Ok, so as a lot of you may know... I was going to meet up with this woman I met off of craigslist to possibly foster some kittens she found in a storm drain in some ditch. I went to go meet her and all 10 cats she had... and I fell in love with this adorable maine coon that was found dumpster diving by Wendy's. Him, his sister and two other siblings lived this way... They were about 6 weeks old when she found them digging through trash bins behind stores. I picked up the little maine coon and immedietly fell in love. He just clung to my kneck, he was so frightened...but the look in his eyes- had me from the second I saw him.

Now, his little sister (tabby looking cat) was the "dominant" cat.. the cat that fights for her food. She's double the size of her brother. But she's feral, I can not pick her up... I can not look at her without her hissing at me. They thought this girl should be cage tamed. She's still so young, she has a chance of being tamed and adopted out to a great home. They are around 9 weeks old right now.

If I was going to take him.. who still needs more work to get comfortable... I couldn't seperate the siblings. I just couldn't. He needed her and she needed him. So... I took them both. I plan on probably keeping the little maine coon and just working on the female to get her calm and people friendly.. then I'll probably find her a good home.

I went last night and got these babies that were used to being dumpster diving kitties. I brought them to my home, where we have a long road ahead of us. They have a bedroom to themselves, with everything they need in there.

I just wanted to give everyone an update... these are my babies!

(Since I have so many pictures, please check out the picture thread soon.. I am uploading pictures. The title will be "Dumpster Diving Kitties!".)



P.S. If anyone has experience taming a feral kitten, please PM me... I could use a good mentor.

Wow ended up with two kitties huh? Have these kitties been tested for FIV and Feline Leukemia, its important to know so before introducing them to PHX? Have they been de-wormed and de-flead (I think you posted that they have in your former thread) Did you find a cage (or did one come with the baby girl)? How is PHX handling the situation? I always recommend taking any cats/kittens that have been adopted to the vet asap... This way their health can be evaluated and you can start on vaccinations if they are of age. Are you planning on getting them neutered/spayed?

You are going to have your hands full, but it is a good thing you are doing. Only time will tell if the girl (feral) will be able to be adopted or not. Nollee was a huge challenge for me and that was after she had already been caged trained. Definitely follow all the introduction tips and dont rush it. PHX must be confused... going from him and your dads kitty to two more newcomers. Im hoping the best for you and Im off to see their pics...

Actually, the lady...we'll call her "T".. brought them to the vet already. The kitties I have are on medication. Have already been tested for FIV/FeLV,etc... came back Negative. They have not had all of their shots yet... and yes when they are old enough they will be spayed/neutered.

I decided not to cage tame them. They are just staying in the extra bedroom. They do have a little pet carrier that I have in there for them to hide in if they want. So far, they haven't left it...

I really think that they both will be fine...with some time and patience and love. I have plenty of love and time.. LOL it's the patience I'm worried about. When I think about this, I know I have a long road in front of me with that girl. But, I'm taking it one day at a time.

I would rather do this then have them living out of a dumpster at Wendy's. I know what I'm doing is a good thing, I just can't wait to actually see the progress and see the final results!

Best of luck. Dont be too down on yourself if by chance the feral girl doesnt warm up to people. Nollee is still terrified of people (other than me and sometimes my sis) she still runs from me all the time. However she is the most loving cat I have encountered when she approaches at her own desire... It took me two months till she finally started sleeping with me and trusting me a little... To this day she still is terrified of the bf (unless he is sleeping too). Its strange how it worked out but maybe youll be lucky and your feral girl will become a real people person. Im glad that you took them in and as long as they are seperated from PHX in the meantime (which should be done feral or domesticated) i see no problem in not having either of them caged (Im not huge on the cage ordeal unless it is absolutely necessary and in that case Id almost TNR). I hope that things run fairly smooth for you and Im glad that "T" found them a good home/foster and brought them to the vet. Im excitied for you and if you have any questions bout your feral girl feel free to pm. I had to figure out handling Nollee all on my own but it was worth all the waiting and gaining of her trust. For some reason that is why I had wanted her more, because she was terrified and untrusting (hehe kinda like me) and I was willing to do whatever it took to give her a forever loving indoor home, rather than her return to the barn she came from.

I have a feeling you will do just fine... and if you have any questions you know where to find me

Now where are those pictures??????

I figured I would start this thread kind of like a blog for the kitties. I will update here anytime I have something new going on! (Which could be daily!) Feel free to comment, give suggestions, or ask questions! So.. here is the start of...

The Dumpster Diving Kitties!
Day 2~ October 16, 2007

Ok, so I've been giving the kittens medicine, to help clear up their eyes. Plus, I've been giving them the de-worming meds the vet gave us. The Maine Coon is a bit bloated, so this will hopefully help! I also give them medicine for them blinking their eyes, not quite sure how to explain this. I don't know much about it, just following the instructions "T" gave me when I picked up the kitties.

