Can't Tame Feral...i Am Near Tears...need Advice

[shadowsrescue]

Any updates on Apple?

 

[maggiedemi]

sweetblackpaws --How's it going with Apple? Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you. Now that I think about it, reverse psychology might work. I tamed my cats out in the garage and breezeway and they were really curious to come inside. So maybe act nonchalant and leave the door open? When cats know you are trying to catch them, they run the other way.
Wish I was there to help you!

 

[sweetblackpaws]

Hi guys,

I am so sorry I have been out of touch - between job-searching, interviews and dealing with my other furbaby's health.

Miss Apple is doing just fine, but apparently has several admirers in the building (of the human kind). I have been preoccupied with one of my other cats, and have a vet appointment Monday. I promise, I will continue to work with Apple.

I will keep you updated regularly, very sorry! Very stressed....

 

[sweetblackpaws]

My other furbaby is losing weight and not eating much - I am hoping it is her thyroid, which is easily treatable. We'll find out Monday....

 

[sweetblackpaws]

I have been "sneaking" pats to Miss Apple, on her back. She is not crazy about it, but she might be getting used to it. I am almost certain once she is living back inside the apartment, she will be a lapcat one day.

 

[rubysmama]

Sending vibes that it's something easily treatable with your other furbaby.

That's good that Apple is "letting" you pat her, and that she's seeing other humans. That should make the eventual transition to a permanent indoor cat easier.

 

[maggiedemi]

I have been "sneaking" pats to Miss Apple, on her back.

Thanks for coming back. That's great that you can pet Apple now. That's how it all started for me, petting Demi with the long-handled duster, and now he's a happy indoor cat. If I can do it, I know you can. Hope your other furkid is okay.

 

[shadowsrescue]

Thank you for updating. So sorry to hear about one of your other cats. Fingers crossed it is nothing serious. I know how much of a worry it can be. Please let us know.

I am glad Apple is doing ok and cared by others as well.

 

[sweetblackpaws]

Not sure I would call it "petting", I have to be very sneaky about it and run my hand along her back while she is facing the other way. Then she quickly turns around and makes an odd sound (probably telling me to back off), but does not run away. I see that as progress.

Yes, I will keep you all posted on her "sister" after the vet Monday, although I probably won't get the results until Tuesday. I am hoping it is something easily treated like hyperthyroid (she was borderline last time).

 

[walli]

I was thinking about you and your cat, wondering if you could scare her into your house? I think you said you have a hallway to your apartment, If someone approached while she was out there would she run into your house?
prolly a long shot, but I think of weird things at times

 

[sweetblackpaws]

Hi Walli,

I actually had thought of that, but she has been out for so long that I would rather put her directly in her safe room, at least for a few days in case she "forgot" how to use the litter box, plus my other cats might scare her.

Most of the pressure is off since I renewed my lease - I can take my time in catching her - long story, but I had to order another trap . She is doing GREAT, though. She just finished a snack and is lounging in the sun right now.

 

[maggiedemi]

Most of the pressure is off since I renewed my lease - I can take my time in catching her -

Hi. How long did you renew your lease for? That's good news.

 

[sweetblackpaws]

11 months. It's going to be tight, financially, but I am glad.

 

[maggiedemi]

So almost a year, that's a relief. Let us know what's happening with Apple, maybe we can brainstorm and think of something. All the things I tried with mine just popped into my head.

 

[msaimee]

Maybe you can co-ordinate with the neighbor who also feeds her. Two heads are better than one.

 

[walli]

Sweet Black Paws, what state are you in?
just checking if you were in my area, I'd help!

 

[sweetblackpaws]

Walli, that is very kind of you. I am in Florida, but things will be okay. She really is a happy girl, and I still want her inside, but I don't feel as panicky about it now since there is no time constraint. Long story short, I had to order another trap and never got it Tru-Catch 30LTD. They said they are waiting on the steel??? Anyways, how are the Have a Heart traps? Should I order one of those? I leave her carrier out with twigs, etc., as MsAimee suggested and it did attract her, but I botched up the capture (another story).

BUT, with all that being said, she is doing GREAT. She lounges in the sun and is still enjoying her Fancy Feast (upgraded from Friskies, which she also likes), plus whaever else she is getting from the neighbors, lol! Don't worry - you all will be the first to know once I get her inside. But the weather has been nice, and she is enjoying herself for the time being.

 

[sweetblackpaws]

Tru-catch finally sent me a shipping email, so the new 30LTD is on its way! My carrier-catch method got botched - I am too old and slow, lol! Some of the other traps I don't care for - they have rough edges, hard to put together, etc. I lent the old 30LTD out, but never got it back (long story).

I will try the grass/twigs thing again, she is attracted to that. Should I mix catnip in the mixture as well or perhaps she will find that odd? She is VERY smart!

 

[maggiedemi]

That sounds like a good plan! Let us know how it goes. Demi loves catnip, he comes running from the other room when I take the lid off, so yeah I would give it a try.

 

[sweetblackpaws]

Okay, I will add catnip to the grass/twig mixture to hopefully speed things up. I just hope she remembers how to use the litter box once inside again! If not, no big deal - she learned in two days when she was first brought in.

Should I get her a hooded litter box to feel more secure? My other cats don't use them, but maybe she would like it since it would provide her with a more secluded feeling (even though she will be in her safe room again)?