6 week feral kitten and I need some advice!

[Adhake]

Hello,

My name is Amanda I have a feral kitten about 6.5-7 weeks old and have been working to socialise her for abt 10 days now. She is making progress slowly. Very 1 step forward 5 steps back kinda way. One of the things I’m trying to understand with her is she has like multiple personality disorder.. at night she plays with me and 1 night ago she allowed me to touch her without hissing for the first time but then last night she went rt back to hissing every time.. once day time comes she always seems fearful and hisses about everything. It’s like she looses all her confidence after she goes to sleep.. Also she is up all night and so am I so that I can get socialisation time with her how do I gradually change her schedule and keep her up during the day? Do I need to wait until we have a more solid relationship? I have worked with animals my whole life but she is my first very feral kitten in the past they have always been dumped kittens that are bit scared but not really feral .. I usually use the come to me approach. And the trust builds pretty quickly.. should I keep doing this or should I be handling her even though she is not ready? I have handled her a bit but mostly from necessity and she seem to regress from me after that happens. I do have her in a kitten safe room and she dose run around and play in it when I am there but night time only. Dose anyone have any ideas or experiences with this before?

 

[kashmir64]

When I trained horses, we had this thing we called 'the left eye didn't tell the right eye what it saw'. Cats, especially kittens, are the same way. When you see her/him, don't try to pet or pick up. Just give food (also a saucer of goats milk would be ideal at her age) and just talk to her while she eats. Eventually, she will associate you with all the good things and initiate the loving. This may take a while, like longer than you think it should. But it will happen. You could also play with her using a string on a rope or other cat toy. Just be sure to give her a treat or two when you end the session so she knows that this is a good thing to do.
As far as keeping her awake during the day...good luck with that.
Joking aside, kittens need to sleep a lot. Something like 16 hours a day. To deny her this can hamper her health, so please don't do this.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Every cat is going to be different in how they respond to socialization. So, the back and forth is really no surprise. If she is not responding to being handled, then back that off. Daytime and nighttime noises/lighting are always different, and that can change a cat's demeanor. So, be mindful of that.

I'd get past all of this before worrying about changing her regiment to a more day-focused environment. She is young, she will likely turn around the more you follow her cues. Be patient.

 

[Adhake]

Thank you for the reply. I like the term! I do what you described and I don’t try to touch her unless she invites me to do so.. I also wish she loved food more I have tried baby food, goats milk, and almost every treat available that is ok for kittens.. I don’t pick her up at all I only have a few times due to not having an option like vet visit and bath as she was covered in fleas.. we do play all kinds of things she hops on me as long as I lay under a cover (I don’t think she realises it’s me) I’m not trying to keep her awake all day I’m trying to slowly move her schedule from night to day.. she sleeps all day but is literally up all night. I’m talking 9pm- 6am playing eating acting like a kitten. Any other suggestions I’m open to hearing them

 

[kittychick]

So glad you came to Cat Site! It’s a great source of info since you’ll usually find many of us on here have been through every similar situation you can think of. Which is great, bc different things work for different people and different kittens/cats. I love socializing, so I’ve worked with many feral/semi-feral cats & kittens. And I’ve yet to “fail,” so I’ve got full faith that you can get this little one more comfortable with people! (And I apologize in advance this’ll probably be long)

It sounds like you have a nice socialization room for her, which is great. Until she’s less scared, having her own smaller space/room where she can learn she has nothing to fear is SO helpful. I always try to remember that being hissy and avoiding you was drilled into her by mom (& DNA) that humans (and lots of other beasties!) consider her prey -- and that being angry and hissing and retreating is what kept her alive. You want to block off as many “hidey holes” as possible so that you never have to drag her out and scare her - and so that you can quickly find her to do any socialization work with her. I socialize kittens in a bedroom, so we take the headboard off and put the mattress directly on the floor (if you can’t do that, and there’s a bed, I'd block off her ability to get under it - an easy way is books tightly tucked all around the base). Then I get down on my hands and knees and go around the room so I can see a “cat’s eye view” (while looking like a fool) any possible hidey holes you don’t notice from a human height perspective. Just make sure she has a few spots around the room to feel cozy and safe (a box turned on its side w/a blanket in it, etc).

