this probably won't sound helpful, but with a feral, as long as she
has access to food and water, she's probably happy and safe where she
is. remember that to her, human companionship is NOT a safe or
desirable thing--if she's ever gonna consider it so, it'll have to be
on her terms, and at her pace. doing things that she sees as
threatening--like trying to pet her to show her you love her--isn't
likely to work the way you'd like it to! (as one of my feral friends
swears, all feral momcats tell their kittens that their fur will fall
out if they ever let a human touch them....)
many feral cats only come out to eat at night, when there's fewer
people around to hurt them, so that'd be the best time to actually see
her. feed her stinky disgusting cat food that she can't resist,
starting with it close by her hidey hole. take a book and a low
light/flashlight, and sit far away from the food--when she does come
out, don't approach her, let her just get used to you as a harmless
piece of furniture. talk to her quietly as she eats so she gets used
to hearing your voice. if she doesn't bolt when she sees you, keep
moving the food bowl closer and closer to where you're sitting. in
time you might be able to get around her and wall off her hiding
place, so at least you'll know she can't get into anything that could
hurt her....
i, personally, can hardly bear to work with ferals, and have enormous
respect for those who can. it just breaks my heart to see them SO
afraid of humans, and so unaware of how good love feels.... but there
is no feeling in the world to compare with that you get when a feral
accepts you, and allows you into their world!
bless you for giving this little one a home, even if she's not quite
ready to accept it!
On 8/8/06, Belinda <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Jeni,
I'm sorry your're having so much trouble with your little feral.
Hopefully she'll come out and figure out what a good thing she's got.
--
Belinda
happiness is being owned by cats ...
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--
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