I need help…..

Wilddietta

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We have a 6 month old semi-feral female. She befriended us. So we got her trust, after several months of living on our patio…bed, food a safe environment. we got her to get in a carrier and took her to get spayed. After her surgery we have kept her in the house. Giving her a nice living area in a big master bathroom. She sleeps in her bed, eats and is using her litter box. so 10 days later back to the vet for her after surgery check up. She has had her first round of shots, 2 more rounds to go. But each time we take her to the vet it’s steps backwards When we get home. Can you help us with some tips. We are keeping her and love her so much. But she still won’t let use touch her. But she lets us walk around her……she doesn’t run from us, she seems very comfortable with her surroundings. Toys, scratching post. Many thanks for any tips.
 

stephanietx

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Patience is the key. Don't rush anything. Don't force her to do anything she doesn't want, like being snuggled or petted. She's still trying to figure everything out. Sit in the room with her and read to her or talk to her. Use interactive toys, like DaBird or a cat charmer, to draw her out. Playing helps kitties bond with humans. Don't leave food down for her, but take food in the room when you go in to visit. That way she associates you with the food which is a good thing. It really just takes consistency, time, and patience.
 
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Wilddietta

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Patience is the key. Don't rush anything. Don't force her to do anything she doesn't want, like being snuggled or petted. She's still trying to figure everything out. Sit in the room with her and read to her or talk to her. Use interactive toys, like DaBird or a cat charmer, to draw her out. Playing helps kitties bond with humans. Don't leave food down for her, but take food in the room when you go in to visit. That way she associates you with the food which is a good thing. It really just takes consistency, time, and patience.
Thank you so much. We’re new to cats, w have only had dogs. We love Lucy and are doing as much as we can to make her our pet. Not rushing anything……! Hubby and I are seniors….. me 75, hubby 80. So Lucy is such company for us. Looking forward to the future. Again thank you. 🙏🏻🥰
 

Alldara

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Thank you for keeping her inside!

It's really normal with skittish cats to have some set-backs when you get home. Think of building trust with this scaredy-cat like a trust bank that you have with her. She was outside so she probably came to your home running on a negative trust bank for all humans in general.
You built that up, but keeping her in temporarily sets her back just until she realizes she has it good! Then, all the good things that come with being inside start to add up in that trust bank: warmth and safety daily (or cool if hot), regular meals, soft beds, etc all add to the trust bank. The vet office trips take away from that bank but as you build trust over time, that bank will be built up so the set-backs will lessen.

Be in the room with her when you can and read or do another quite activity where you are settled down.
 

epona

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The vet visits are necessary and with a shy cat who is settling in they will be a bit of a step back - but just give her time, once her spay incision is healed and she's had her first shots and booster, she should (all being well) have a longer time to settle in before another vet visit is needed!

Even well socialised affectionate housecats can be a bit wary after a vet visit, none of them actively enjoy the experience and it's not unusual for any cat to hide for a bit or refuse affection/attention after the necessary indignity of being taken to the vet.

Good thing she has you both to look after her, sounds as though she's on the way to building a good relationship with you, so don't be too alarmed when she's more reclusive again after a vet visit. She'll come round :)
 

rubysmama

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Wilddietta

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Thank you everyone for posting. This has helped us so much. We will continue everything we are doing plus adding all your recommendation. Lucy is very happy and healthy. We know it will take time and lots of patience and most of all LOVE we have lots of that. AGAIN MANY THANKS.
 

Alldara

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Thank you everyone for posting. This has helped us so much. We will continue everything we are doing plus adding all your recommendation. Lucy is very happy and healthy. We know it will take time and lots of patience and most of all LOVE we have lots of that. AGAIN MANY THANKS.
We are happy that you gave her a home. Please come and give us updates sometimes or even photos if you want!
 

iPappy

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Lila is not feral in any way, and never has been, but she snubs me big time after a vet appointment. She has nothing to do with me and will hide. I don't think she necessarily associates me with any negative emotion associated with the visit, but it's different than her normal routine and when she is back home, she needs time to decompress. I just leave her alone and let her come out at her own pace. I consider it similar to if I have an extra busy or rough day. I don't want to ignore anyone, but I need some time to just be alone and decompress from the stress of the experience. Lucy sounds like she's coming around so quickly for you and I'm sure she won't hold a permanent grudge. Thank you for taking her in!
 
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