Feral Or Just Scared?

So there is a new warm body in the house. We've had her inside for about 4 days. She's been hanging around the area where someone feeds cats for a long time. She started hanging out on our back porch.

Here are a few observations -- maybe you can help guide me towards doing the right thing.

• She has her ear clipped
• Outside she would walk about us, accept food from us etc.
• But inside she just seems scared -- hides most of the day. BUT she does come out and sit on my chair. I can be in the room at the time but I cant approach her or she will run off the chair.
• She won't play or anything. Just watches me and or hides.
• She DOES use a litterbox wonderfully. She took to that instantly.

Hi! Welcome!! ...love your name/handle by the way

diabellical said:

BUT she does come out and sit on my chair. I can be in the room at the time

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This, and eating and using the litterbox? WOW, you and she are doing AWESOMELY!!!

I believe just scared - a feral wouldn't be in the same room with you, or enjoying time on your chair, at all.

She looks a sweetie! Hang in there with her, don't rush her, give her some more time and be patient as she works things out. She will, on her own schedule, and bless you for bringing her inside

Oh, have you had a chance to get her to the vet? It'll be scary for her and you'll feel like it's a setback for her, but she'll come back around. You could get some calming spray for a carrier and even for your clothing, for the trip. Try feeding her inside the carrier, that may help.

Furballsmom said:

Oh, have you had a chance to get her to the vet? It'll be scary for her and you'll feel like it's a setback for her, but she'll come back around. You could get some calming spray for a carrier and even for your clothing, for the trip. Try feeding her inside the carrier, that may help.

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I'm planning it at some point in the next week or two. Right now that would be .... impossible.

I would give her more time to get use to being indoors, a minimum of 2 weeks. She likely still feels trapped inside, but that will pass once she realizes nothing bad is going to happen. The fact that she would follow you and accept food outside and is out and about at all in the house after just a few days makes me think not a feral. She is watching to get an idea of what you are like and if you should be trusted, so it's best to go about your normal life. That includes talking normally and walking around and doing normal things, ideally also try to ignore her unless she comes to you.

amethyst said:

I would give her more time to get use to being indoors, a minimum of 2 weeks. She likely still feels trapped inside, but that will pass once she realizes nothing bad is going to happen. The fact that she would follow you and accept food outside and is out and about at all in the house after just a few days makes me think not a feral. She is watching to get an idea of what you are like and if you should be trusted, so it's best to go about your normal life. That includes talking normally and walking around and doing normal things, ideally also try to ignore her unless she comes to you.

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That's good advice. I was on eggshells trying to be quiet etc, but your right she will probably adapt better that way.

How long should she be in the bedroom before being given free roam of the house?

I think I caught her mid-grooming....so she wasn't TRYING to look this cute lol....

diabellical said:

How long should she be in the bedroom before being given free roam of the house?

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I normally wait until after they are vetted to have free roam. If you need to end up giving meds or anything it's easier if you aren't chasing her around the whole house. Also if you have any other pets it's best to wait until you know she is healthy and vaccinated before intros too.

Thank you so much for writing about her! I’m glad you came to thecatsite! This is a great place to get some tips. She is a beautiful kitty. You’ve already gotten some great advice here. I am in agreement. I don’t this she is feral but a lost or abandoned kitty. You have gotten off to a great start with her! The fact that she sits in the chair and uses a box tells us a lot about her. A house is not a total unknown thing to her. I suggest you give her more time to adjust to you before giving her the run of the house. Baby steps are a good way to go. Patience and give her time to adjust to the knew environment and any new noises. Going about your normal routine will help her to know the usual sounds of your home. If you walk on eggshells, she will too. Cats pick up on our feeling about things. You might try to start feeding her while you sit nearby. Sitting on the floor while she eats is a good time to bind with her. Many as she trust you she will take a treat from your hand. Talking to her should help her get used to you as well. They understand tone of voice quite well. She may run and hide for some time but since she was probably around people before you should see her make progress. There are many things that can be done to help her adapt. If you need any help at any time just post with your questions. Lots of people here care and will offer help. This cat already trusts you or she would not have come in. I expect she will be a totally loving and lifelong friend once she has settled in. Having the ear clipped means she has probably been spayed. Cats can have injuries where ears get tipped off but chances are she if fixed. That’s great! She will still need a vet, immunizations, etc. I’m very glad you already had that in mind. You may find that she gets scared by the visit but sometimes they actually turn to you for their security too. It depends on the individual cat and what they experienced before coming to you. I would be shocked if she wanted to be an outside kitty. She is somewhat scared right now but I would be confident in saying she should remain an indoor kitty now. She probably was at one time and that is why she started hanging around you and on your porch. She deserves a safe, place, security and the love you can obviously give her. She is already making progress. You may encounter some setbacks at times, this is normal but you are doing a great job with her. Outside cats live much shorter lifespans. You’re giving her a chance to have a great life if you keep her. Playing will probably come later when she feels more secure with her surroundings. Thank you so much for saving this kitty! I wish more people would do what you are doing. Love the pictures of her! Please keep us updated as to how you are both doing.

