Looking for support/ adopted semi-feral cat

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H&Alina

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So, … I can’t believe it 13 months home for Alina and 5 for Anya 😊
Alina is making nice progress and she seems more comfortable. I can pet her in most places . She still runs away when I walk , but major gains. I hear a purr almost daily . I never thought that would happen!
Anya is slowly warming up . She is still very skittish and resists most attempts for me to pet her , but I occasionally get a few minutes in….on her terms of coarse. One day !!!!
They are both so darn cute and I’m so happy to have them 😊
 

fionasmom

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I can't either! Time flies.....Thank you so much for letting us know how things are going and so glad that Alina has come around and Anya is following behind. I have a very affectionate older cat who will run away if I come toward her....with no precedent of anything ever having happened when I did walk over to her. But she will gladly sit with me and even ask for affection.
 
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H&Alina

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Another update 😊
Alina has been here 14 months now . She had started to recently rub against my leg in the kitchen and seems the most happy coming into the bathroom with me 😆
Getting better with my approach, however she continues to still run and hide. Still not joining me on the couch or bed …. Maybe one day🤞

Anya has been here 6 months. She is tricky for me and I am having a hard time helping her feel safe . It’s a bit difficult and disheartening at times. I guess I’m having a sad day about her continued fear of me ,running away any time I walk by or attemp to approach , she jumps when I move and often leaves the room :( I’m Trying to sit next to her and Let her smell me, but she does not yet initiate any contact. she seems to be happy in the house, I just wish she was starting to come around more with me 😩
 

Furballsmom

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Hi, this is a long thread so I don't know if anyone has mentioned this previously, but you may have heard of situations where the cat approaches the one person in the room who doesn't like, or is afraid of, cats?

I've always thought it's because that one person isn't focusing on the cat at all, which gives the cat emotional space.

In other words just go about your day, don't be concerned with her reactions or what she does or doesn't do :)

Have you tried cat music?

14 Cat Experts Reveal: How To Get A Cat To Like Me – TheCatSite Articles
 

di and bob

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She will come to you one day, 6 months is not long at all in a cat's world. It takes a LONG time for cats to adjust to a new reality and females are especially territorial and jumpy around unfamiliar situations. Bless you, for giving these two little girls a home with care and love. Eventually, they will both give you their hearts.....
 
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H&Alina

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Hi, this is a long thread so I don't know if anyone has mentioned this previously, but you may have heard of situations where the cat approaches the one person in the room who doesn't like, or is afraid of, cats?

I've always thought it's because that one person isn't focusing on the cat at all, which gives the cat emotional space.

In other words just go about your day, don't be concerned with her reactions or what she does or doesn't do :)

Have you tried cat music?

14 Cat Experts Reveal: How To Get A Cat To Like Me – TheCatSite Articles
Thank you for your feedback and article. I will try that for sure . I have previously used cat music when I was not home , but I haven’t recently. I could try that again too . Thank you 😊
 
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H&Alina

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She will come to you one day, 6 months is not long at all in a cat's world. It takes a LONG time for cats to adjust to a new reality and females are especially territorial and jumpy around unfamiliar situations. Bless you, for giving these two little girls a home with care and love. Eventually, they will both give you their hearts.....
Awww, I hope so ! Thank you 😊
 

fionasmom

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I know that it is disappointing, but can take time. The girl I rescued 8 months ago, who did know me as I was the one who fed her twice a day, is just now to the point where I can brush her. Anya is definitely happy in your house. If you look at it from her perspective, despite the standoffishness, she is safe, fed, and with someone who cares about her....and she does understand that you are the one who is there for her.

It is good to hear that Alina is showing more affection. Bathrooms can be odd for cats. I have a friend whose cat just passed at 17 years old, but the one room where she allowed handling and affection was a bathroom.
 

willowwitch

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I've just read through this whole thread and it's exactly what I needed to hear! I adopted my feral baby almost six months ago, and she still won't let me anywhere near her and runs away when I come in the room if she's up and about. I've not had an ideal set up for her and I didn't really do enough research about socialising feral cats, but I need to focus on the progress she's made! She comes out of her hiding place while I'm in the room and sits and watches me, and plays with her favourite toy and has learnt what scratching posts are for! I need to remember that just because I can't pet her, doesn't mean we aren't in a good place. I tried today to tempt her with a treat whilst she was in her bed, but she hissed and I felt really discouraged. But she didn't hide when I left the room, she stayed out in the open. Just have to remember she's letting me know that she doesn't want hands near her and probably won't for a long while. Really really encouraging to hear everyone elses journeys and knowing that just because I've not done everything perfectly doesn't mean I'm not helping her!
 