I’d go back to starting super small with her. Resist the urge to reach out to pet her with your hand again for a bit - we can help you with that in a few days. I’m sure the vet visit/picking her up set things back, but just for a bit. The key is getting her used to the concept that you’re actually NOT a big scary thing. Spending as much time with her as you can is a huge key right now. I read aloud often to them -- magazines, mail, emails, work, etc. so they get used to the sound of my/other human voices. I also never enter the room without quietly “announcing” myself so I don’t startle them. Before I open the door (I don’t knock - that usually scares them more), I start talking softly in a high sing-song voice about just dopey stuff... like “Going to see the baby today...bringing treats and love...” (not top 40 stuff - - feel free to come up with your own lyrics and tune). The main thing is getting her used to you being there. And the blanket thing often works for me too (always thought it was just me!). My theory is kinda what you said - I think they don’t see all the scary arms/legs/sock/etc. It’s great she’ll play with you! So know you have to convince her - slooooowly - that you’re not scary - but that you’re actually the source of all things tasty and loving and fun! And when I’m not in the kitty’s room, I leave a radio or tv on, tuned to something soft. I usually use something like NPR so that kitty can hear voices, desensitizing them to human voices, with the bonus being the radio helps soften “house sounds” that are scary (sweeper, toilet flush, shower, loud movies, etc).

Food-wise is she any better? She’s so little that she could be very freshly weaned (plus some kittens wean late). Have you tried warmed KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer)? It comes powdered or canned, and I’d give a small saucer of it first, then as she gets good with that, start adding soft food to make an even thicker slurry, eventually reducing the KMR to zero. Still leave water and hard kitten food out 24/7. But make sure the KMR & soft food only comes from you. Another way to reinforce that you’re the bringer of yummy stuff! And try not to switch too many things too quickly - - I know it’s tempting (I’m a mess when they won’t eat!), but it’ll just upset her tummy. Look online to see how much she should be intaking (depending on what it is), and if she stays way under that for much longer, I’d head to a vet.

I also try to engage them in play in ways that keep them entertained but me at a distance (petting comes eventually - but in the end it’ll be faster if you bond thru other ways before petting). Play is another step to start her on the road to realization that life WITH you is far better (tummy-wise, fun-wise, comfy-wise, etc). Two of our closest-to-fail-safe-even-for-scaredy- kitties are “Da Bird” (a wand toy with feathers that looks like a slow flying bird to kitties) and the “Cat Dancer” (basically a stiff piano wire with a little roll of cardboard at the end - yet most LOVE it and will come out of hiding just to play!). Amazon always has both. And if you talk to her while she’s playing with it - she’ll still associate you with even more with the play!

The main thing when socializing is patience and consistency. And of course love. Someone on this site wisely shared with me when I was really frustrated w/a socializing, that socializing is a gift to the kitten AND ourselves in that it teaches us patience. You’re doing a GREAT job (it may seem like it’s been ages, but you haven’t had much time with her yet). And I wouldn’t try to work w/the time quite yet — I’d spend just a bit more time with the other things first. Your little girl will get there - on her own timetable - - - but she’ll get there. And we'll be here to help you along the way!!!!

 

[Adhake]

Hello kittychick!
Firstly I want to say thank you for spending the time to write such a detailed and supportive response! So she dose eat her food well she just doesn’t like any treats.. I wanted to be able to give her treats to encourage her to just be near me and as a reward when she has a positive response to something that may have scared her in the past.. even if I have to toss them to her.. but she is only interested in her food but it’s not like her candy where I could use it as a reward..

We do have a couple of wand toys and she loves them that is what we play together for the most part. We did just have an incident this morning where she got the cord portion wrapped around her neck not tangled but enough to scare her so I’m hoping that she doesn’t decide she dose not want to play that toy anymore.. she loves to roll in it and I shouldn’t have let her! I’m so glad it wasn’t bad and she slipped it off on her own.

I feel like I’m up against the clock with her cause she has her vaccine and spay appointment coming. I know it’s another week or so away but I just wanted to have her confidence by then.. 🫤

I appreciate all your help and positive feedback! thank you so very much!

