'It's immediate scurrying if i'm moving in her general vicinity': Feral rescue pawrent hits a wall with socializing their kitty, but tiny wins, bed-purrs, and a bestie cat sidekick keep hope growing

Mirri's tail is feral-to-family with an adoption at its heart. Born outdoors and garage-sheltered through a brutal winter, she was trapped and adopted at six months old. She arrived wary, wormy, and unconvinced that hoomans are useful. Seven months later the glow-up shows: healthy, spayed, vaccinated, and brave enough to patrol the house as long as her purson stays statue-still. Best of all, she chose a best furriend in the "middle cat," and that friendship is pure gold.

Purgress keeps happening in tiny pawsteps. On the bed beside her buddy, Mirri will allow 20–30 seconds of gentle pets, sometimes flash a shy belly, even purr, then suddenly exit stage left. Everywhere else, one step toward her triggers zoom-out mode. It feels like hitting a meowtain: not backsliding, just stuck on the ledge. The adopter is proud, protective, and a little exasperpurrated, wishing the trust meter would tick up a notch.

The current game plan is slow-and-steady socializing, richer play sessions, and lickable diplomacy to pair hands with happy. Lap-cat dreams are lovely, but consistent, non-scurry moments would already be a win. Whatever speed Mirri chooses, she's safe, bonded, and loved. A work-in-purrgress who traded the cold for a warm home and a patient human.

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Certified heart-melter right there. Stock the treat drawer, prep the Churu reserves, and brace for slow blinks. With snacks and patience, that cutie will be booping and purring in no time.
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Love and treats fix most things. Patience, warm lap, a few bribes, and chin scritches turn skittish moments into slow blinks and purrs. Keep showing up. It softens with snacks.
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Give it time. Socializing takes years, not just months. Keep doing what you are doing with calm presence, play, routine, and treats. Tiny pawsteps add up. One day slow blinks become stay-and-snuggle.
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