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H&Alina

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I've just read through this whole thread and it's exactly what I needed to hear! I adopted my feral baby almost six months ago, and she still won't let me anywhere near her and runs away when I come in the room if she's up and about. I've not had an ideal set up for her and I didn't really do enough research about socialising feral cats, but I need to focus on the progress she's made! She comes out of her hiding place while I'm in the room and sits and watches me, and plays with her favourite toy and has learnt what scratching posts are for! I need to remember that just because I can't pet her, doesn't mean we aren't in a good place. I tried today to tempt her with a treat whilst she was in her bed, but she hissed and I felt really discouraged. But she didn't hide when I left the room, she stayed out in the open. Just have to remember she's letting me know that she doesn't want hands near her and probably won't for a long while. Really really encouraging to hear everyone elses journeys and knowing that just because I've not done everything perfectly doesn't mean I'm not helping her!
Oh thank you for sharing!! She is lucky to have you . This site has been a lifesaver for me . It’s so nice to see you are not the only one and to hear others great stories and success . Every bit of encouragement helps 😊
 
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H&Alina

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Hi I’m late on my next update for the girls .
Alina now 17 months and has made some nice recent gains . She suddenly seems more interested in me , seems me out a bit (especially in the bathroom or kitchen 😆)
She is accepting more pets in different places and it’s great. She is purring and rolling and I can’t believe it !!! I have not handled her/ picked her up yet , any attempt leads to running away . So , I don’t want to push but wonder if I should start trying to handle her a bit more ??
Anya has been here 9 months. Her trust in me is still gradually developing. She does not initiate contact at all, but will sometimes let me come to her in certain preferred places . Other times she just turns and hides 😩 She will play regularly with wand toys . She continues to seem so scared of me that it can be difficult at times 🥲 unfortunately since I’ve had her she has also required some medication due to allergy related problems and upper respiratory infection. I’m so grateful that her former foster mom has helped with the medication administration. I can’t handle her yet , and she is magic 😀 Anya is not easy but she makes it look easier. I’m wondering if her illness has held back some of our trust building??
 

fionasmom

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I would try to move a little closer to Alina, but very slowly and cautiously so that she does not react. Keep petting her and try to extend it a little bit. If you think that she will allow you to lift her, only do it for a few inches and then put her back down. Don't try to hug or hold her. Anya may be put off by having the illness and being given medications even though they are necessary.

The cat I mentioned in #130 has moved from letting me brush her to demanding at certain times of the day that I put her on my lap and brush her with one of those massage type combs. She also loves neck and cheek rubs, but runs like the wind if she sees me get Laxatone and will start to hide under chairs or behind furniture. It is not a straight path with these cats.

You are doing a great job!
 
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H&Alina

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Thank you so much !! Every bit of encouragement helps . I will keep working and let you know how things are doing 😊
 
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H&Alina

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Today is the 1 year anniversary of bringing Anya home . 😊
About 20 months for Alina !!
They are both making gains at there own pace and own way .
Anya continues to be more comfortable with everyday noises and is curios to explore. She continues to be quite timid with me. I can pet her more often , but totally on her terms . I hope one day she will lay next to me on the bed or couch 🙏🏽 For the first time tonight I got her to walk on the blanket/my leg for a treat! So that’s win! We are getting there slowly, but getting there!
Alina is very skittish of any sound ! She hid for most of the day because I used the dishwasher 😬 But she is seeking out contact with me!! She still runs in likes bathroom rubs 😆, becoming much more comfortable next to me when I feed her (even meows sometimes), she will occasionally sit with me he couch/purr and I’m in heaven.
So it’s been and continues to be a long road to build trust , but it’s worth it 💕
 

fionasmom

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Thanks so much for letting us know. You have done a spectacular job with these two very lucky cats...and they love you very much and understand that they are safe with you.
 
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H&Alina

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Update and looking for feedback and encouragement!!
It’s been a while and sometimes it’s still so hard
😞. Alina will be with me for 2 years on June 22 nd . She making slow progress, but seems to at times like me (yeah!) Anya has been with us 15 months .
I just don’t know what else to do . Alina does show some interest and will allow and at times seem out pets/ attention.I mostly initiate interaction. She has not come up on the couch or bed yet . ( do you think she might ever seek out more ??)
Anya shows limited desire to be near me and rejects me on the daily. She plays for sure and allows some pets on her terms . Anya does not initiate at all .it’s hurts the most :( after a year she often leaves when I’m in the room , ?? I don’t know what else to do ?
 
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H&Alina

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I was just having a rough few days with the girls . Looking back at others , I have to keep reminding myself to be patient and realize how far they have come . Sometimes it’s a few steps back and I forget . 😊
 
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