 

[kittychick]

Sorry that was sooooo long (it's basically my M.O. anymore ) - but glad you plowed through it! I never know how much to share - but I always err (probably TOO often) on the side of too much, hoping the person asking the question doesn't take any suggestions as a "you don't know what you're doing" thing - please don't!!!!). And kudos to you for even taking her in to socialize her - too many people don't!

Oh my god on the cord thing! How freaking scary! I'm glad she wasn't hurt. I'd put it in a drawer for now just in case - maybe you can figure out what she liked about it and get something similar but less "cord-y."

And don't worry about treats. If it's not her thing, it's not her thing (like my husband & beets). She's obviously not excited by them, but it could be the type of treat. When I'm socializing young 'uns (that are old enough obv), if they don't like treats I try rotisserie chicken. No fancy style/flavors - just grocery store/Costco/gas station rotisserie chicken (I peel the skin off for safety). Another option is if you have a KFC handy, kittens & cats usually dig it. That skin has to come off completely tho bc it's filled w/seasonings bad for kitties. And don't leave a plate w/bones out for one second - which you prob know already since you've got a dog - even a little kitten can have a piece with a bone in it seconds. We had that issue with one of our guys a few years ago - we never have KFC, but my husband set his plate on the counter with the bones on it & turned around to throw something away, and our little ex-feral-turned-lap-cat jumped up in those 2 seconds, grabbed the thigh bone and ran to another room. Just in the time it took to get to her she'd eaten ⅓ of the thigh bone! The bone stuck in the roof of her mouth, which dislocated her jaw - THAT was a panicky high speed car ride to the vet I never want to take again! (She's fine now). And like anything yummy, only give it to her yourself so she associates you with the yummy thing, not a plate!

Sounds like the wand play is also a big reward - definitely use it that way! Make a nice show of putting it away and getting it out when you're in the room (feel free to use one of my patented songs like "I Know You Love This Wand" and "Gotta Put Away the Wand but I'll Get It for You Soon Again").

You might want to put her carrier in the room with the carrier's door taken off, maybe even top off if it comes off (unless she needs the cave feel at the moment, which she very well may). UNLESS she panics at the carrier even after it's been in there with her awhile w/her things in it - - - then it's doing more harm then good (and if it's a soft carrier w/a removable strap I'd remove it so she doesn't get caught in it - since you know she's a roller!). But give it a chance. Put a fav toy and comfy blanket in there so it smells like her. I often use warm rice socks if it's a single kitten for comfort. You just need a clean, soft adult sock (longer socks like tube socks work best) and uncooked rice (make sure it’s NOT instant rice!). Fill the sock about halfway w/uncooked rice. Tie the remainder of the sock with a knot. Don’t pack the rice too tightly; leave room so the sock's still flexible and can conform to her body. To use a rice sock, heat it in 40 second increments on high in the microwave (it’ll stay warm for a long time). Always feel it’s not to hot before you give it to her, and check periodically she hasn’t chewed a hole in the sock - you don’t want her eating the rice. And make sure she can easily move off or away from the heated sock once you’ve given it to her. If a rice sock's a pain right now, I also always give a single kitten a slightly larger then a beanie baby size fluffy stuffed animal to cuddle - just watch there are no tags, or eyes, etc. she can chew off) and help them feel nice and cozy! And yes, it may set her back a bit after the vet visit, but she will come back around.

I completely, 1,000% get why you want things to be tons better before taking her to the vet (I confess I thought she was going back outside right after if she wasn't socialized by next week! but now I get you mean just setting back your relationship when she returns). But even our friendliest personal cat hides for half a day after a vet visit (our scaredy cat - Bowie, my avatar - somehow stuffs his floofy slightly paunchy self behind the drier for a good 24 hours, darting out only to eat - but he was an abused cat). So just trust - eventually she'll forget (or at least forgive) - they all do eventually! She could be alot more comfortable with you by the vet visit, But remember the patience quote. She'll get brave and comfortable in her own time. Yes, it definitely often feels 2 steps forward, 7 back. But she'll get it. All you can do is keep doing what you're doing, sign on here when you're anxious, and try to enjoy the amazing process. It's gonna be worth it!!!!!!!


