Topic: How do I explain what a 'feral' is so that the poor cats aren't scared to death! (Read 5075 times)

Dawn F · « **Reply #22 on:** January 29, 2008, 14:21:13 PM »

sounds promising, I'm sure Angie knows best!

Hippykitty · « **Reply #21 on:** January 29, 2008, 14:00:41 PM »

They are going to a couple and their girls (who are about 10/11) who live in Nuneaton. They were recommended by Angie from Coventry Cat Rescue. I met them on sunday. The mother and one of the girls have a natural touch with cats, and all my ferals went to them almost instantly (apart from the twins). The father's voice scared them a little as they are not used to men's voices. He prefered Victoria and Winnie, who are tamer; but the mother and daughters wanted Smudge and Newbie. One of the girls, who reminds me of myself when I was her age, liked the 'challenge'. I got the impression that the females ruled their household and the guy went along.....

They aren't taking them until mid Feb as they have a hol coming up and didn't think it would be fair to the cats. They already have one cat who had a nervous temperament and seem to understand what such cats need.

I'm hoping that they don't change their minds!

I'm not doing a home check because Angie speaks so well of them and because they live so far from me. I hope this is wise.

Dawn F · « **Reply #20 on:** January 29, 2008, 13:25:38 PM »

where are they going, tell us more

Hippykitty · « **Reply #19 on:** January 29, 2008, 13:25:09 PM »

Looks like Newbie and Smudge will be moving out in Feb. I don't know whether to be please or sad at losing them.

Corporal Smokey · « **Reply #18 on:** January 24, 2008, 11:41:51 AM »

Oh I really hope you find homes for them soon and stop getting calls from stupid people!

Also, if you want the music re-editing, email it to me and I'll sort it for you

Hippykitty · « **Reply #17 on:** January 24, 2008, 11:35:25 AM »

The pic was a still taken from a webcam film. I don't have a digital camera so thought this was the easiest way to take pics of them. The pictures of the other cats are from the same vid. I edited the 40 mins of video into 10 and posted it on you tube. Just search for muskndusk, it's the one called "The Rescued Strays". The music wasn't edited very well.

Gail Bengal Slave · « **Reply #16 on:** January 23, 2008, 12:51:07 PM »

HK if I looked it would make me worse, I would want them there and then and knowing I couldnt would destroy me.

Zubin is a VERY dominant male Bengal and he gets jelous. I think this is why he chases Thai, he sees her getting fussed and he doesn't like it. Also with Zeb, there are times when he wants a fuss, but keeps away, because if Zubin sees him, he will give him a bashing later on. Also zubin is peeing round the house, Now whether he is making a statement I dont know, I think he is attention seeking.
When he has chased Thai, Paul goes mental at him and it's me that has to put him in the garden, though I do give him a sneaky cuddle and tell him I love him. When he comes in who does he go to??????? - Paul - why? - because he is creeping. While Zu is sat on Paul's lap, he is peeping over his arm looking at me, blinking slowly, letting me know he loves me too. He has us wrapped round his paw.
So you can see why I cant take on any more, believe me it's not because I dont want to. I would have these two and Beanie in a shot.

Who ever has these babes will be very lucky and they will need to have a lot of paitence, you need a very special person for these two.
I so love that photo, it is like a mirror image of one cat.

Hippykitty · « **Reply #15 on:** January 23, 2008, 12:23:48 PM »

Those little ginger twins are getting really cheeky. One of them always eats with his back to me and lets me run my hand down his back while he's noshing. Unfortunately, the other always faces me and doesn't like seeing a hand heading in his direction.

They are getting big too. I do wish they would show me their bottoms so I knew if they were ready to have their marbles chopped. There's been no naughty-play yet, and I'm keeping a close eye out for this.

Are you SURE you don't want to take a peek at them, maybe you could manage to fit them in?

Gail Bengal Slave · « **Reply #14 on:** January 23, 2008, 11:45:33 AM »

HK

Give those ginger Twins a hug from me.

Hippykitty · « **Reply #13 on:** January 23, 2008, 11:18:35 AM »

SCREAM!!!

I'm having lots of calls today from people who just haven't read the ad.s properly. Both on CC and Cov Cats it states that my cats are ex-feral and unsuitable for children. I've had people ring wanting kittens, heard a child scream in the background, and I've swiftly pointed out that they aren't suitable for kids! I've had others ringing who've been very put off when I've explained that 'feral' means that they were born wild and are having to be domesticated and that it could take months before they are handleable.

Why don't people read the details properly?