Last night I brought in their wet food and just put a little bit on a spoon. Then I held the spoon just inside the pet carrier (which they will not leave). The female kitty (the more feral one) was a little hesitant but she came up and ate the food off the spoon. The male did not seem interested at all, which is shocking because he's more friendly then she is! But they are both so scared, I did not want to rush anything with them. So, I put more food on the spoon, and stuck it in the pet carrier again, this time I moved my hand down farther on the spoon so my hand is closer to the food. I just want them to realize that with my hand being there, I am not going to do anything and there is nothing to be afraid of. This whole time I make sure I do NOT make direct eye contact with either kitty.

After I fed the female, I sat in there for a little while on a mattress... a little bit aways from them. I didn't want to be moving around a lot, because I don't want to startle them. I tried seeing if they would play with "Da Bird", but they hissed at me. I guess that's too soon.

Probably, within the next day or so I will attempt taking the kitties one by one and spending some time trying to pet them. It's impossible to get the kitties out of the carrier, and if I reach my hand in there I will surely get attacked- even though I do wear gloves around the female. "T" said that she used to just take the carrier and kind of "dump them out"... as bad as it sounds... that's what we must do. I know that once I get the Maine Coon out, he'll be scared but will let me hold him and pet him.. The female I must put gloves on.. I'm not even sure if she'll let me hold her for long. I have never held her before. But, "T" says that she has with gloves on...

"T" would put tuna or wet cat food on her fingers (with no gloves!) and let the kitties eat off her fingers. I am not ready for that, I am afraid of the female. She has one mean hiss! EEK!

I have been doing a lot of research on taming feral kittens. It seems like I will have a good chance with these lil' guys! I can't wait for the day that the female jumps in my lap to be petted! She is definetly going to be the toughest to tame!

I'll keep you updated! Thank you for reading today's addition of my blog.

Thanks for the update... So far you are doing a great job and I have no worries that you will bring those kitties around. Your doing everything right and it is good that you are maintaining patience and respecting their boundries. It isnt mean that the kitties need to be dumped out of the carriers (gently) when necessary for meds and feedings... so dont feel the need to explain why you must do it that way. Do the kitties come out of their carriers to use the litterbox or for any free feeding?

Yes, they come out and use the litterbox, and they eat... but they just won't do it while I am in the room. I purposely lined up all of their toys in a certain order, that way each day I can see if they have gained enough courage to start playing. So far, they haven't played.

I just kind of felt bad about dumping them out of the carrier, LOL, but if I dare stick my hand in there the female will get me. Or at least I think she will. "T" said that the female has never once bitten her, just gave a couple good swats. So, that's good that she's not a biter!





**EDIT: Oh yes, and I have been tossing a few names around. For the female I was thinking "Miracle.." and for the Maine Coon "Lucky" or "Mystery" What do you think????

Its better to dump them out gently than to be bit. Cat bites can cause nasty infections (mainly if the wound doesnt draw blood and bacteria enters the site, same with scratches) so it is best to protect yourself.

They'll come around, its going to be a long road... They have been threw alot in such a short amount of time. With time and patience youll start to see more positive behavior from them both. Least Im crossing my fingers that you do.

As for the names, not necessarily my thing (im into strange and uncommon names)... but if you like them that is what matters the most. They're cute regardless of what you call them

The Dumpster Diving Kitties
Day 3~ October 17,2007

Ok, so last night when I got home... I decided I was going to go see if I could interact with the kittens a little bit. Gotta do it sometime, right?

I *carefully* dumped them out of the carrier... and they like clung on into the carrier, making it very hard to get out. So I put on my gloves and assisted them coming out of there. This was the hard part... I didn't want to get bit, but they needed to come out eventually. I just kept telling myself that it won't help the process if I'm always scared!

As soon as they came out, I could see that they were just going to bolt back in there. And as mean as this sounds, I shut the door on the carrier. It wouldn't hurt them to stay out for a few minutes. The female ran over to a corner where she just watched me. I went and picked up the maine coon and was holding him and feeding him some wet kitten food off of a spoon. He was really enjoying this! A little bit of the food fell off the spoon and landed on my fingers, and he licked that off as well. Then suddenly, out of nowhere... he looked up at me and got spooked. He jumped down and ran across the room and hid. But it was so adorable because he kept sticking his head up and checking me out.

I opened the door back up, because I still wanted that hiding spot open in case they got too spooked. But neither of them ran in there right away. I just kind of sat back and watched them. And they just kind of sat across the room and watched me. Then they started walking out of their hiding spots a little bit. They were stretching and cleaning themselves! They didn't seem to scared to be there either! I didn't dare move at this time... I want them to trust me!