To show you there is life on the other side I attached a pic of Flick - our teeny little ex-feral lap cat that we TNR'd about 10 years ago - it took some time, lots of ham and chicken, tons of baby talk, but we've never felt anything so worth it ever before in 15 years of socializing! Fun fact - she's named for the "flick" of white on her best that forms a heart!!!! First pic was first day she was allowed out (w/our supervision) after a long intro process with our others - second is more recent - you can really see her heart!

 

[kashmir64]

The kibble I feed is called 'Taste of the Wild', I get it at the feed store (horse, cow, chicken etc). Anyway I feed the duck and quail, BUT, they have a venison one also. I get these in the 'free sample' bag and my cats think it is the greatest treat of all time. If I get the small bag out, they will come running from wherever they are and wake from a deep sleep.
What I'm getting at is, if she won't eat treats, maybe a kibble with a flavor that she really, really likes. It's better for her than...say...Temptations. Get some free samples of kitty kibble at the pet store or feed store and see which flavor she goes nuts for, then use this as a treat.
(I can't feed the venison normally or my cats wouldn't eat the canned and they would weight 300lbs).

 

[Adhake]

Hello kittychick!
Firstly I want to say thank you for spending the time to write such a detailed and supportive response! So she dose eat her food well she just doesn’t like any treats.. I wanted to be able to give her treats to encourage her to just be near me and as a reward when she has a positive response to something that may have scared her in the past.. even if I have to toss them to her.. but she is only interested in her food but it’s not like her candy where I could use it as a reward..

We do have a couple of wand toys and she loves them that is what we play together for the most part. We did just have an incident this morning where she got the cord portion wrapped around her neck not tangled but enough to scare her so I’m hoping that she doesn’t decide she dose not want to play that toy anymore.. she loves to roll in it and I shouldn’t have let her! I’m so glad it wasn’t bad and she slipped it off on her own.

I feel like I’m up against the clock with her cause she has her vaccine and spay appointment coming. I know it’s another week or so away but I just wanted to have her confidence by then.. 🫤

I appreciate all your help and positive feedback! thank you so very much

Sorry that was sooooo long (it's basically my M.O. anymore ) - but glad you plowed through it! I never know how much to share - but I always err (probably TOO often) on the side of too much, hoping the person asking the question doesn't take any suggestions as a "you don't know what you're doing" thing - please don't!!!!). And kudos to you for even taking her in to socialize her - too many people don't!

Oh my god on the cord thing! How freaking scary! I'm glad she wasn't hurt. I'd put it in a drawer for now just in case - maybe you can figure out what she liked about it and get something similar but less "cord-y."

And don't worry about treats. If it's not her thing, it's not her thing (like my husband & beets). She's obviously not excited by them, but it could be the type of treat. When I'm socializing young 'uns (that are old enough obv), if they don't like treats I try rotisserie chicken. No fancy style/flavors - just grocery store/Costco/gas station rotisserie chicken (I peel the skin off for safety). Another option is if you have a KFC handy, kittens & cats usually dig it. That skin has to come off completely tho bc it's filled w/seasonings bad for kitties. And don't leave a plate w/bones out for one second - which you prob know already since you've got a dog - even a little kitten can have a piece with a bone in it seconds. We had that issue with one of our guys a few years ago - we never have KFC, but my husband set his plate on the counter with the bones on it & turned around to throw something away, and our little ex-feral-turned-lap-cat jumped up in those 2 seconds, grabbed the thigh bone and ran to another room. Just in the time it took to get to her she'd eaten ⅓ of the thigh bone! The bone stuck in the roof of her mouth, which dislocated her jaw - THAT was a panicky high speed car ride to the vet I never want to take again! (She's fine now). And like anything yummy, only give it to her yourself so she associates you with the yummy thing, not a plate!

Sounds like the wand play is also a big reward - definitely use it that way! Make a nice show of putting it away and getting it out when you're in the room (feel free to use one of my patented songs like "I Know You Love This Wand" and "Gotta Put Away the Wand but I'll Get It for You Soon Again").