Some obviously think that I'm a large rescue and have asked if I can take in their cats. I've referred them to CP, then been told they're full, so suggested Well Cat.

I'm only me and seven ferals (and Polly and Sam who aren't moving). I'm not the RSPCA!!

Sorry, just needed to rant!!!

Anyone run a rescue in the midlands and would like me to refer peeps who aren't suited to ex-ferals?

Hippykitty · « **Reply #12 on:** January 22, 2008, 14:50:04 PM »

Gail, the kittens aren't going to Wellcat, that's where I sent the couple when I realised they knew nothing about ferals. You are welcome to see them.

Quote

.I think you tell any visitors the ground rules before they get to where the kittens are and ask them if they understand before they are allowed to see the kittens. If they then do not obey the ground rules you ask them to do so and if they dont you tell them to leave.

I would not mess about with this because the cats will become more scared of people

I've was concerned about this experience hampering the ferals' socialisation, but they seem to have recovered. One of the kittens now looks at me with a friendly expression.

I will tell people the ground rules prior to meeting the cats, and immediately ask them to leave if they 'misbehave'.

Rebekah, who had Alfie has been visiting regularly, bringing her boyfriend and ex-husband (long story). Both of these men do what they are told! Apparently, after R's last visit, Alfie reacted strangely to her; he had been slowly accepting her presence, but when she returned from visiting me and the rest of the crew, he hid under her wardrobe again. I'm insulted.

I'll ask Rebekah if she can be here when I have some of the viewings. I know she won't be able to manage them all. She's offered help with the home checks.

Millys Mum · « **Reply #11 on:** January 21, 2008, 19:05:29 PM »

Your bound to meet people who think they know better than you, im sure the lady on her own would have been fine. Maybe you could speak to both people on the phone first?

Thats a wonderful photo of the twins!

blackcat · « **Reply #10 on:** January 21, 2008, 18:39:18 PM »

Oh Poor you HK, some people just will not be told. And I have to say in all fairness that it is not only men - I have one or two women friends just like that. They sit and look at you as you explain, they nod, they agree, you double-check with them, they still agree, and then they do the exact opposite. I sometimes wish I could take them all bungyjumping and just cut the elastic band!!

Maybe if you have someone who seems a little over-confident you can explain that only one person at a time can go in with the kittens? Of course that leaves you with a complete stranger on the loose in your house. But perhaps, from a personal safety point of view having a friend over when people come to look at the kittens is not a bad idea anyway and they can keep the other person company.

Unfortunately there is nothing you can do when someone like that is on the loose, except pray that they don't hurt the kittens when they react to the inevitable bites and scrathes. Perhaps you could get them to read through and sign a waiver that they understand the risks they are taking if they fail to follow your advice? Or alternately, before they go to see the kittens have a conversation about their experiences with ferals, where, when, doing what etc and if they sound over-confident then that is an opportunity to clear up any mis-givings. Point out that these had not been handled by or fed by people at all until recently and that when they first arrived they would scratch first and ask questions later and may (will) do that when a stranger approaches them for the first time. That they will need to be quiet, get down on the floor etc, all of which I am sure you covered off, but with just a bit more emphasis on the early days of their lives, and how more wild animals that are on the way to being cute cuddly pets rather than actually there at all. ...

Gail Bengal Slave · « **Reply #9 on:** January 21, 2008, 13:13:27 PM »

They are a mirror image of each other.That photo is just

I'm just getting broody and knowing you are not far from me is making it worse.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #8 on:** January 21, 2008, 13:06:30 PM »

Some men are so arrogent and will not take any notice of what a mere woman says, dont be put off by the idiot,,,,,,I mean not all guys are like that.

I am always very slow and quiet, just gentley talking when approaching new cats and always start talking first and when I met Misa I could see that he was terrified as soon as we approached his enclosure but I left after he had let me stroke him and also stroked one terrified cat who intiatially tried to climb the wall. They called me the cat whisperer, although have to say it hasnt helped much with Sasa........sigh.

I think you tell any visitors the ground rules before they get to where the kittens are and ask them if they understand before they are allowed to see the kittens. If they then do not obey the ground rules you ask them to do so and if they dont you tell them to leave.

I would not mess about with this because the cats will become more scared of people.

Do you have any friends who could help you socialize the kittens?

Sadly some people just dont have a clue about cats and would be more suited to dogs.

The ginger twins are just

Gail Bengal Slave · « **Reply #7 on:** January 21, 2008, 12:36:47 PM »

HK - I so wish I could have them they are absolute babes.

Is Pauline at wellcat going to take them???? - I have been there and it seems rather over crowded. I dont think this will help them, if they are that nervous I think they would be better off with a quieter foster/rescuer. How about Cramer Cat Sanctuary?.

