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Heidi
Sept 20, 2014 19:27:44 GMT
Post by diamondgirl on Sept 20, 2014 19:27:44 GMT
Katt; Heidi was in the bed room that was off the back porch. With the door shut all the time it is a hotter, or colder then the rest of the house. The other thing is, I would like Micah to have access to that room. I wanted to have her learn to be a house dog, but she has such a high prey drive, she can't be trusted with the cats. She also wanted to get my cockatoo. She has to stay out of the main house. The back porch landing is inside, but isn't much bigger than what she had before, when she lived in a kennel. I want her to have more room. Before I caught Heidi, that room, was the dogs bedroom. They could stay there when I went to work, and come in the house when I got home.
I want Heidi to have a good life, but I want Micah to have a good life too. It is always such a struggle to go in to visit Heidi, and keep Micah out of her room. I have a baby gate so she couldn't rush in, but she really wanted to get to Heidi.
The other problem was the kittens loved to go into that room to visit their Mom for a few minutes. Poor Micah had to be locked outside then we visited. I had put up a tall baby gate to keep them in and Micah out, but they soon started jumping over, and into danger. I built a screen door from 2X4s and half inch hail screen, so they couldn't jump in with Micah any more, but when I went out there, they would sometimes scoot through the open door. If I was carrying a basket full of laundry it was hard to see them scoot in.
If not for Micah I wouldn't care, and everyone could come and go as they pleased, but I have her too, so I have to do the best I can for everyone.
I wanted Heidi to come into the house before winter time, and the weather gets bad. I couldn't make Micah stay outside in the cold, so the kittens could spend the evening with their Mommy. |
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kskatt
Junior Member
Posts: 833 
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Post by kskatt on Sept 20, 2014 22:00:50 GMT
Ah, her safe room used to be the dogs room. What a crazy tango it can be when we start dancing with animals!  |
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Post by diamondgirl on Sept 25, 2014 0:35:53 GMT
After two days hiding in the pantry, Heidi decided to check out the down stairs. At least that is where I think she is. The kittens are spending more of their time down there, so I think they must be visiting her.
I figured, when I let her out, she would find a place she could be comfortable, and I wouldn't see her for awhile. It seems that knowing that, and living that, are two different things. I want to see her. I want to know what she is doing. Unfortunately she is very good at hiding.
When I have cleaned the litter boxes I have noticed there are a few more additions, so I know she is eating, drinking, and pooping. She is even keeping up with the system of, which litter boxes are for poop, and which ones are for pee. (I have no idea as to why they do that, but they are pretty good at keeping it box specific.)
I noticed the second evening she was in the pantry, when I called the cats for their canned food, that when the cats all came running, Heidi also took a few steps out of the pantry before she got scared and went back in. I decided tonight, I might be a good to start feeding the kitty's their canned food down stairs. I made a big production out of calling Kitty, Kitty, Kitty, and sat the bowls in the middle of the rec room floor. I hope in a few days she will be able to overcome her fear and come out to eat, with the other cats. Oh and I guess I should mention I don't think there will be any problems with eating together. When she was still in her room I had been taking their food in there, and they all got along just fine. There was a few hisses from Rebel, but he is actually a big chicken, so as soon as Heidi hissed back, he backed off.
I will try not to worry to much about her, and give her a little time, before I start tearing the basement apart to find her. I think the best thing I can give her right now is some space.
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on Sept 25, 2014 12:06:59 GMT
I think you are doing a great job with Heidi. Yep, give her some space right now, I think she will eventually come around. That's not to say she will one day be a lap cat but I bet she will eventually roam freely through the house and not hide all the time.
Updated pictures of the kittens?
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kskatt
Junior Member
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Post by kskatt on Sept 25, 2014 15:54:13 GMT
Cats hunt mostly during the night so they might blend in to the darkness. The reason you do not see white ferals, if you do it's a stray that hasn't been out too long, or is amazingly smart. So very many animals see cats as a meal, so cats have to be very wary. Heidi is learning that it she is safe in your home. How old do you think she is? If she was born in the wild, it's what was ingrained in her by her mother. Just know in your heart that she is working on it, she just has a lot to overcome! Do you look at her and talk to her? I'm not talking about eye to eye, just looking at her body. I know the universal advice is to not look at them at all. I just have to wonder about that, because, when you look "at" them and talk to them you are telling them that you see them, you know they are there, and yet you are not hunting them. It's what I have done with my boys and I have had great success. Doesn't it make more sense? Not looking at them at all could give the impression that you don't know they are there, so they are safe, they are hidden. If you acknowledge that you see them and not coming after them; you are not a threat. I don't feel like I explain things very well, that's why this is so long, sorry!  |
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Heidi
Sept 25, 2014 16:55:31 GMT
Post by diamondgirl on Sept 25, 2014 16:55:31 GMT
Actually I did look at her, but would immediately close my eyes half way. She would do the same thing right back. I felt like we were communicating a little bit. I believe she has always been feral. We have had strays before, and they acted different. It was more like they knew humans weren't very fast so they didn't mind being seen, because they knew they could get away. Heidi was different. I never saw her, except out a window, until I trapped her and brought her in.
Another thing I did with her was, I would very slowly sit on the floor, look at her, close my eyes, then start looking at my hand, ( mean really study it) while talking or humming softly. After a few moments she would either start grooming or lay relaxed onto her side. She also didn't seem to mind if I stretched either, as long as I didn't get any closer.
