Feral Mom

[Harley and Pattie]

I noticed that Elizabeth and Bertie posted on Feral kittens. Since I did not want to turn from her topic to mine, thought I would start a new thread. (I have printed all the info off her thread). I fostered a feral and 3 kittens. Have had them about 3 months now. Kittens ready to leave the nest (all will be gone by Saturday) and now I have the mom left. I now realize that I have not spent the time with her to socialize her. She was found with a collar on so she, at one time, was someone's pet. She hisses, growls and avoids me as much as she can. She will however eat her food by me and once in a great while let me stroke an ear. The rescue now wants her to move on. She will now go to a farm, starve to death or a cow will step on her....and it's my fault for not spending time with her. I feel like a terrible, terrible person. Is it too late to socialize her.

Pattie

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I say no.
I had a kitty that a friend netted and had spayed. She was about 1 1/2 years old.

She lived in my house for about 12 years. She would come to me on her terms and I could briefly pet her. It was hard getting fle neds on here and I had to sedate her to take her to the vet.
She became more friendly as the years passed.

 

[Harley and Pattie]

How did u sedate her? Wonder if feliway would work in room. Maybe the plug in and spray.

Pattie

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I placed Acepromazine in a pill pocket.
Feliway might help. Why not try it.

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

You could also try giving her treats and play with her. Try getting a peacock feather and see if she will play with it.

 

[BJM]

A terrific sturdy toy is ... a training whip for horses. It let's the cat play and jump at a respectable distance from you. Check a nearby equine supply shop or go online. Mine is polypropolene rope over a stiff rod for several feet, and then just rope.

I used it with the garage cats to play. I started interacting with the 2 kittens when they were about 3 to 4 months old in June. It is now early October and I have successfully offered them string cheese from hand, had it eaten, and received no bites, nor claws. Progress may be slow, but it is possible.

The mama was owned once too and I started petting her whenever she walked by where I was sitting, starting back in June. Now, I can pick her up for brief snuggles and massages of her shoulders.

Its a process, not an event.