You might want to put her carrier in the room with the carrier's door taken off, maybe even top off if it comes off (unless she needs the cave feel at the moment, which she very well may). UNLESS she panics at the carrier even after it's been in there with her awhile w/her things in it - - - then it's doing more harm then good (and if it's a soft carrier w/a removable strap I'd remove it so she doesn't get caught in it - since you know she's a roller!). But give it a chance. Put a fav toy and comfy blanket in there so it smells like her. I often use warm rice socks if it's a single kitten for comfort. You just need a clean, soft adult sock (longer socks like tube socks work best) and uncooked rice (make sure it’s NOT instant rice!). Fill the sock about halfway w/uncooked rice. Tie the remainder of the sock with a knot. Don’t pack the rice too tightly; leave room so the sock's still flexible and can conform to her body. To use a rice sock, heat it in 40 second increments on high in the microwave (it’ll stay warm for a long time). Always feel it’s not to hot before you give it to her, and check periodically she hasn’t chewed a hole in the sock - you don’t want her eating the rice. And make sure she can easily move off or away from the heated sock once you’ve given it to her. If a rice sock's a pain right now, I also always give a single kitten a slightly larger then a beanie baby size fluffy stuffed animal to cuddle - just watch there are no tags, or eyes, etc. she can chew off) and help them feel nice and cozy! And yes, it may set her back a bit after the vet visit, but she will come back around.

I completely, 1,000% get why you want things to be tons better before taking her to the vet (I confess I thought she was going back outside right after if she wasn't socialized by next week! but now I get you mean just setting back your relationship when she returns). But even our friendliest personal cat hides for half a day after a vet visit (our scaredy cat - Bowie, my avatar - somehow stuffs his floofy slightly paunchy self behind the drier for a good 24 hours, darting out only to eat - but he was an abused cat). So just trust - eventually she'll forget (or at least forgive) - they all do eventually! She could be alot more comfortable with you by the vet visit, But remember the patience quote. She'll get brave and comfortable in her own time. Yes, it definitely often feels 2 steps forward, 7 back. But she'll get it. All you can do is keep doing what you're doing, sign on here when you're anxious, and try to enjoy the amazing process. It's gonna be worth it!!!!!!!


To show you there is life on the other side I attached a pic of Flick - our teeny little ex-feral lap cat that we TNR'd about 10 years ago - it took some time, lots of ham and chicken, tons of baby talk, but we've never felt anything so worth it ever before in 15 years of socializing! Fun fact - she's named for the "flick" of white on her best that forms a heart!!!! First pic was first day she was allowed out (w/our supervision) after a long intro process with our others - second is more recent - you can really see her heart!

View attachment 451964

Sorry that was sooooo long (it's basically my M.O. anymore ) - but glad you plowed through it! I never know how much to share - but I always err (probably TOO often) on the side of too much, hoping the person asking the question doesn't take any suggestions as a "you don't know what you're doing" thing - please don't!!!!). And kudos to you for even taking her in to socialize her - too many people don't!

Oh my god on the cord thing! How freaking scary! I'm glad she wasn't hurt. I'd put it in a drawer for now just in case - maybe you can figure out what she liked about it and get something similar but less "cord-y."

And don't worry about treats. If it's not her thing, it's not her thing (like my husband & beets). She's obviously not excited by them, but it could be the type of treat. When I'm socializing young 'uns (that are old enough obv), if they don't like treats I try rotisserie chicken. No fancy style/flavors - just grocery store/Costco/gas station rotisserie chicken (I peel the skin off for safety). Another option is if you have a KFC handy, kittens & cats usually dig it. That skin has to come off completely tho bc it's filled w/seasonings bad for kitties. And don't leave a plate w/bones out for one second - which you prob know already since you've got a dog - even a little kitten can have a piece with a bone in it seconds. We had that issue with one of our guys a few years ago - we never have KFC, but my husband set his plate on the counter with the bones on it & turned around to throw something away, and our little ex-feral-turned-lap-cat jumped up in those 2 seconds, grabbed the thigh bone and ran to another room. Just in the time it took to get to her she'd eaten ⅓ of the thigh bone! The bone stuck in the roof of her mouth, which dislocated her jaw - THAT was a panicky high speed car ride to the vet I never want to take again! (She's fine now). And like anything yummy, only give it to her yourself so she associates you with the yummy thing, not a plate!

