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  #1  
Old July 9th, 2008, 09:55 AM
Silverwind Silverwind is offline
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New, possibly ferrel kitten, what to do?

I have never had a cat before, so I really don't know what to expect. Monday afternoon we were in a pet store. As we were leaving, a man came in with a little kitten he said he had trapped and taken in to his home, for 3 days. Now he didn't want a cat, so he took the kitten to the local pound, who told him that they had so many cats already they would have to euthanize it. So he took it to the pet store, and since we happened to be there, we took the kitten. My husband has wanted a cat for a long time, and this seemed like a good time for it. She had the sneezes and a runny eye, so we took her straight to the vet. She has rhino, so antibiotics. She came home with us MOnday evening, and hid right away. She knows how to use a litter box and is eating and drinking, so that's good. But she isn't really friendly, isn't overly friendly. I thought kittens were cuddly but Moxie really isn't. She's not mean, just not super friendly, likes to hide, it's hard to get to to be playful and she HATES our dog, Echo. Like, arches her back, growls and hisses at her. Is this normal behavior? Will she get better? Is there anything I can do to ease the transition? I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks so much!
Melissa
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Old July 9th, 2008, 10:17 AM
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This is all totally normal, right down to the hissing at the dog (who does what?). She doesn't lash out, she has good hygiene , reasonably touchy, all excellent. I suspect she was lost, not feral.
Anyway, her planets must have been perfectly aligned the day she found you!
The cat must set the pace. Just maintain a nice, friendly atmosphere, let her come to you, which doesn't mean you can't entice her with bits of string or a treat , head scratches and full-on cuddles only when permitted.
You will see changes every day.

Picture, please
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Old July 9th, 2008, 10:18 AM
Jim Hall Jim Hall is offline
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it takes a while for any cat to get comfprtable in thier surrondings especailly wiht a dog involved let her hide in a safe place and eventually she will start to come out kitens will love to play but are not into petting to much the best time to give her some cintact is when she wakes up from her nap

good luck and your an angel for taking her in

btw whats her name?
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Old July 9th, 2008, 12:01 PM
Silverwind Silverwind is offline
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Thanks so much. It's a relief to know she is behaving normally. I never knew how different a kitten would be from a puppy!
We named her Moxie, and she is approximately 8 weeks old. Echo, our dog, was raised with a rabbit, so she wants to be friends, and tries to sniff and groom her, when she can get close enough. Moxie hasn't growled at her yet this morning, so maybe she will accept Echo soon. Here is a pic of Moxie. She is really much prettier than the pic, with sort of hazel eyes.
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Old July 9th, 2008, 12:16 PM
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My current fosters who were semi feral and would not allow me to touch them and were full of hisses are now the most cuddly kittens I know. It took time, patience and some sitting on the floor talking calmly waiting for them to come up to me.

Another trick is to put canned food on your hand and let her eat out of your hand.

When you pick up the kitty do it slowly, the sensation would be like you on a rollercoaster, she needs to get used to it.
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Old July 9th, 2008, 12:31 PM
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You have had good advice from very knowledgable board members. They have all dealt with ferals.
With a kitten that young it is all patience, patience and more patience. If Moxie was only born mid May then I think it's a little young to be away from mom. Not for the weaning but for the socialization factors. Nothing for it but you will have to get another kitty.
FYI - not all kitties are cuddly. Every one has it's own personality. Some like cuddles, some hate it. One of mine hates being picked up but purrs like the dickens when she is being petted.
Good Luck, keep us informed, and we need pics when you can post them. Thanks for taking this little one and giving her a good home.
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Old July 9th, 2008, 02:54 PM
Silverwind Silverwind is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 14+kitties View Post
Good Luck, keep us informed, and we need pics when you can post them. Thanks for taking this little one and giving her a good home.
I posted a pic, it's in post #4 of this thread :
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Old July 9th, 2008, 03:00 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Silverwind View Post
I posted a pic, it's in post #4 of this thread :
Oooppss, ss. It didn't show on my comp before I posted a reply. But we aren't happy with just one!
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Old July 9th, 2008, 03:30 PM
Silverwind Silverwind is offline
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Weird. I couldn't see the post till I logged off and then logged back on again... For now, it's the only pic I have-Moxie is a bit camera shy. I'm sure once she feels more secure, there'll be lots more
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Old July 9th, 2008, 04:12 PM
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Moxie is beautiful!
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  #11  
Old July 9th, 2008, 04:28 PM
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now now 14+ we must be patient with the new baby, she will pose for pics when she is ready....... Hmmmm is she ready yet.
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Old July 9th, 2008, 04:39 PM
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Silverwind,Moxie is beautiful
You've gotten some really good advice from everyone and like someone said,not all cats like to be picked up,I would say only a few do.
I have three cats,all very cuddly and loving,but out of the tree,only one likes to be hanging on my shoulder(18lb's).
I am sure little Moxie will be ok,all in her own time
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Old July 10th, 2008, 06:28 AM
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Only one picture of such a cutie pie , that is criminal