Eventually the female went back into the carrier, and the male went up to it and just sat right outside of it- but didn't go in. I got out "Da bird" to see if he would play with me. At first he would just carefully watch it and wouldn't participate. But I didn't give up on him, I kept waving it around.. I tried up in the air and on the ground and here and there..etc. Then all of a sudden he let his guard down and started swatting at it. He didn't get completely into it where he was chasing it around the room, but everytime it went past him- he would swat at it. This was great!

Last night I went to bed feeling relieved, our first actual encounter of trying to socialize went pretty good I think! It could have been a lot worse.

Oh, and this morning when I went in to feed them... they didn't hiss at me! Of couse, they were in their carrier...but usually the female hisses when I walk in there. YAY!

You did a good job and did everything right. Nothing wrong with forcing them to step out of the carriers for a period of time... as long as they still have hiding spots and dont feel treatend its a good idea. Nollee to this day still gets spooked outta nowhere and runs off. Its going to be a long haul to gain full trust of the kitties but you will get there. Thing is when you go to adopt out the girl she probably will be just as timid as she is now with her new home... as long as the adoptees are aware of this and the patience it entails it shouldnt be a major issue. I know if I gave Nollee to a different home she would never warm up to anyone else like she has with me. I was her first major human contact source, the only one she trusts... and even now she still questions her trust in me at times.

Im glad that your maine coon is warming up just a tad. Your doing everything right, just keep doing what your doing little by little eachday and youll start to notice changes.

When I do eventually adopt out the female. She will be going to a home that has no kids, probably no other pets, and someone that is going to be patient with her. I will be carefully be screening every family. She can't just go to anyone...because after I put all of this work into her- I don't want it to all fall back to her being feral and possibly dumped back out on the streets again!

I don't think it will be a problem. After I get the kitties used to me and more comfortable.Then I will introduce them to PHX. After that goes over I will start bringing other people over for them to get used to other people.

I have a "mentor" that has quite a bit of experience with ferals and she thinks that in a few weeks I will already have gotten them more comfortable. Probably not 100% tamed, but at least where the female isn't constantly hissing. I'm just looking forward to this.

Do you think I should do what I did last night...every night? Where I take them out of the carrier and try petting them? Or do you think it's too stressful to do it daily? Also, I haven't even tried petting the female yet. When I do attempt this I have to use my gloves.

Oh, and tonight I have to give them their de-worming meds and put in their eye drops. I'm a bit nervous about giving it to the female. It's just me there.. so it will be a bit of a struggle but I have to do it.

I think you should keep taking them out of their carriers each day. I wouldnt rush petting the female just yet... I suggest leaving a dirty shirt in the room with them eachday so they can pick up on your scent and get used to you... same thing with cat on cat introductions (only in that case its usually let kitties get their scent on a blanket, give it to phx for a few days... and after phx has smothered the blanket with his scent then give it back to the kitties)... also placing their food bowls on each side of the door forces them to acknowledge eachother and one anothers scents without face to face contact (to avoid stress). So each night leave one of your shirts on the floor for them to smell and lay with. Keep spending time with them day by day (think the female will be more challenging than the maine coon). If the maine coon is ok with you feeding, petting, and holding him then do so eachday for a short period of time (if he squirmes away just let him go). Keep trying to play with them and interact as much as possible without stepping over their boundries. I think the maine coon will come around faster than the female... Id give it a week before trying to pet the female, let her get used to your physical presence, voice, and smell first. Of course wear your gloves just in case she does bite.

Dumpster Diving Kitties
Day 4~ October 18, 2007

OK, So last night I went grocery shopping. I got 3 bowls for their food... one for their water, one for dry food, and one for wet food. While I was there I picked up another toy for the kitties (spoiled brats!) and I got some baby food.. yes human baby food! I heard to use that as a treat to win over the kitties.

So, I went in their room.. cleaned kitty litter, gave food in their new bowls and just kind of picked up and swept the room (messy kitties). The kitties are usually hiding in their pet carrier, but this time they were hiding in other spots... they were still hiding but at least they left that darn carrier for once! Then I just sat down on the mattress and kind of observed.

Then I went over and layed down next to the kitties hiding spot. The male looked absolutely terrified, so I let him be for right now. I layed down by the female... I had on my long pants, my long sleeved shirt, and my work gloves on! Then I put some of that lamb flavored baby food on a spoon and held it out for the female. At first she just kind of looked at me and hissed. So I brought the spoon a bit closer to her, so she could smell it. She ate that right up, and when all the food was gone off of there.. she bit the spoon! How cute! So, I filled the spoon back up some more and this time I put my other hand (still in glove) on the ground right next to her... she didn't seem to care it was there so I slowly and softly raised my hand up and petted her with one finger. She still didn't care! Then she turned, looked at me, and started smelling my glove...she let me pet her a few more strokes and then hissed. Hey, it was a shot!

