Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Have two females (less than 1 year) on a trial basis. Very pretty but anti-social. Can't pick up without being scratched, bitten. Hide all day; may come out at night for water and whatever. They haven't eaten in almost 4-days, and I'm not shoving food plate in their hide area. They've been placed in several foster homes for months at a time, and I suspect nothing could be done to change behaviour. They were trapped as big kittens, given shots, neutered, etc.
My two cats have tried to "investigate" but these two females have not even socialized with them.

Any help will be appreciated. Are they a lost cause or will lack of food win them over?

Mike

Hi,

First of all Mike, you do NOT starve cats, ever. They can develop fatty liver disease if they have no food, and this is very serious, even fatal. Please feed these cats wherever they are comfortable. You are not going to "win them over", just cause them to get sick.

I do not think of any cat as a "lost cause". Some cats will be more affectionate than others and some will be loners. If you are not willing to accept these cats as they are it might be a good idea to rehome them right now. They may never be cuddle cats or lap cats. But that doesn't mean that they wouldn't be a wonderful additional to your home. When a feral or very frightened cat accepts your love it is tremendously rewarding. But they may not accept you the way you would like.

In my home I have all kinds of cats and each has his or her own personality. I adopted a feral cat that had been on her own for 5 years and it took 7 years for her to get into my lap for the first time. But it would have been fine if she never did that. I was just so happy to provide a safe, indoor home for her. Now she is 15 and is a totally different cat. But it took many years of patience and she is still hand-shy at times.

If you must have sociable cats, these 2 probably aren't going to work out for you. They had a rough past and that is why they are acting the way they are today. Ferals and semi-ferals are not for everyone and there is nothing wrong with that. I happen to have a lot more time than most people to spend with my cats and that is very helpful.

Please think this over carefully. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you decide to return these kitties.

Regards,
PHKitkat

They finally came out last evening. They ate their food and wandered around before retiring to their hideout. I just had to block one hideaway under the stove. Not the best place to crash. They come out more when the lights are out. I'm not giving up on them. I can trim their nails with a "towel wrap". At least they're eating, and get along fine with my other 2 cats. I'll leave them alone and let instincts take over.

Thanks for reply.

Mike

Also remember for any one cat or person, 4 days is not a lot of time to adjust to a whole new world. New person, new place and new cats make for a scary new place. It sounds like they are not all that feral but just need some time and space to figure out where they are and what is going on.
-----
Tessa Onyx, Foudini, Charlee, Spottie, ShyRaven, Buddy, Tuxie, Widdle Attila Sipowitz, Lizzie, Minnie, ET, Mylo, Penny (We be house cats at last), and Salem, Wicca and Marmalade (We iz also house cats, we guess)and the 5 porch kits also Riley da goggie and Buddha da baby hamster too
Tabitha and Samantha..always in our hearts
A house without cats is like a garden without flowers

They're 8 months old and have adjusted very well. Can't pet or hold them yet, so the first move is up to them. Eating great and exploring; get along fine with my other 2.

Mike

Glad that things are going well with the two newbies. Give them time and they will decide that you might just be okay too
-----
Tessa Onyx, Foudini, Charlee, Spottie, ShyRaven, Buddy, Tuxie, Widdle Attila Sipowitz, Lizzie, Minnie, ET, Mylo, Penny (We be house cats at last), and Salem, Wicca and Marmalade (We iz also house cats, we guess)and the 5 porch kits also Riley da goggie and Buddha da baby hamster too
Tabitha and Samantha..always in our hearts
A house without cats is like a garden without flowers