Sounds like the wand play is also a big reward - definitely use it that way! Make a nice show of putting it away and getting it out when you're in the room (feel free to use one of my patented songs like "I Know You Love This Wand" and "Gotta Put Away the Wand but I'll Get It for You Soon Again").

You might want to put her carrier in the room with the carrier's door taken off, maybe even top off if it comes off (unless she needs the cave feel at the moment, which she very well may). UNLESS she panics at the carrier even after it's been in there with her awhile w/her things in it - - - then it's doing more harm then good (and if it's a soft carrier w/a removable strap I'd remove it so she doesn't get caught in it - since you know she's a roller!). But give it a chance. Put a fav toy and comfy blanket in there so it smells like her. I often use warm rice socks if it's a single kitten for comfort. You just need a clean, soft adult sock (longer socks like tube socks work best) and uncooked rice (make sure it’s NOT instant rice!). Fill the sock about halfway w/uncooked rice. Tie the remainder of the sock with a knot. Don’t pack the rice too tightly; leave room so the sock's still flexible and can conform to her body. To use a rice sock, heat it in 40 second increments on high in the microwave (it’ll stay warm for a long time). Always feel it’s not to hot before you give it to her, and check periodically she hasn’t chewed a hole in the sock - you don’t want her eating the rice. And make sure she can easily move off or away from the heated sock once you’ve given it to her. If a rice sock's a pain right now, I also always give a single kitten a slightly larger then a beanie baby size fluffy stuffed animal to cuddle - just watch there are no tags, or eyes, etc. she can chew off) and help them feel nice and cozy! And yes, it may set her back a bit after the vet visit, but she will come back around.

I completely, 1,000% get why you want things to be tons better before taking her to the vet (I confess I thought she was going back outside right after if she wasn't socialized by next week! but now I get you mean just setting back your relationship when she returns). But even our friendliest personal cat hides for half a day after a vet visit (our scaredy cat - Bowie, my avatar - somehow stuffs his floofy slightly paunchy self behind the drier for a good 24 hours, darting out only to eat - but he was an abused cat). So just trust - eventually she'll forget (or at least forgive) - they all do eventually! She could be alot more comfortable with you by the vet visit, But remember the patience quote. She'll get brave and comfortable in her own time. Yes, it definitely often feels 2 steps forward, 7 back. But she'll get it. All you can do is keep doing what you're doing, sign on here when you're anxious, and try to enjoy the amazing process. It's gonna be worth it!!!!!!!


To show you there is life on the other side I attached a pic of Flick - our teeny little ex-feral lap cat that we TNR'd about 10 years ago - it took some time, lots of ham and chicken, tons of baby talk, but we've never felt anything so worth it ever before in 15 years of socializing! Fun fact - she's named for the "flick" of white on her best that forms a heart!!!! First pic was first day she was allowed out (w/our supervision) after a long intro process with our others - second is more recent - you can really see her heart!

View attachment 451964
View attachment 451965

hello!
I definitely don’t think you aregiving help by telling me I’m wrong that would be counterproductive

The kibble I feed is called 'Taste of the Wild', I get it at the feed store (horse, cow, chicken etc). Anyway I feed the duck and quail, BUT, they have a venison one also. I get these in the 'free sample' bag and my cats think it is the greatest treat of all time. If I get the small bag out, they will come running from wherever they are and wake from a deep sleep.
What I'm getting at is, if she won't eat treats, maybe a kibble with a flavor that she really, really likes. It's better for her than...say...Temptations. Get some free samples of kitty kibble at the pet store or feed store and see which flavor she goes nuts for, then use this as a treat.
(I can't feed the venison normally or my cats wouldn't eat the canned and they would weight 300lbs).

That is what I do with my pup but I didn’t think it would work with a cat.. thanks!! I will give it a go!

