I was in the yard with ALL FIVE kitties, this morning.

[Siwsan]

Spooky was 'sheltering' beneath a lawn chair but only about 4 or 5 feet away from me. Skittish was sitting, keeping an eye on him and all 3 kittens saw me, but instead of running away, they all started to play. I'm beginning to realize that Mittens is the bravest, then comes Spooky Jr. and finally, Scooter. Mittens and Spooky Jr have started to check me out, albeit at a distance, but today was the FIRST time Scooter didn't rapidly scoot when I walked out the door.

I did get a nice photo of Spooky's handsome face, while battling off a squadron of mosquitoes that were determined to drain e of every drop of blood.

[Lovie777]

1. Awwwwwwwwww . ..

[femmedem]

2. How sweet! You're making great progress. You might try tossing treats to them.

Or attracting them with feather wands. Those two tricks have worked for me when taming feral cats and kittens.

[SheltieLover]

3. I'm so glad they are warming up to you.

I have one feral who visits occasionally who will rub against my legs & let me pet him -- right up until he realizes it's my hand touching him, then he flinches, sometimes hisses. He walks a few steps away & often comes back for more.

[lark]

15. One of the ferals I feed does almost the same thing, but no longer hisses.

He's funny, he lets me touch him with the back of my hand, albeit very briefly and so soft I barely touch. He won't accept the palm of my hand - yet. He also rubs against my legs and will eat immediately with me standing beside the plate now - so good progress on a very old and not in good health kitty.

[SheltieLover]

17. Awwww

Sounds like a real sweetie! Sorry to hear kitty is not in good health.

Ty for caring for this sweet kitty.

[malaise]

4. Too lovely

Are you planning to tame them and take them to a shelter?

[Siwsan]

5. I hope we can do a TNR on all of them.

If I can 'train' them to be socialized outdoor cats, I'd be content. Ideally, I'd love to keep Mittens.

[malaise]

6. Cool because they multiply

[Siwsan]

7. I wish I could lure Skittish to 'den' in my yard. I'll work on another shelter

She doesn't seem to like the one I have. If she does have more kittens before I can catch her, at least I might have an easier time of catching them.

[malaise]

12. Anything you build must have a way out that she can access

Last edited Mon Jul 19, 2021, 12:01 PM - Edit history (1)

Cats are very clever that way. I buy cat balls and other toys and start playing with the kitties early without touching them. Eventually theynuzzle up around your feet and trust you enough to stay around for food. I let them play in the travelling cage and put food in there - then by week seven or eight it's off to the JSPCA.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

14. That's amazing patience and love for animals you have, Malaise!

KY.......... ........

[malaise]

16. I've always loved animals - more dogs than cats

After Roots (the greatest dog I ever owned) had to be put down, I decided to just feed the stray cats. I grew up with dogs and cats so it's no biggie.


I think I just try to keep the cat population down - either tame them and give them away or feed them for ever - more like OK I'll feed a few of you but you are not taking over this place

[Jilly_in_VA]

9. If you can do a TNR

be sure you get one of each one's ears "tipped". That's a signal to most animal control officers and humane societies that they belong somewhere and have been altered. Also get them chipped if possible. That way they can be returned if picked up.

[Siwsan]

10. Absolutely!

[SheltieLover]

18. Mittens is just a doll!

They are all gorgeous, but there is something about Mittens...

[SheltieLover]

19. From what I've read

It is not usually advisable or successful to try to tame ferals beyond a certain point because they have missed the developmental stage appropriate for learning how to interact with humans.

I had a friend years ago who tried this with a kitty in Chicago. The harsh winters prompted ger to go beyond just feeding outdoors to integrating the feral into her home.

She did it, but the cat would frequently freak out & attack her, often sinking its teeth down to the bone in her hands & arms.

She was very cat savvy, gentle & loving. She kept him until he crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

[malaise]

23. They don't come in the house unless a kittem gets curious when I open the patio door

Last edited Mon Jul 19, 2021, 08:32 PM - Edit history (1)

I am always aware about that with the very old ones because they're feral cats but I've been feeding them for ages and their kittens have never attacked.

[SheltieLover]

25. That's awesome, Malaise!

Ty for welcoming them & caring for them!

[malaise]

27. I welcome the old ones

and tame and give away the kittens. We don't want a neighborhood problem with too many cats around, although they keep the rats away.

[SheltieLover]

28. That is very nice of you

[Ocelot II]

8. Is Spooky the kittens' daddy?

He certainly is a handsome fellow.

[Siwsan]

11. One of the kittens is his spitting image.

The same blackish brown coat with a rust tinge.

[abqtommy]

20. Thank you. You're not only doing good deeds but sharing your experiences and photos is a

bonus to us all.

[Niagara]

21. I'm absolutely loving these updates.

I may not comment on them all the time, but these updates sure make my day.

[Siwsan]

22. Thanks!

Looking after them has been a great distraction, for me. Every little step of progress towards gaining their trust is something to celebrate.

[IcyPeas]

24. I love your updates and photos of these sweeties.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

26. Thanks for the updates!

They've come a long way since hiding in your kayaks!

[Siwsan]

30. Must be different ferals. I don't own any kayaks

They are living beneath the bushes at my neighbor's. I keep hoping that Skittish will move them to my yard, since it's closer to the dining room.

[Blue Owl]

29. What good company you keep!