How is Moxie doing today?
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Jasper RIP (2001-2018)
Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014)
Puddles RIP (1996-2014)
Snowball RIP (1991-2005)

In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb

“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey
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  #14  
Old July 10th, 2008, 10:15 AM
Silverwind Silverwind is offline
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Moxie is doing pretty well today We took her to the vet yesterday, she has worms but we already knew that. Other than that, her rhino is almost completely cleared up. We take her back in August for her shots and to make an appt to get her spayed. Last night, we had a breakthrough! I coaxed her out with some treats, and we played with one of Echo's old bandanas, and then she cuddled with us and was even purring! It was so nice
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Old July 10th, 2008, 10:30 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Silverwind View Post
she cuddled with us and was even purring! It was so nice
You have been successful Bet she turns out to be a real love bug

now for the picture issue:We need more!
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Rose semi feral, a cpietra rescue, female tabby (approx 13 yrs)

Jasper RIP (2001-2018)
Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014)
Puddles RIP (1996-2014)
Snowball RIP (1991-2005)

In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb

“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey
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Old July 10th, 2008, 03:49 PM
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Silverwind,that's greatShe is such a beautiful little girl,you'll just have to take some more pics,ok
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Old July 10th, 2008, 08:17 PM
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Moxie is beautiful! I love the name too. It looks like patience is helping you win your battle. I hope you continue to make progress with her and that she and Echo soon are the best of friends.

Pictures of both your babies will always be welcome (nudge nudge)
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Old July 11th, 2008, 12:44 PM
Silverwind Silverwind is offline
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Thanks everyone Moxie is excellent today. She only spent a few minutes hiding after breakfast, has enjoyed a nice rest in the bottom of the baby's stroller, and has been purring and purring all morning long. As I type this she is contentedly sprawled across my daughters lap, where she has been for the better part of an hour. Echo's nose is a little out of joint, but I've been giving her lots of extra love and treats and walks, so hopefully she'll get over it soon. Moxie isn't growling at her anymore, but still not wanting to be best friends yet, so we'll see how that goes. I took some pictures of Moxie this morning, and will post them, and some of dear Echo, this afternoon. I just don't have the time right now
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Old July 11th, 2008, 01:08 PM
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Wahoo we are going to see pictures
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Rose semi feral, a cpietra rescue, female tabby (approx 13 yrs)

Jasper RIP (2001-2018)
Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014)
Puddles RIP (1996-2014)
Snowball RIP (1991-2005)

In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb

“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey
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  #20  
Old July 12th, 2008, 11:24 AM
Silverwind Silverwind is offline
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Here's Moxie in the stroller, on the couch and snuggling with Big Sister




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Old July 12th, 2008, 11:52 AM
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Aawww, they are so sweet together. Glad you're getting so much pleasure from her (and her from you!)
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Old July 12th, 2008, 12:07 PM
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Awwww.....it only took three days for Moxie to become a total lovebug. She is so adorable.......such pretty eyes and I love her colouring.
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Old July 12th, 2008, 12:43 PM
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She's absolutely lovely! How are she and Echo getting along now?
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Old July 12th, 2008, 03:34 PM
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Awww,thank you for the pics,Moxie is absolutely beautiful as is your little girl
Moxie does not seem to have a feral bone in her little body..
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Old July 13th, 2008, 03:43 AM
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Moxie is adorable

Moxie & your daughter are very cute together

Moxie will take her sweet time warming up to Echo, & since she's just a baby & Echo is wanting a non-chasing friendship they may just get to be best buddies. Patience will show if that will happen
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Old July 13th, 2008, 07:37 AM
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She is adorable! Thanks for posting some pics.
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Rose semi feral, a cpietra rescue, female tabby (approx 13 yrs)

Jasper RIP (2001-2018)
Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014)
Puddles RIP (1996-2014)
Snowball RIP (1991-2005)

In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb

“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey
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