I don't know how old she is, but I do know she has had at least two litters of kittens. Aside from that I don't know anything. We have a neighbor who lives a mile from us who has calico barn cats. I imagine she originated from there, but I don't think she had any human contact before me.
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Post by diamondgirl on Sept 30, 2014 15:20:50 GMT
Hmmmm, I thought I updated this last night, but apparently I have lost my mind, along with my comment.  Anyway I wanted to let you all know, after 5 days of being lost somewhere in the basement, Heidi has been sighted.
I give the kitties some canned cat food every day at 5:00. They have dry food all the time so this is just a special treat for them. I had been feeding them in the kitchen, but when Heidi moved into the basement, I started taking it down there. I holler kitty, kitty, kitty as I walk down the stairs, then put down the bowls, and leave. Well yesterday when I put the bowls on the floor I heard a loud hiss behind me.
Yup, there she was, with her usual greeting. Yea, we are making progress.  |
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kskatt
Junior Member
Posts: 833
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Heidi
Sept 30, 2014 16:48:27 GMT
Post by kskatt on Sept 30, 2014 16:48:27 GMT
How old are the babies now? Any new pics? |
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Sept 30, 2014 22:53:40 GMT
I've been trying to figure out your house's floorplan just for fun. All I know is you have a lot of rooms and levels, which for Heidi is a good thing. What an adventure you two are having. And the kittens are just having a ball. Gerald bought a car for Schoenie but you've organized your entire house for a feral cat, can't say you aren't doing everything you can for her and I know she knows it or she would of been gone a long time ago.
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Post by diamondgirl on Oct 5, 2014 4:59:24 GMT
Here is a sight I never dreamed I would see. Miss Heidi, all relaxed, under a decorative table, right out in plane sight (sort of ). Of course is was after dark. You know, I just had a thought. I finally have a reason to like those short days of winter. More Heidi time..... Yea!!!!! 
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kskatt
Junior Member
Posts: 833
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Post by kskatt on Oct 5, 2014 14:42:03 GMT
Dark or no dark, that is a giant step forward! smileys-party-370729
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Post by hugs on Oct 6, 2014 2:47:38 GMT
And a very pretty paw forward too  Yay for Heidi! |
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Post by diamondgirl on Oct 6, 2014 3:05:19 GMT
She is starting to come around. I am amazed she is learning so fast. I wish Honey could understand that she needs time. He wants to make friends with her. NOW...I have the felaway plugged in, in his room, and I spray his chair with catnip spray every morning. Four of the cats, spend quite a bit of time in his room with him. Heidi would just rather keep her distance, at this time. I wish he could understand, she doesn't know him. Ahh well, time is good, and I have plenty. Well not really,,,,,, but I will make time. cat1
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Heidi
Oct 6, 2014 13:39:11 GMT
Post by mistersmom on Oct 6, 2014 13:39:11 GMT
She looks great!!!!! (and she doesn't look like she's been missing any meals lately  ) |
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Terry
Junior Member
Central Illinois, USA
Posts: 1,466
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Heidi
Oct 13, 2014 20:49:17 GMT
Post by Terry on Oct 13, 2014 20:49:17 GMT
I'm so glad to see that the lovely Miss Heidi is hiding less. I think you are doing the right thing by just letting her take as much time as she needs to make this adjustment. It definitely appears to be paying off! 
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kskatt
Junior Member
Posts: 833
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Heidi
Oct 13, 2014 22:19:51 GMT
Post by kskatt on Oct 13, 2014 22:19:51 GMT
How are you and Miss Heidi doing?
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Post by diamondgirl on Oct 13, 2014 23:05:18 GMT
Heidi is going really good, thank you for asking. She has started to get on the furniture in the basement, even during the day. She still doesn't want me close to her during the day though. She still does most of her exploring after dark.
She isn't exactly friendly, to me, but she doesn't high tail back down stairs when ever I move. She will reach out and touch my hand with her paw, and gently with a claw. I will let her sniff me, but I get worried when she opens her mouth, and puts her teeth on a finger, so I gently remove my hand. I am just not ready to allow her to explore my fingers with her teeth yet. She wasn't trained as a kitten, that humans make funny noises and pull away if you bite them to hard. She can take her time, and I will take time on what I allow as well. I guess we are both learning trust. She is probably telling the kittens, "I am having so much trouble getting that human to trust me." Sheeeeesh.
I take pictures of her with my phone so I don't flash her, so the quality isn't great. 
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Heidi
Oct 13, 2014 23:51:31 GMT
Post by horselady on Oct 13, 2014 23:51:31 GMT
She is beautiful and she looks cozy and comfy. you have done an amazing job with her and teaching her to be loved and safe. truly special cat1
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Heidi
Oct 14, 2014 0:12:41 GMT
Post by diamondgirl on Oct 14, 2014 0:12:41 GMT
Heidi is an awesome little girl, and has been an incredible journey, but I am afraid, her son Morris, has absolutely stolen my heart. smileys-hearts-532620
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hugs
Junior Member
Posts: 2,647
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Heidi
Oct 14, 2014 1:24:13 GMT
Post by hugs on Oct 14, 2014 1:24:13 GMT
My bad. I clicked on the Heidi picture so I could see it better. Then it brought me to your photo album so I thought, what the heck. Well... What the Heck Indeed EEEK! I am SO SORRY I did that. And now its my bedtime too. This is awful!
Heidi is very pretty by the way.
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Anyway I wanted to let you all know, after 5 days of being lost somewhere in the basement, Heidi has been sighted. 
Yay for Heidi!
)
