Feral Cat Situation Deteriorating, New Hssing

That's okay. It took me 3 days to be able to pet Demi. At least he's not attacking you. You're doing good.

That's great that you've moved him into the powder room and he's interested in the toy. Were you standing or sitting? He'll be less intimidated if you sit on the floor while trying to engage him. We look like scary giants when we're upright.

See if you can pet him with something soft with a long handle.

Any progress with kitty today?

The male is progressing slowly. He is playing with his toys when i’m not in the room and now he will play with the feather toy while I am in the room. He LOVES the feather toy. He purrs and rolls over but he still remains in his space. He won’t come near me to chase the toy or even pass in front of me ro pounce it. I have a warming pad and an igloo type bed in the shower stall area. That’s where he plays with the feather toy when I’m in the room. I was using a sock on a stick before I moved him inside but I have not attempted to touch him since. I haven’t gotten a tree yet but I need to find a small one because he needs more exercise than he can get now, in that small space.

It sounds like things are going well. Did your family say anything about him being in the bathroom? Yeah, petting him with the sock on a stick might speed things up. It worked for me.

Since the vet approved of the room, they are okay with him being in there. I guess they needed professional validation that I’m not an animal abuser because I’m keeping him in a small room.

That's wonderful that they are okay with it. What happened to the other two ferals that you trapped and brought to get fixed?

They’re in the crate in the garage for now. The woman may be coming this weekend to evaluate everybody.

The first kitten certainly has more space in the powder room than he had caged up in the garage. More time for human interaction now that he's inside too, yes? Sounds like you're making progress engaging him in play. I would try petting him with the sock, or trying to gently pet him while he eats.

Hopefully the cat expert will make it out this weekend and help with assessment and tips.

Are the two new cats the older cats you were talking about, or the first kitten's siblings?

I’m pretty sure they’re the male’s siblings. There should be one more but I don’t know if I’ll get it or not. There is at least one more outside but I don’t know if it’s the remaining kitten or not.

How are the ones in the garage acting? Do they hiss at you when you feed them?

They don't hiss when I feed them or change the litter. One watches me, the other usually hides. Sometimes, I open the door and see one right up against the front of the crate but when I go in to feed them, she moves to the back of the crate.
I had a setback with the male just now. I was worried that he was in his bed all day and hadn't eaten. I brought some turkey baby food in, in a bowl and put held the bowl out to him in his bed. I could tell he wasn't comfortable with that. So, I put the bowl down and left the room. I went back in and he was back behind the toilet. I only left a little bit of food in the bowl before I left, so I brought more, put it in the bowl, and again, held the bowl out to him, behind the the toilet. He backed away and might have even hissed at me. I'm wondering if he isn't feeling well or if he still doesn't trust me at all. Actually, I think it may be both, which is not good because I can't get him to a vet and I'm running low on funds to call the mobile vet, who is quite expensive. I'd read on this forum that some vets, knowing that people are trying to help these animals, will give them a break on the bills. That is not the case here. They take advantage of it. I've spent a lot more than I expected to and I really don't have it but I want to help these cats. If he's sick, I don't know what I'll do.

What are you feeding him for food? Dry or canned?

I feed both-together.

That's good that they are getting canned food.

Did the kitten in the powder room eat something overnight, or is he still not eating? I know vet visits are expensive, but if he's not eating he'll need evaluation. When you took the kittens to the vet, did he give them a wormer?

Also, did that feral cat expert confirm whether or not she is coming this weekend?

How are you doing? How are all the kitties? Could you possibly post some pics?

AT this point, I am feeling dejected. The feral whisperer was here and she seems to thing the 3 cats have the potential to be rehabbed. She gave me some exercises to do and some other types of food and treats to use. The male is eating, now that I've tried the new foods that she left.
HOWEVER, I have been conditioned all my life, with respect to cats. I have heard horror stories about cat bites and I don't feel comfortable, even with welding gloves. It's going to be as difficult for me to overcome my fear of getting bitten or mauled, as it is for them to overcome their fear of humans.
She was able to pet the male and one of the females, gently. She even pet the male without a glove but they were all inside their own spaces. I was able to pet the male with a glove on, while she was with me. However, I did not seem to get the same response as she did. I was unable to pet either female.
Today, I tried the exercise with the male and was not able to touch him at all. He still runs from me, whenever I enter the room and he recoiled from me when I tried touching him.
I don't know if the cats sense my fear but even if they are able to be rehabbed, I do not believe I will be bale to do it. I don't know what to do now. I don't want to release them but if I cannot work with them, then what?

They do sense your fear. Cats can sense if a person is tense, stressed, fearful, or calm, relaxed and confident. If you feel you cannot overcome your fear, then can the feral cat lady or your veterinarian find foster homes for the kittens with people who have more cat experience?