Socialising a 2 year old feral

[Emmyroslyn]

Hi, so it’s been 3 weeks since I’ve had Jasmine our rescue cat in a crate which I have now moved from our loungeroom into her own room as our other cat John Snow (domestic and desexed) I think was scaring her. She has left her crate and is now hiding in a cat tunnel, she is very timid and shakes when I come near her. She is eating and drinking and using her box when I leave the room. Should I let her hide when I visit her in her room? Any other advice to help her feel more comfortable?

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi! Welcome!!

Should I let her hide when I visit her in her room? Any other advice to help her feel more comfortable?

I personally would let her do whatever she needs to do right now .

Sit on the floor to be more at her level, don't look directly at her (that can seem aggressive to ferals), read nice poetry or stories to her now and then. Mostly, give her emotional space so she can begin to understand her new normal and its accompanying smells and sounds.

She is eating and drinking and using her box when I leave the room.

This is so good to hear! You could also try some cat music now and then, there's Spotify, Youtube, RelaxMyCat and MusicForCats as sources that might be useful.

Bless your heart for helping this beautiful baby!!

 

[Jcatbird]

Shaking? Are you sure it is fear? Make sure she is not feverish. Although cats can tremble in fear, shaking can be an indicator of fever or just being cold. Make sure she has a warm and cuddly place to feel secure. Always let her know before entering her space. A soft announcement of “I’m coming in Jasmine. It’s okay.”
One of the things that I have found that really helps my ferals is to sleep in the room with them. Letting them examine you when you are not seen as a threat at all, gives the kitty a chance to investigate you. I can’t tell you how many times I have finally awakened to find them curled up by my feet or even above my head. Lol Can you try that? As Furballsmom said, getting down on her level helps a lot. Standing above them makes us appear as a large and threatening creature. Sitting on the floor or even laying on your back and just being still to let her see you are safe. Putting a favorite food near you can be a lovely lure too. If she is brave enough to eat near you, then slowly move the dish closer to you, eventually placing it in your lap or placing it on your stomach as you lay on the floor. Allow kitty to explore you without making a move towards her at first. Once she is not as afraid you can proceed further to socialize. Hand feeding treats can be a good ice breaker too as she calms down. Food is a great bonding tool. As a parent kitty would provide, you can show her that you do too. If she will eat with you present, you will make progress. Gerber 2nd foods all meat baby food slightly warmed is usually a very yummy thing to kitties. It smells good and is hard to resist. If she likes it, she might lick some from a finger later. She is beautiful!! Thank you for saving her!

 

[eva adams]

you must learn to reset your internal kitty clock. Stop thinking of this kitty as a lap kitty or purr cat who wants to lap milk from your hand. Approach her on her terms, working with her slowly once she is captured. You need to allow for her to be afraid, you can't lose your patience with her, and you can't rush her to "conform" to your expectations. She doesn't want to be touched at this point, and will probably view any attempts at petting as a threat. Socializing a feral cat is no more than building back up a trust that has been lost or never known. The most important thing is just to be there with her. Reading out loud is one of the best things you can do because she will get used to you and your voice. The more she sees that you are there and aren't threatening her, the more trusting she will become. With feral, the appropriate thing to do is not expect anything from them. Let them show you who they are and what they want. Accept them for who they are, and they certainly will do the same for you.

 

[Furballsmom]

Let them show you who they are and what they want. Accept them for who they are, and they certainly will do the same for you.

 

[Emmyroslyn]

so this is jasmines room setup I always have her door closed. Every time I come into the room she is hiding behind the curtain, but during the night she comes out and eats drinks and uses her toilet. Should I move her food and water away from the door? I think she gets scared when she hears someone walking passed the room. My other cat John snow meows at night near her door and I’m also worried that he could be scaring her.

 

[Emmyroslyn]

I’ve also sprayed feliway around her room to try and help relax her and left some treats near her.

 

[Furballsmom]

The Positive Thread 2020
Just to let you know that it takes time

You could maybe move the food over to the opposite wall, and have the water by the headboard? Have you had a chance to try some cat music yet?

 

[Emmyroslyn]

yeah, I know it will take lots and lots of patience which I am willing to give her I’m just an anxious mumma haha i want to give her the best life possible. I had some cat music playing yesterday while I laid on the floor away from her crate while she was behind the curtain. I’ll move her water and food tonight.