 

[Adhake]

Hello Kittychick,
Thanks for replying again! I definitely don’t take any suggestions as I don’t know Wht I’m doing because I came here for suggestions! That would be very small minded of me.. I appreciate everyone who replies to my post you never know when someone may suggest something that seems so obvious but they didn’t think of it in the moment.. I’m on like 2-4 hours of sleep a day rt now so I could definitely miss something at this rate

the cord was very scary and I did get a different one rt away!! I need the wand toys with her! She loves it!!! And it has been what has gotten us this far. Thankfully she wasn’t shy about the new one! She loves toys and I have to admit I’m spoiling her with them at the moment I bring her a new toy every day (I make most of them) her favourites are the wand Of course and I needle felt things for her to bat around and shejust goes crazy for them!
Ok I will try the chicken as well with her. Is my profile pic my dog?I can only see the letter A .. I can’t believe what happened to the cat with the bone! Yeah chicken bone are the most dangerous thing and if you have little ones (all animals in my care are my babies ) it’s definitely something you learn to instinctively not to leave for a second

I will definitely bring the carrier in the week before her appointment and let it be with her so she can not hate it when she sees it.. I do have a “cave” I made for her it’s just a blanket a pet bed and a clip holding one corner up .. I wanted her to have a space to really hide but somewhere I can really get to her in case of necessity.
Oh! I’m so glad you see I’m not putting her outside!! She could have any behaviour and I wouldn’t abandon her outside.. I actually spend 20-22 hours a day with her I would NEVER turn back! I am ok with TNR and have done it for several cats but she is a kitten and I know she will eventually be a house kitty if thr is a chance to get them off the street it’s what I prefer. The one thing people learn about me very quickly is I will do anything to help an animal..

Flick is absolutely adorable!!! Definitely gives me hope that she will want my affection in the near future

 

[Adhake]

Ok everyone!
wanted to send an update… we found a treat she likes yay!!!! Things are going really well she licked my finger for the first time last night. We seem to be actually gaining someground for a change.. I do have a new question.. is thr anything I can do when she gets herself into a little trouble and she gets scared? She won’t let me help her so she gets worked up. Other than the obvious just leave her alone and let her calm down.. for example.. she got her claw caught in the dangle toy from her tunnel.. I did cut it down cause she really got caught and I don’t want it to happen again( she was yelping a bit). So I had to approach to help her get it out and she was of course hissing and growling and luckily she finally moved upwards and her claw came free so I didn’t have to touch her and make it worse. What I was hoping was after she has had time to cool down is there anything I can do to help her get passed it? She has done a couple of things tht spooked her (liked knocked something off a cabinet on accident last week) and she hides for like 7 hours and I was hoping someone had a suggestion to lessen her time of recovery in a positive way. Thanks again!!

 

[kittychick]

Sorry it’s taken me a bit — been a tough week.
(don’t think I answered this: FYI - your avatar does show just an “E.”)

And YEAHHHHH! Glad the two of you are making progress!! (she’s SO adorable - I’m not telling Flick, but you win!!!!!! I love love love that age). I know (believe me I know) — it does seem sometimes like it’s been forever. But you’re making serious serious progress! Finding a treat she likes is GREAT! Anytime I can figure out a kitty’s “currency” (whatever she’ll go crazy for) that’s a big win!! Now exploit it!

And don’t feel bad about the getting caught issue. If it helps - I’ve fostered TONS - and yet Flick, the 6 lb ex-feral I showed the pics of, is a NIGHTMARE when it comes to her nails. Her 3-year feral start part before we caught her, we often forget about that bc she’s such a lap cat…..until she needs a nail trim! We can only do one claw a day, giving her time to pout. So it’s a constant battle I don’t always win (at 6# she feels like 20# of muscle, teeth & claws). So she’s ALWAYS getting caught on carpet, etc., and it freaks her out. Yet if I go in to help - I need knight’s armpit. The only thing that saves me is that. I scruff quickly for just long enough to free her. Do you know how to scruff a kitty? She’s so young, that’s what I’d do. She’ll forgive you before long (…..2 steps forward, 1 back). If it happens again (and it will), if you can (don’t leave her unless you know it’s safe to - & come back ASAP) - run grab a treat (we use Churra little tubes of paste). One of us scruffs quickly & distracts w/that Churra on a finger as the other does whatever’s needed (like trim 2 claws).
Bottom line, your instincts look pretty darn great — and I just LOVE how devoted you are!

