The kitty who was growling and hissing at me has now just headbumped me! I love it when my process works with these terrified kitties. He is a gorgeous boy, we had a real petting fest before he retreated back to his den (underneath the futon). His ears strike me the most attractive, they are whitish-pink framed in gray. Looks like a natural color, not a skin disorder.
He is about 6 (I am guessing) his teeth aren’t in the best shape. Really muscular with a set of gonads the size of Texas! In the book I am currently writing, I share my processes to reach older feral cats. I will share a sneak preview for anyone who might actually read this.
Scenario: You have recently trapped and neutered an older stray/feral cat. When f inally released from the trap, he bolted for cover (under your bed). You know he is under there; he growls every time you step foot in the room and for added flavor he also hisses. The growl is low and menacing, and if you stopped to think for a minute, you might be scared of him. The food is vanishing, the litter pan shows action and the water level in the bowl is lowering, but he won’t budge and show his presence while you are around. Unlike a kitten, this boy has no curiousity toward your ankles or feet. He just understands that you are going to eat him at any given second, so he stays put.
Here’s what you do:
Lie down on the floor on your stomach. If you are like me, this may cause you to groan a bit, your knees to cave and your back to protest, but go with it anyway. Reward is just around the corner. (Tip test-sniff the floor area first, because your nose is going to be flat against it for a bit. Unpleasant surprises aren’t pleasant). OK, so you are now picturing yourself flat on the floor, nose to the carpet or tile (you might NOT want to try this method in a bathroom though). With your eyes closed, turn your head in his direction. Keep your eyes relaxed but closed. Talk to him softly. Tell him anything, just keep talking. Don’t move (even if it means you will be reaching for the aspirin after this manuever). Just lie very still, the only thing moving is your mouth.
He will come to you. You have removed two threats. You are now lower to the ground than he is- therefore his predator minds sees you as non-threatening. Your eyes are lightly closed not squinched shut, so you are not asking him to do the battle dance. He will come out, circle you, maybe sniff you. He will even walk on your back- DON’T MOVE. Let him explore.
Once he is free from any contact of you, slowly slide your hand along the floor until is either sideways straight out from your body, or up over your head. Extend your palm, snap your fingers gently. He is going to be very curious. When he sniffs your fingers, keep your hand still. Let him sniff, he will explore your scent. He may headbump you, or even lick you. These are both good signs. Keep Your Eyes Shut the entire time. Once he is clear of you, keeping your eyes closed, rise up slowly to a sitting position. Also forgot to say that you need to be talking low the entire time all this is going on.. talking to him and keeping your eyes closed.
Okay, you are in the sitting position, extend your arm so it is pointing to the floor. Snap fingers, extend fingers, he should come up and nudge you. Open your eyes but not all the way. When you can see the blurry image of him, pet him once briefly, then slowly lower your hand.
* I go on to say that you take your cues from him. Consider the two of you dance partners. If he moves toward you, pet him gently and quickly. If she stays around, go ahead and pet him some more. When he rolls on his back, you have to touch him on his head, not his belly. Your eyes should be open now, but not looking directly at him.
I did this process upstairs with Wyatt (Grey Guy) He loved it and we had a regular pet-fest. I was careful to not over-stimulate him and he was cautious about letting me touch him. Afterwards, he crawled back under the couch to sleep.