Wow. The kittens REALLY surprised me, this morning

[Siwsan]

Mittens and Scooter were staring up at the door, as usual. Spooky Jr, who is always a little late, was sauntering up.

I brought out the dishes, and while their usual behavior was to run back, a distance, until I put the bowls down and go back inside, this morning they just waited for me to put down the food and water, and they started eating. With me standing about TWO FEET AWAY!! Yea, I'm still smiling.

[Walleye]

1. I think at least one of them will let you pet him before summer's over

[brewens]

2. Are you talking to them? I think that helps. Two of my cats have been feral rescues. One lived under

my bed for four days when I got her. About the time Silver learned her name, we became buddies. It was a full two years before I could get her to sit still in my lap to be brushed, but she liked to snuggle up next to me after just a little while.

[Siwsan]

3. I do and I call them by name

First thing, every morning, I look at each individual and greet them. Their look of curiosity is so sweet.

I'm really excited to see if this happens, again.

[Rorey]

16. I wish I had done things differently three years ago

A cat showed up at my house, and shortly thereafter had three kittens on my back porch. Within a week, she hid them. I suspect that it was under my neighbor's shed. She started bringing them around for food when they were old enough to start eating cat food. I sat out where I fed them every evening, and talked to them. It did no good. The mama cat would be all over me, but the kittens wouldn't get near me.

I finally trapped them, and put them in my office where they stayed for about a month. I let the mama cat come and go as she pleased. We'd go in the office for hours every day and sit on the floor and talk to them and try to lure them with toys. They seemed to make little progress, and then what little progress we actually had made was all erased on the morning of their appointment to get spayed/neutered. The then-husband had to actually put on welding gloves and go in and catch them. Of course they were terrorized, but we couldn't miss that appointment.

When I got them home, I kept them shut up in the room for a few days, and then I opened the door and let them wander around the house. Then I opened the cat door in the back door and let them go. They can come and go as they please now, but they really don't come in very much now that it's summer. They come in and eat, and sometimes will take a nap, but not much more than that.

The mama cat is still snuggly and sometimes sleeps with me. The "kittens" actually seem to like me, but they won't be touched. Once in a great while one will get right next to me when the mama cat is on my lap or beside me. Then they realize where they are and dart off.

I actually had homes lined up for a couple of them when they were little, but ended up having to keep them because they're so feral. They stick pretty close to home, and don't seem to be annoying to my neighbors, so I guess the situation is ok. Still, it's kind of insulting that they act so afraid after I've literally spent thousands of dollars on them.

[7wo7rees]

4. HooRay!! What a journey!

You are withen inches of them no longer being feral. They love and trust you!

[robbob]

5. Not that I want you to lose all the ground you've gained...

But I like when you hold your hand out and they cautiously lean forward to sniff your fingers. Then you know they are almost ready for a caress…

[Siwsan]

6. I am FAST reaching that point

Today really shocked me. It was like they skipped past a couple of levels of nervous.

[femmedem]

7. And it helps if you have food or treats in your hand.

Congratulations! They are going to be tameable.

[Siwsan]

8. I just so happen to have some treats

I just can't let Sophie Stinky Toes know I'm handing them out to the intruders.

[femmedem]

9. LOL!

Gotta keep Sophie Stinky Toes happy.

[niyad]

10. awwwwww what a wonderful start to my morning. Thank you for sharing this sweet

adventure with us. My little rescue sends greetings and encouragement.

Lady Bast approves.

[Siwsan]

11. I do look forward to seeing those sweet faces, every morning

It's the best way to start my day.

[niyad]

12. It is indeed.

[Ocelot II]

13. Excellent!

Food is certainly motivating. They're so cute, hope you can actually handle them soon.

[videohead5]

14. Try to feed them cheese

Out of your hand. Cats are crazy about cheese. I found four feral kittens in my basement and after the mother got through nursing them cheese is how I got them to come to me and let me pet them. They were finally taken to a shelter and adopted out. I still feed the mama cat and two other cats. They have now all been fixed.

[Siwsan]

15. I'll give that a try

Thanks!

[tavernier]

17. Go to person who gives food.

Pretend they are in charge.

Go slowly, do not rush. If plan goes well, soon we will own house and all best sleeping places.

[Siwsan]

18. Perhaps they are plotting with Sophie Stinky Toes, behind my back!!

They'll still need me to operate the can opener.

[Fla Dem]

19. So glad they are becoming comfortable around you. One step at a time.

[Marthe48]

20. Keep up the gentle pressure

The kitties will come to trust you. Not much longer. Can you imagine the conversations they are having among themselves about what to do?