Thread: Rescue Of A Terrified Feral Cat And The Difficulties Of Bonding With It

We always talk about how people should do the right thing and rescue cats. They need us, they need our help, whether you adopt or not, rescuing cats off the streets is important. But we rarely talk about how intensely difficult it can be. Feral cats don't bond very easily normally. It takes a while for a feral cat to trust its owner - it takes a lot of effort and patience and respect and an endless amount of love. And this feral kitty was an especially difficult one.

Luckily, 5Toner did not give up on her. Even though she destroyed their things, scratched them, hurt them… they stuck with her, because if not for them, the worst was waiting for her. And just as always happens, eventually, this feral kitty learned to love its owner, and the story ended with her finding the kind of forever home that we hope every animal could have.

Posted by Marielru

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"Found this kitty in a parking lot"

"She was hanging out by a hot dog cart, not yet mature, not really a kitten. I'm guessing she was 6 months? Definitely feral.."

Via 5Toner
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"Chubby is a new look for her, something happened last year and now she's scared to go outside. I'm ok with that tho, I worry."

Via 5Toner
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"Reluctant snuggling is all I get. I'm allergic to her so our relationship works pretty good tbh.
I took me 1.5 hrs and a can of tuna to catch her in my jacket (in the parking lot) She tore it to shreds then shit some nasty black tar all over it. I was ok with that knowing what the Russian lady running the hot dog cart wanted to do to her. Nobody wanted her and the vet wanted $120 to put her down.
I took her home instead, with shots and the vets recommendations. 3 days and $$ of damage later I managed catch her again, I washed her as best as I could and wrapped her tight in a towel. We had a little chat and I thought we were on the same page but a couple days later she hissed at me. We had a very different chat right then (neither if us were injured) and came to a true understanding. She matured a couple months later and I had her chipped and spayed. I refused to have her declawed cuz that's basically cutting off fingers at the first knuckle, way to cruel for my liking."

Via 5Toner
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"Peppers diet changed from hot dogs to grain (and sawdust) free. Within a couple weeks she had a gorgeous coat and no more Grey hairs. I urge all pet owners to find and pay more for good food, they need it. I don't know why but the pumpkin flavor is her favorite, she might just a white cat under cover?"

Via 5Toner
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"She follows me everywhere and I'm the only person that can approach her. Anyone who tries to catch her gets gets the murder claws so it's not recommended. I however could blow raspberries on her belly and know Im 100% safe. Conveniently enough if I pass her to you it's safe.
One afternoon I was in a recliner watching a show and sat up quickly. I didn't know she was sleeping underneath. She reactively scrambled getting out of there and shredded the bottom of my left foot, blood everywhere and I was writhing in pain.
In all that ruckus she came to me, head down and so clearly feeling remorse. Our final bond happened in that moment and she learned to accept head kisses and has never shown any type of aggression towards me even if she's upset. I pick her up and hold her and give her scrittches but she doesn't like it, she knows I do so she deals tho. That's unconditional love as weird as it sounds"

Via 5Toner
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"It's so hard to get a good picture but in reality bright sunlight you can see her under coat is red with black(er?) Stripes. In any other light she's this silky void that lurks just out of reach."

Via 5Toner
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"This looks so playful but if you reach out she'd be gone .. its all show, trying to be normal but she's feral after all "task failed successfully " is fitting for my broken baby kitty."

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"Don't worry you little hussy, I'll trade you treats for kisses later..
The only voluntary snuggles she gives me are when I come home from work, I got 5 minutes before she's done with that and back to just out of reach lurker. We mostly just have good conversations. Although I'm told she waits in the window all day until I get home."

Via 5Toner
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"Before she got chubby. Also I don't have any sheets that her murder paws haven't ruined.
It was Nov when I found her 7-8? Years ago, I think I'll keep her... allergies be dammed !"

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"Unconditional love.. with conditions.."

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