I would try cat foods like fancy feast and not feed her by hand that may take a bit.
I would try cat foods like fancy feast and not feed her by hand that may take a bit.
Thanks Rayd, I tried fancy feast for her, and she didn't like it at all. The authority and blue buffalo stuff is also a no go. I think i'll try science diet or even friskies. The only thing she has been receptive to is rotissarie chicken, or tuna bathed in chicken broth. Also I gave her a small bowl of nonlactose milk and she drinks that up like crazy.
I think you're making AMAZING strides with her already!!!! The fact that she was burrowed in on a chair sounds wonderful! And don't be discouraged by her not showing interest in the Gerbers on the spoon. Some kitties just plain don't like it…and the spoon may have threatened her (although it's worth it to keep trying periodically). You can try another of the treat options suggested (like cooked chicken, canned mackerel - which smells to high heaven but man most kitties love it!) - -but put it on a small plate or dish and just place it near her while you talk softly to her. Let her discover it. Once you find her "food hot button" - then move to the spoon method.
Your'e doing great! I love hearing stories like yours - someone who cares so much and is willing to make so much effort. Warms my heart! And in this weather - that's saying a lot
My ferals like Friskies, Wellness and Trader Joes. Really try to get her onto cat food. You can still add a bit of chicken broth to it, but she needs to be on cat food. Just keep trying. She should like something with chicken or sea food.
Meowing is a excellent sign. Ferals are quiet when living outside on their own, but when they become used to humans they communicate with a meow. This is a great sign!!! She is communicating with you.
Wait to use the baby food for a bit. I usually start with giving a bit on a plate first. Once you know she likes it, place it on a spoon on a plate so she gets used to the spoon. Then try the spoon in your hand or even just a bit on your finger. Just take it slowly.
She seems to be doing soooo well.
She is eating the hard cat food when I don't have the bribery food. It's something called Simply Nourish Source - Indoor adult cat food. chicken and fish - grain free. she doesn't finish the bowl. i think she nibbles on it to tide by until i bring the good stuff. She still only eats when I'm not in the room.
Is she eating hard food when you're not in the room? She definitely needs hard food available 24/7. If she's eating that when you're not around but just not taking the "extra bribery yummy treats" - don't worry.
And if she's making noise that's probably - as ShadowsRescue said - a great sign. A true feral makes very little noise out of necessity - if they made noise out "in the wild" they'd be found quickly by predators (including people) so they rarely vocalize unless mating or fighting. Even if they're ill or hurt they're virtually silent. But ferals often do start vocalizing once they get more comfortable in an inside situation - I've read that one school of thought is that they're comfortable and mimicking what they hear us do - they notice that we "make sounds" with each other so they try to do the same to "fit in" with us. So it's very likely a good thing she's making noises!
And I love that you're researching - this site (and reliable web sites - like Alley Cat Allies, etc) are great sources for info. Be an info sponge - you'll be amazed at what you'll find and how interesting this wacky world of socializing ferals/strays is! If you're like me - once you start reading you can't get enough i
I've tried to used the stick/feather toy but she only stares at it. lol
I think she is reaching out to you! Probably gets kind of lonely in her room. Have you tried playing with her with some sort of toy like da bird? Maybe not right now, but when you go in to feed her or sit in the room. Right now she may be ok just sitting there next to you and observing you in your territory. She may have felt your fear of disturbing her, and gets that vibe from you. Cats are funny, I really think they feel our stress, intimidation. I think that might be a good idea on your part to bring her into your room. She can smell you in your "lair". Then hopefully she will be calling to you in the morning, reaching out to you again. Hope all goes well tonight, together. You have been very good to her, and she might now be getting the idea that your not so bad, even kind of nice...!