Your Cat Forum

Hi
We took on a semi feral kitten few weeks ago. She is 12 weeks. Mum had been neutered and rehomed to stables

To all intents and purposes Abbie looks just like any other kitten however she acts very wild at times - runs through the house at top speed, uses her claws a lot and teeth - draws blood. We have tried ignoring this behaviour to be consistent - trying to be firm and loving and hope she will come round. She is also very determined - if she decides to do something you wont stop her. She has no real interest in being friendly, she likes to get under cupboards and just sits there peering out for hours on end. If you try to coax her out she will hiss, claw or / and bite you. We are begining to wonder if we have taken on more than we thought. Would it have been better to have got her homed, like her mother to an outside home? Will she ever come round?
Maddie

Well, I have only experience with one feral tomcat who only came in to eat.
I fed him for 11 years but was never allowed to touch him. He was an adult when he came here.
Don't give up hope, however. She is still young and could be frightened.
Better ignore her for a while. She may come around before you know it.

Hi, she probably just scared and needs to settle, give her somewhere of her own to hide.

When she bites, distract her with a toy.

Have a look on the Purrs in our Hearts website, lots of info on there.

Nicky

Poor little thing. Main things I can think of is to crouch down to her level, and don't look directly into her eyes, let her come to you - maybe drop a prawn beside you?. But do take care and have hibiscrub or something for scratches as they can turn nasty.

Your kitty is still very young and probably just not settled in yet. You've not had her for that long. I agree with Flora about crouching down to her level but not looking into her eyes and talk gently to her.
I've had rescue cats that took many months and over a year even to decide the house was safe and they could trust me and once that barrier was crossed they became extremely affectionate. My 6 year old tortie rescue girl was a bit wild but now she has moments of being sweet as candy. Lots of patience and love can make alot of difference.
All the best.

Yes I would say don't give up hope even though it may look hopeless I've heard of cats like that who totally come round keep going

Ruthie xxx