How to tame a stray?
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How to tame a stray?
| Fri, 06-25-2004 - 4:35am |
Three months ago I adopted a stray cat who is about 1 year old. To the best of my knowledge, she was born and raised in the wild. Needless to say, it's been a V-E-R-Y interesting three months! Only in the last two weeks has she begun to interact with me rather than skulking about in the shadows. Her interaction with me begin with her gnawing on my feet in the middle of the night. :) She gradually became more bold and begin the "play with mommy's feet game" during the day as well. One day, I decided to see if she would be equally as willing to play with my hands as my feet. She was...and I have the claw and teeth marks to prove it! Her games with me seem to imitate play with other cats. She refuses to let me pet her...she wants nothing to do with affection. But she loves these games of aggression...she purrs while she is playing "conquer mommy's hand." She is a very hyper cat and seems to have zero interest in cuddle time...she wants to run and pounce and attack and play! Does she need a playmate...another cat?How do I teach her that I am human and not another cat? And how do I convince her to allow me to pet her?

*WELCOME* to the board Elsophia!
Cat is right, many cats never do get into the cuddle thing. I had a cat briefly when I was 12 that NEVER wanted to cuddle.
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Bless you for taking in the stray.
It just takes time. I'm just glad she found a safe, loving home.
Try posting your message on the "Think Like a Cat with Pam Johnson-Bennett" board, also on ivillage. Pam is a cat behaviorist who has worked with many, many cats over the years. I believe two of her own cats were feral. She will be able to give you detailed information about gradually developing a relationship with your cat.
Cynthia
Thank you everyone for the great advice and encouragement.