She sounds like she's doing wonderfully! A feral wouldn't be on a chair or being visible with you around. I bet she is much happier inside. Don't read into her running away when you approach. All that time she spent outdoors taught her to run from people, cars, predators, other cats etc. She will probably still run for a good while. I have a cat here that I took in last March that still runs when I approach even though she's not fearful anymore and is an affectionate mush.

Congratulations on your new family member .

Not to disagree with everyone else, but I think she is feral. Her behavior is pretty common in ferals who decide that you're their friend. She's likely never been indoors which is why she isn't fully comfortable inside yet. She'll probably never be a social cat with other humans. But once a feral decides you're her friend, you have a friend for life .

Willowy said:

Not to disagree with everyone else, but I think she is feral. Her behavior is pretty common in ferals who decide that you're their friend. She's likely never been indoors which is why she isn't fully comfortable inside yet. She'll probably never be a social cat with other humans. But once a feral decides you're her friend, you have a friend for life .

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Yeah I'm not sure. She definitely is nervous. But right now I'm listening to a podcast and she is eating about 5 feet away.

Here is a cool pic....This sort of behavior, even outside, seems promising...

Before she came inside.

You know, I’m not sure it matters if she was feral or a stray, I think it only matters that you love her, she loves you and that is obvious. She is doing very, very well and you have made great progress with her already. Just keep working with her to reach her potential and as you make your way through the process there will be lots of great people here to offer help if you need it. She’s a sweetheart and I am loving the pictures of her.

A quick question (I've never had a cat before).
I'm leaving town for 4 days. I have a friend coming to feed and change her box.
Given she is new to the house etc, is there anything I can do to help her relax? I wish I didn't have to leave

Is she used to hearing the radio or TV? If so, you could leave that on for her. Tell the friend to be VERY careful not to let her out and totry and keep her on some kind of regular routine. Be sure they are dependable. I would ask them to talk sweetly to her and tell her it’s okay. Talking to her may help. If she could spend a little time with her it just puttering around your house it may make her feel that she has company. I don’t suppose the friend could stay over with her? You may see a little bit of a withdrawal on her part when you return. That would be normal. I have had most of mine a long time and some of them don’t mind if I leave and greet me at the door when I return. Others get kind of mad and give me the cold shoulder at first. Some are a little nervous. Just depends on the individual. A lot of people are going through this right now. We all just do the best we can if we have to leave. Some people take advantage of this time to board them for vet care but the holiday may leave them with no one there to care for them. You would need to make sure she would be checked on and her attention. She may be a little put off no matter what you do but don’t worry. Cats are very forgiving and she will readjust. Some do it immediately and some take a couple of days. Maybe she will be very happy to see you come back and make a step forward. We’ll go for that possibility!!!! Have a very safe and good trip. let us know how she is when you get home.

The 2 main differences with my ferals is they are terrified of each new stranger until they get to know them, and they like to knife people with their claws.

Oh by the way (it hardly seems like you need this, you're doing so well!), but just in case;

First-time Cat Owner's Guide

My strays tended to keep a low profile until they were certain they weren't going to be shoved outside again. Most of mine hid when strangers came over. A person moved to not stranger the 9th or 10th time they appeared.