Miss Teia Honey came to us as a 10 1/2 year old who was still a little more than semi-feral and fearful after being with her previous people for 10 years. They rescued her from the street, gave her sanctuary (space, warmth, food, water, basic vet care and a clean scratch box) but did not try and socialize her. They kept a wild cat in their house, which was big enough that she could hide and keep out of their lives.
I was unwilling to accept that.
Patient, persistent kindness, speaking to her in low tones, never striking back when she lashed out, just sitting quietly in her room...
Teia will be 15 next month and is on my wife's lap watching TV with her. She's been there over an hour. Still not keen on other people, though the vet and staff say she's a real sweetie when they have seen her.
Do a keyword search for Teia here at MedHelp if your like to see more of her story.
Here's a link to a journal I wrote awhile ago, scroll down to the longest post where I have a fictional reconstruction of Teia's early years. I'm thinking of writing a children's book.
The kitty I have now is a rescue. She came to me as a baby herself, nursing 2 kits. She was so skittish & nervous I was afraid no one would adopt her. She had previously lived a sad life of hunger & abuse, on the side of a tavern.
I called her Mommy Baby. Animal training 101 always incorporate food & love in training.
I started with a plastic tube the kind Crystal Light comes in. About 4" wide & 10" long. I put a kitty sheet on top of my bed. She was used to getting up there, as I let her nurse there. She always stayed at foot of bed.
So, I put about a dozen or so pieces of her kibble ( dry kitty food) in the tube. One piece near entrance. She put her paw in, I showered her with praise. Got first piece. & after that, she was a natural. We continue to play this game 2+ yrs later. It gives us quality time. She trusts me.
Used to be when someone would be coming,she'd fly off bed, run & hide.
Now, even if she's eating, she hears housekeeper or someone. Looks up at me & if I say calmly" It's ok, It's ok. Ok? She's fine. If I say " go get it! She flys off bed & runs to attack. So that's one of my stories. Pamela