Everything Vegan Related (and other cool stuff) in the DC Metro Area: August 2010

My babies: Sylvester (Sly) and Mystery

I've been fostering cats for about 5.5 years. I got into it because I wanted to volunteer helping animals.

I have probably fostered and placed about 17 cats in homes. Most were homeless animals that needed a temporary place to stay. A few were semi-feral and needed taming before they could be adopted. I grew very attached to all of them but was able to let go because I convinced myself that it would simply open up room in my house to help foster more cats. And these cats did move on to wonderful homes.

Fostering is a great way to have a pet especially if you're unsure whether or not you're up for the responsibilities (although good luck with not bonding and falling in love with them). I ended up keeping one of my fosters, my babydoll, Mystery, because I simply couldn't give her up. She came to me at 6 months old. Her name was given to her because she was rescued from a cat hoarder. Apparently Mystery was a kitten, only several weeks old, when she wandered into the closet. The door shut and she was trapped there for approximately 4 days without any food or water!! They say it's a 'Mystery' how she survived because when they found her, she was barely alive :(

Here is Mystery when she came to me at 6 months old

As you can see from her recent picture below (she's about 3 years old in this pic), there is no chance of her starving ever again ;)

I have learned a few tricks to get 'scaredy cats' tame and actually come looking to me for attention and love.

- Once you bring them to your place (or have them dropped off), you can talk to them some through the carrier. They will most likely squirm towards the back or hiss. Remember, they are used to being a prey or being preyed upon so their only thoughts are of survival and to avoid being eaten, which is what they think you want to do with them.

- Let them out of the carrier and let them roam around. Cats get extremely stressed out in a new environment, even if it's out from the cold. They need time to learn about and explore the new place. If your house is big, then shut doors to the rooms. Sort of keep an eye as to where they go. They will have a couple hideouts and it's important to gauge where those hideouts are.

- Let them be for a few days or even a week. Make sure you keep fresh water out always and put food out, even if you don't see them. Of course make sure litter box is fully accessible. Cats are VERY smart. They will eat and do whatever they need to when the coast is clear but will go back to their hideout ('safe place') when they feel anxious. Mystery hid for a solid week (I believe in a closet) before we encountered one another. There was evidence though of her out and about and eating and using the bathroom in her box. She obviously did this when I wasn't around or was sleeping.

- You will likely encounter them during their 'leave me alone' time. If you do, they will either run past you, squirm away, or walk in a low, cautious, crouching-type manner past you, while eyeing you to make sure you don't make any rash moves. Simply say hello, don't make much eye contact, and continue doing what you're doing. They will be very surprised (and relieved) that it's not all about them. After doing this a few times, they will become MUCH more comfortable around you and you will begin seeing them come out while you are sitting around. They will probably sit some distance away from you to be cautious. They're simply testing the waters. THIS is progress!

- Talk to them! After they begin coming around you more, talk to them a lot in a sweet, soothing, gentle manner. They will grow to love this. They are usually more comfortable if you are sitting down because you are closer to their level and look a lot less intimidating than standing up and looking down at them. Imagine a cat's perspective. They are ground level and you are this giant creature looking down at them and walking towards them. Who wouldn't be scared??

- Scaredy cats thrive in a calm and peaceful environment so if you have hyper young kids, it will take much longer for them to come around. Kids are known to make abrupt movements and for being loud, which is exactly what you want to avoid with a 'scaredy cat.'

These tricks have helped me through and through and with great success! I have had cats absolutely terrified of people turn into the cuddliest of cats that I could (almost) cradle and plant kisses all over their faces and head.

One of the most rewarding feeling comes from a feral/scaredy cat approaching you, trusting you, and showing you affection. Knowing you had to work for that, EARN that, creates such a steel strong bond. You've domesticated that cat, changing their lives (and your heart) forever.

Some pictures of past fosters:

Mikey