If I could HK I would be round to see them tonight, I live in south Brum, about 10 min drive from Pauline.

Mark · « **Reply #6 on:** January 21, 2008, 12:16:55 PM »

I think this applies to most cats and not just ferals. I had some guests that wanted to meet Kylie, I said I would bring her up but told them she will run away if they make her nervous so to be gentle. I carried her up and one of the girls shreiked "Oh is she gorgeous" - Kylie flew out of my arms and charged downstairs

. I don't think some people know that cats aren't dogs

Hippykitty · « **Reply #5 on:** January 21, 2008, 12:09:30 PM »

Early on saturday evening I had a call from another couple interested in the twins. Because of my experience I may have laid it on a bit too heavily about these cats being nervous; they decided not to go ahead with seeing them. I have a young couple coming to see them this evening and I think I'll talk to them downstairs first, telling them politely, how I want them to behave with the cats.

Naturally the couple who came on saturday will NOT be having one of my cats. I also gave Pauline at WellCat a ring and warned her that they might be going to see her. I suggested that she point out a very confident cat!

Any suggestions as to how to handle this are welcome.

Corporal Smokey · « **Reply #4 on:** January 21, 2008, 11:33:29 AM »

Oh poor you HK! I know when I did my first pre-visit I had spoken to the lady on the phone and she told me she's practically bought PAH. I though "what if they're not right? How do I tell them?" Fortunately they were perfect but it does raise questions.

I think you can make it clear on the phone very politely that these kitties will be very frightened and they will be refused if they don't adhere to your requests. I also think that telling them this will sort the real potential mums and dads from the cat-cuddling wannabes.

I hope it works out, you've done so much for these babies

Gail Bengal Slave · « **Reply #3 on:** January 21, 2008, 11:22:09 AM »

I know one thing. Do not let this couple have these darling babes.xxxxx

puddypaws · « **Reply #2 on:** January 21, 2008, 10:42:35 AM »

This is a difficult one HipKitty. When we got Ollie, he ws so scared that you only had to look at him for him to run away and hide. It is so difficult to try and get people to understand how truly frightened these cats can be. We've now had Ollie for 4 months and he now enjoys a fuss on his terms - stroking and ear & chin rubs, but is terrified of being picked up. You have to make contact on the cat's terms which takes a very long time. Although I don't think Ollie will ever be a lap cat, he is so lovely and each little step feels like heaven. The other day he nearly rubbed round my legs and although it sounds daft, it made me all happy/tearful.

Hippykitty · « **Reply #1 on:** January 21, 2008, 08:33:13 AM »

Experienced my first 'viewing' on saturday from a couple who SAID they knew what ferals were and understood them. I spoke to the wife on the phone, she seemed a real 'cat person', so I was only too please to let them come and see the photogenic twins (not as 'cute' as their pics!).

When they arrived, I asked some more questions, including clearing up a discrepancy. I had rung the vet about them, asking if they had taken previous cats regularly, and the story didn't quite fit. Then we went upstairs to see the cats, who are in an unused back bedroom.

The husband was built like a rugby player, had a deep, booming voice, and despite being asked to sit down (standing people scare the cats) he remained standing. The wife sat quietly. I drew back the curtain behind which the twins hide when people are around and he immediately started to approach them, ignoring my protests of: "please sit down and it really would be best if you didn't approach or touch the cats, thanks". He touched them, got one of the kittens cornered, (you could cut the fearful atmosphere filling that room, all the cats were terrified

) and still tried to touch him. I insisted that he stop doing that unless he wanted to wind up in casualty.

At one point he said that he'd known ferals abroad, in Spain, and they were really friendly. "Yes," thinks me, "they've learned that tourists give them food".
I was really angry with him, though tried not to show it, but after telling him to leave the cats alone for the dozenth time and been ignored, I recommended WellCat to them, and gave them the address and phone number.

The thing I don't understand is that I had spoken to the wife on the phone and explained that these were feral cats who were nervous and needed a lot of time and patience etc. I thought I had made the situation clear.

I was so upset by this that I spent an hour on the phone chatting to a friend who has Alfie, one of the colony, who is doing really well. She let him hide under the wardrobe and come out of his own accord. He'll now stay out while he's eating.

What did I do wrong? Should I say, when they arrive: "sit down in the room, and don't approach or touch the cats. If you do, I will have to ask you to leave."

Any ideas please?

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Author Topic: How do I explain what a 'feral' is so that the poor cats aren't scared to death! (Read 5075 times)