Hello folks, I’m feeling very sad & discouraged. Back in February (almost nine months ago) I adopted 3 bonded mature semi-ferals (all are around 9 yrs or older). I have adopted & cared for many kitties over the years but have never had such an experience. I also have a mature kitty, very sweet petite friendly. But, this has not been a good situation for my poor girl. 
The history I was provided: Two were rescued from the same area on separate days possibly from different colonies. They bonded very quickly (male, missing one eye going blind in the other & female). The third was rescued elsewhere & fostered in same home with the other two ~ all became attached but the original 2 are very bonded. The rescuer said she didn’t release the male due to his vulnerability of course & being so immediately bonded with the female she remained (I now suspect he might have been a house at as some point but she was definitely born feral). The second female was evaluated as being possibly semi-feral/former house cat (I now suspect former house cat at some point). Keeping it as brief as possible, all 3 have a wonderful kitty heaven set-up in the basement. At first, understandably, they would not come out from under the couch & I spent 3 month (literally) on my belly, speaking with them, attempting to play, offering treats…eventually they’d all take treats from my hand. 
Soon after that the bonded duo would show up at the top of the basement stairs & eventually started exploring. Then the second female did the same but not as often (more timid but she’s the one who now let’s me sit near her while she eats & will get kind of close to me). Over the past few months they’ve all clearly made this their home & love lounging in many places ~ even my bed when I’m not in it (some happiness!!). There have been many challenges along this road but there are 2 main issues now. They STILL do not let me touch them & bolt if I get too close. I fear if something happens I won’t be able to get them to a vet/hospital. One attempt made with the blind male was horrible & broke the little trust that had been established. In addition to this, the bonded duo (led by the female who is a tough one) bully my sweet petite Cleo. She has been “confined” to the living room couch…I even had to move her litter box up on a side table because she was too afraid to get down. (I have 5 boxes around the house). I’m sorry for the long post but figured some details were best included. I’m so discouraged ~ I was told these kitties enjoyed being petted & brushed & just needed a little time acclimating but this is awful. I’ve homed & loved living with many mature/senior kitties (rescuing the ones longest at the shelter & taking in pets for people moving or from parents who’ve passed away) ~ this is heartbreaking for me. I’m relieved that this trio is safe & clearly happy (they play & romp & love treats & lounge all over) but I only wish they’d trust me & let me pet them. Any & all advise & feedback is welcome. Thank you. 
The history I was provided: Two were rescued from the same area on separate days possibly from different colonies. They bonded very quickly (male, missing one eye going blind in the other & female). The third was rescued elsewhere & fostered in same home with the other two ~ all became attached but the original 2 are very bonded. The rescuer said she didn’t release the male due to his vulnerability of course & being so immediately bonded with the female she remained (I now suspect he might have been a house at as some point but she was definitely born feral). The second female was evaluated as being possibly semi-feral/former house cat (I now suspect former house cat at some point). Keeping it as brief as possible, all 3 have a wonderful kitty heaven set-up in the basement. At first, understandably, they would not come out from under the couch & I spent 3 month (literally) on my belly, speaking with them, attempting to play, offering treats…eventually they’d all take treats from my hand. Soon after that the bonded duo would show up at the top of the basement stairs & eventually started exploring. Then the second female did the same but not as often (more timid but she’s the one who now let’s me sit near her while she eats & will get kind of close to me). Over the past few months they’ve all clearly made this their home & love lounging in many places ~ even my bed when I’m not in it (some happiness!!). There have been many challenges along this road but there are 2 main issues now. They STILL do not let me touch them & bolt if I get too close. I fear if something happens I won’t be able to get them to a vet/hospital. One attempt made with the blind male was horrible & broke the little trust that had been established. In addition to this, the bonded duo (led by the female who is a tough one) bully my sweet petite Cleo. She has been “confined” to the living room couch…I even had to move her litter box up on a side table because she was too afraid to get down. (I have 5 boxes around the house). I’m sorry for the long post but figured some details were best included. I’m so discouraged ~ I was told these kitties enjoyed being petted & brushed & just needed a little time acclimating but this is awful. I’ve homed & loved living with many mature/senior kitties (rescuing the ones longest at the shelter & taking in pets for people moving or from parents who’ve passed away) ~ this is heartbreaking for me. I’m relieved that this trio is safe & clearly happy (they play & romp & love treats & lounge all over) but I only wish they’d trust me & let me pet them. Any & all advise & feedback is welcome. Thank you. 
