'I don’t know how to continue supporting him if we can’t offer a separate room anymore': A year after rescuing a fearful feral kitten and working to give him love and safety, this hooman might be running out of space, but not heart

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Sarah Brown • Writer and Editor
Jul 30, 2025 8:00 PM EDT

This hooman is doing everything in their power to help a once-feral kitten feel comfortable, and their level of patience deserves a round of appaws. They rescued the little guy from a field about a year ago and he was skittish from day one, but after a tough health battle that required months of treatment, his social progress seems to have hit the paws button.

Now, he lives in a peaceful setup with all the feline luxuries: a cat tree, toys, private litter box, consistent meals, and absolutely no forced interaction. The hooman's gone all out with calming diffusers, fixed routines, soft voices, and even the occasional visit from a friendly, well-adjusted house cat. Still, the kitten prefers the great indoors of Under the Bed™ and rarely ventures out unless the coast is completely clear.

The goal isn't cuddles or Instagrammable moments. Just for the kitty to have a basic sense of safety and trust. With a possible move on the horizon and less space to work with, this hooman's just hoping to keep giving the little one a chance to thrive, even if he's taking the scenic route there.

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    Cheezburger Image 10535937536
    via Qaiser's Images / Canva

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    Hi everyone. About a year ago, I rescued a kitten from a field. He was probably around 3-4 months old at the time. From day one, he was extremely fearful-he wouldn't approach, wouldn't eat treats, didn't respond to toys, and would hiss or run away if we got even remotely close.
    via Kangaetemo
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    After living with us for about 5 months, he was diagnosed with FIP and had to stay at a vet clinic for nearly 3 months for treatment. (getting him to vet everyday for 90 day was an impossible task, because we can't even get close to him, yet alone putting him in a box.) He
    via Kangaetemo
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    recovered well physically, but the long hospitalization likely set back any social progress. Since coming back, he's been living in a safe, quiet room with access to a closed terrace. He has a cat tree, toys, a private litter box, and consistent food/water. We've tried a lot to help him feel safe: -
    via Kangaetemo
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    Cheezburger Image 10535932160
    via pixelshot / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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    calming diffusers (currently using Pet Remedy) - fixed daily routines - soft talking and zero forced interaction - full autonomy and no cornering - patience, lots of it
    via Kangaetemo
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    Despite this, nothing has really changed. He still hides constantly -either under the bed or on top of tall furniture. If we enter the room and he sees us, he bolts instantly. He won't let anyone get close, hasn't shown any interest in play, and hasn't allowed physical contact even once.
    via Kangaetemo
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    Cheezburger Image 10535907072
    via Kangaetemo
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    He usually uses the litter box, but every 2-3 days he still poops or pees on soft surfaces like blankets or mops. We've removed bedding to minimize this, but it still happens when he finds soft alternatives.
    via Kangaetemo
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    I've also tried occasionally letting one of our calm, friendly cats into his room (supervised), hoping he might observe and learn, but there's been no progress there either-he just hides.
    via Kangaetemo
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    We're not trying to push him, but after all this time and effort, it's hard not to feel discouraged. And now we might need to move into a smaller apartment soon. He's not a candidate for outdoor life, and I don't know how to continue supporting him if we can't offer a separate room anymore.
    via Kangaetemo
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    Has anyone else dealt with a cat like this? Is there any real hope for improvement, or do some cats simply never adjust to humans? Would love to hear any experiences or advice.
    via Kangaetemo
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    iseebetterthanyou Went through a similar experience with a kitten I trapped a month ago. He was terrified and hid under a bathroom vanity for basically the entire week. Here's what worked for me. I brought food and set it near the vanity and sat at the far end of the bathroom and read out loud, sometimes for
    via iseebetterthanyou
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    hours, until he came out and ate. When he finished I'd take the bowl and leave the bathroom. Each day I set his food closer to me until he was eating about a foot from me. Then I set the food on the opposite side of the room so I could put towels under the vanity to block him from hiding under there.
    via iseebetterthanyou
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    One day I laid down and pretended to sleep and he walked around me and smelled me. I did this a couple more times as well. After a week I started playing with him with toys. After about 3 weeks of these exercises he began meowing and vibrating his tail when I came into the room and now he looks forward to seeing me
    via iseebetterthanyou

  • Maybe the fake sleep hack will do the trick! Definitely worth a try! Whatever helps the kitten feel comfy and safe is a win in our book. Fingers crossed for some cozy naps ahead!

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    Ok-Row-6088 I've broken several feral's, and every person who is giving you the advice to simply spend a quiet time in their presence is giving you the right advice. In every scenario, I've spent time slowly getting the food closer to me until it's right next to me, but I'm not interacting with them in any form. Just simply my
    via Ok-Row-6088
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    presence. Eventually, depending on the cat and how they respond I will start trying to give treats. First on the ground successively getting closer and then eventually from my hand. Play is the great motivator from many of them. Try laser pointers things where you don't physically have to touch them or very long fishing pole style toys,
    via Ok-Row-6088
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    where you can be a reasonable distance away. Also try a white noise machine, in some cases, the infra sound in a room stuff you don't normally hear like the background noise of the electricity running or your vents and ducts can create a sound landscape that keeps them in a state of fear. Best of luck.
    via Ok-Row-6088
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    helpitgrow Spend ALOT more time in that room doing stuff. All day, everyday. Talk to him, just talk, read aloud, have a phone con n, do your knitting, w.... in that room. Put a treat he loves down somewhere he can see it but doesn't have to confront you to get it, every time you come in the room.
    via helpitgrow
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    It takes time and effort. Lots of time and effort. Thank you for giving this kitty so much of a chance. He is truly lucky to have you. Even if he doesn't know it yet.
    via helpitgrow

  • You’re definitely the purrfect person for this! Keep showing up with patience and love, and that scared kitty will eventually open up and trust you more every day.

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    leo... Growing up we had one rescue who hid for three years before coming out. And it was another few years before he'd let anyone pet him. He never became a lap cat, but he eventually became a cat who would purr on the couch with us watching TV and who loved to be brushed.
    via leoninebasil
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    I don't know what happened to him before we got him to make him so scared of people, but he just needed a lot of time and patience. Every step he took was so incredibly rewarding to watch.
    via leoninebasil

  • Patience is definitely the key! When this little furball finally opens up, all the waiting and gentle care will feel totally worth it. The sweetest moments are just around the corner!

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    MandyDouglasC Give it time and let her approach you once she feels safe, it can take over a year. I now have a wonderful snuggly sweet cat took over a year, I can pick her up bit she's on my lap- has to be their terms. Patience will pay off. Hugs.
    via MandyDouglasC

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