playing with her paws.....anything that makes her tail whip from side to side means she's a little "done" with what's happening. It's best then to stop petting, and just talk to her. And offer her a treat (like the baby food!) if she's let you pet her, or play with her.

As far as playing - even the most timid of cats will often (in my experience) respond to a toy called "Da Bird." It's a wand with feathers on the end that - when whipped around, it mimics the activity of a bird. Kitties generally love it!

Please know I'm not belittling your concern that she's not yet acting like the cat you thought she seemed like at the shelter. Don't hesitate to call or go into the shelter to talk to them about her - - -they may even have some little tricks to help put her at ease (a favorite type of toy, a favorite treat, etc.). Sometimes kitties just take time to adjust. I hope you'll give her more time - - - she seems like she's already wanting to make friends.

 

[ArchyCat]

I have never rescued a feral cat, just strays. They are always at least partially socialized. Be patient. It sounds as if you are making good progress.

 

[rubysmama]

Please, please give it more time before you even start considering returning her. It's only been 3 days! That's nothing compared to the months she was at the shelter.

I'm sure she's hiding because she's scared and unsure of things. It all new to her. New place, new sounds, new smells, new people. She needs to learn that she's safe. Talk to her whenever you can. Don't lean down over her, but stoop down or even lie down on her level.

If she ate a can of wet food, you probably don't need to worry about her drinking water, as there's lots of liquid in canned food. Maybe try putting just spoonful size amounts of food in different types of dishes. Or maybe she'd prefer a flat plate.

I understand things aren't going exactly like you thought they would, but don't give up on her.