I’ll be able to watch more this week - so keep me/us posted!!!!!!!

 

[Cat McCannon]

You’ve already made huge progress. Your feral kitten isn’t feral anymore. If she were feral, she would not tolerate any human presence, let alone let you touch her even once.

Belle wasn’t feral when we took her in, but she was a wild stray. She liked being around us, but didn’t want to be petted or touched. Then one day, without warning, she started sitting in my lap wherever I sat in my chair. It was like a switch was flipped in her head. One day, she was skittish and always on high alert and the next, she was relaxed and confident.

Give your kitten time. You’ve already had great successes with her.

 

[Adhake]

Hello kittychick,
Hey yes so the treat thing definitely helped us last week!! She had to go to the vet on Wednesday for vaccinations and dewormer.. so she has been mad at me during the day and then wants to play all night again… we had just stated to get a bit better schedule and now it’s all messed up again🫤 The vet visits are going to kill me!! I do worry the treats have caused her to be a bit funny with her food.. I know her tummy is a bit off after the vaccines but she has been eating less even before the visit.. Saturday she ate amazingly I don’t know where it came from but it was really nice!! can I ask what food you feed the kittens you work and have worked with in The past??
Yes I have had to scruff her a couple of times like her initial bath since she had fleas and when it’s time to get in the carrier for the vet. The vet trimmed her claws for me this time so I could get them all done at once I do use Nulo treats the same thing I think as the churra .. the crazy thing is she could care less abt any treat if she is having to do something she dose not like.. she is impossible sometimes I was really hopeful that she wouldn’t exile me to much after the vet but looks like she is going to be mad for a few days.. she reminds me of 50 first dates though she plays with me at night and then when she finally sleeps around 5 am whn she gets up she acts like she has no idea who I am again.. that was very very slightly improving but we are on the back foot at the moment..

Thanks for appreciating my devotion sometimes my family thinks I’m a bit to much but it’s just who I am

thanks again for all your help and encouragement!!

 

[Adhake]

You’ve already made huge progress. Your feral kitten isn’t feral anymore. If she were feral, she would not tolerate any human presence, let alone let you touch her even once.

Belle wasn’t feral when we took her in, but she was a wild stray. She liked being around us, but didn’t want to be petted or touched. Then one day, without warning, she started sitting in my lap wherever I sat in my chair. It was like a switch was flipped in her head. One day, she was skittish and always on high alert and the next, she was relaxed and confident.

Give your kitten time. You’ve already had great successes with her.

Thanks!!! I am trying!! I can’t wait for the day her switch flips!!! I think I will cry with joy!!

 

[Adhake]

Hello everyone!
I wanted to post another update as a thank you toeveryone that has been helping us along on this journey. She has been having some issues lately. We had to go to the vet cause she wasn’t eating and was gagging. She was check over and nothing was really found even did an X-ray didn’t show anything being wrong. So we were sent home with Meds for acid reflux. Well they aren’t working as well as I had hoped.she had one good day where she ate and played but last night she started to throw up and so I contacted the vet again this morning and asked if maybe it’s her food that is causing her problems.. was told it’s possible but still not sure. she seems to be able to keep her dry food down so I’m going to try a dry only diet. She is on royal canin stage two wet and dry. Has anyone else had this happen with a kitten? Any advice? I would really like to not have to put her through a scope as that is the vets next recommendation.
On a super happy note she has been letting me pet her legs and hip of all places she even purred today whn I touched her!! She dose limit it to just a few strokes and then she nibbles my finger and moves away but not far . Most of the day she sleeps and plays under my legs under the covers. (As she dose still only sleep under covers or hidden away in some manner) In that area we are doing amazingly! If I could only get her health in order we would finally be stress free.. Thank you again everyone who has replied and helped me with her I appreciate it very much!