have to share a big breakthrough for my once feral lady kitty

[Donnachaidh]

We adopted her over a year ago from the pound, and she's had more than a few issues to deal with. I thought the biggest was eating on a regular basis, but it proved not to be the biggie. She still fusses if she's not fed on *time*, but it's more a dance move now than frantic.

But she did have one trust issue that didn't seem to go away. She had no problems sitting with and on both my DH and son, but with me she was skittish. I didn't force the issue, because her roomie always picked out his *spot* on me almost as soon as I sat down. But Jade just stood off - even when she looked like she wanted to come snuggle. I really got the impression early on that her previous female owner might have been a problem. So I've spent the last year being very patient, and not pushing on any real physical stuff, unless she seemed ready for it. She's gotten used to me picking her up in certain rooms, etc., but that was it.

Today I was stretched out on the couch and not paying attention to anything, kind of half dozing. I feel kitty feet and think it's Dude, who usually finds whatever flat surface on me that is accessible and plants himself. I opened an eye and peeked -- and Jade was curling up for a nap on me! By herself, very quietly. I reached over and scritched an ear, but basically held my breath and let her settle in. I honestly wanted to hug the stuffing out of her - because this, for her, was bravery. She slept for almost an hour. And I found myself wondering yet again what was done to this cat to make her so standoffish for over a year.

I guess she's on the road to trusting again. She certainly gave me a big rush today.

[japple]

1. That's wonderful, and a testament to your kindness

and patience. She now knows how loving a real cat mother is supposed to be, but still a bit afraid to trust too much. It won't be long...

[Donnachaidh]

3. I hope so - I see signs every day that she really wants to trust me

Her treat is to be let in my bedroom where the big SUNNY windows are, so she can just snooze the day away. or watch birds. She sits by the door and waits for me to open it for her on warm days LOL.

[ginnyinWI]

2. what a lovely story for Valentine's Day.

:loveya: :loveya:

[david13]

4. It takes time. But you are making progress. Nice to hear. dc

[Vinca]

5. What a sweet story. You made me smile.

[njlib]

6. Congratulations!

It's a great feeling, isn't it?

[spooky3]

7. Wonderful! Here's one possibility....

One of my cats sees one's stretching out on the couch as a very clear signal to come snuggle up and he is there within minutes (seconds?) of this occurring.

I have another one who is tuned in to phone calls (and of course when I reach for the treat packet) but at other times she thinks I have cooties.

[Warpy]

8. My kitty also suffered from a violent female owner

She was turned into the AHA pregnant and traumatized. To this day, she's still head shy and pulls back if she sees my hand coming over her head to pet her. She's a love bug with me but will run from other women and even girls. She warmed up to my dad instantly when he visited me, though, and has warmed up to other male visitors including the plumber.

She's just always going to be shy around women in general, and around her head in particular. She does love head and face pets and chin scritchies, but only if she doesn't see the hand coming.

[CountAllVotes]

9. my tomcat is a feral cat

He always hides his head. They clipped a chunk off of his ear before I got him so if he was picked up by someone, they would know he was a feral cat that had been neutered.

He'll never get over that trauma I am convinced. He is 9 years old now. :(

Glad to know that some cats do come around especially if they are lucky enough to be adopted by someone like you! Congratulations! :)