So, I put the wet food down in front of her and went to work on the maine coon. When I moved closer to him he ran across the room. So I just kind of crawled over to his new spot and layed on the ground. I try not to stand up around them too much, because I don't want to look like a giant and freak them out. So, I put some baby food on the spoon for him. He could care less. So, I put a little dab on his nose, so he could taste it... MMMMM! He immedietly started licking that right up as if it were his last meal! I refilled it a couple times for him.

Then I picked him up (with him I don't need to use gloves) and just help him in my lap. I was petting him behind his ear and just holding him close to my chest. He kept looking up at me and even let me sneak in a couple kisses on his nose and even one on his cute little furry paw! I was holding him turned around looking towards me and was petting behind his ear... and slowly little by little his head started just falling over..into my hand- as if he were comfortable. But eventually his head was just laying in my hand with his eyes closed- I wish I had a camera! But he never fell asleep and never purred. Hey, this is a start! I help him for a good 20 minutes, just petting him. So adorable!

Then I went out of the room... I didn't want to push too much on them... it's not even been a week yet and I'm noticing a little bit of a change- not much- but a little bit!

"T" called me last night and suggested to stop giving the de-worming meds for a little bit.. I guess it's making all the other kitties have really runny stools. EEK! I'm glad my kitties haven't had a problem yet. But the maine coon does have a really really bloated tummy... poor dude! Tonight, I have to give them eye drops. I should be doing this daily- but I've kind of slacked. I haven't done it yet! I'm just kind of scared to pick up the female, but hey.. it needs to be done. The eye drops is because they keep blinking their eyes- a lot! I think when I give the eye drops to the female... I'll just wrap her up in a towel and do it quick!!!

Keep you updated!

Did you get metal bowls or plastic bowls? Avoid any baby food that contains garlic in the ingredients.

I would give them their de-worming meds for the full recommended time frame regardless of the stool consistancy.

Im glad the kitties are warming up to you, such a cute story... Im enjoying reading about their daily progress. Keep it coming.

3 PINK plastic bowls!

Oh, and we're still going to give the meds to them, just not quite as often... but don't worry we're not stopping the meds!

Awww, thanks sweetie! I'll keep you guys updated while this goes on! I'm getting so excited! Yay!

Here's a tip I got from the adoption agency and vets. Dont use plastic bowls they leave too much room for bacteria to grow. Metal are best (they wont die im just telling you)... If anything I would call a vet (preferably the one that T took them too) and ask them if it is ok to cut back on their meds... Cutting back may not be the best idea, for peace of mind Id check in with a vet before making that decision. Just a thought at least.

Anyways Im glad you are having such fun taking these kitties in... Now who is the crazy cat lady?

I think that eating out of plastic bowls is MUCH better then the dumpster they were used to. Just a thought....

Krazy Kat Lady? You talking about the Simpsons again???

I hope you dident take offense Tiffany, it was just a tip not a personal demand. You are doing wonders for the kitties and I was just adding insight. I dont think your doing a bad job because you are using plastic bowls (and Im hoping it didnt come off that way to you). I must say plastic beats dumpsters any day!

No Im not talkin bout the Simpsons Krazy Kat Lady... Hehe Im talking bout you. I see more fosters in the future. Youre going to end up one of those ladies with 20 cats now Take no offense, ill be doin the same.

Nikki, the comment was coming from you... how could I take offense?




P.S. I knew what you were talking about when you said the cat lady... I just thought it would be funny to put a comment in there about Simpsons.



I'm proud to be an American-- Krazy Kat Lady--Anyday of the week!

Ok so last nights update please? I need some reading material....

I love that simpsons cat lady video lol... Too funny.

Nikki requested that I give an update on last nights excitement!

Dumpster Diving Kitties

Day...? Wait I forget.. Ummm Day 5? ~ October 19, 2007

Last night I attempted to give them their eye drops... I gave the eye drops to the male- no problem and fed him a little bit of baby food to kind of give him a reward. Then we snuggled together laying down on the mattress. He closed his eyes again, and he was just about to fall asleep.........and then..... PHX started screaming at the door. URGH! But me and the male hung out for quite awhile, he feels semi comfortable around me!

Now, my problem is... how do I give the eye drops to the female? I tried picking her up with my gloves, she swatted at me. So I tried using a towel to pick her up and she just runs away, and I can't get her! Does anyone have any ideas?

Sorry it's shorter today, not much happened last night... just bonded with the kitties is all!

See if your dad can help you. Wrap her tightly in a towel and hold her like a baby (limits her mobility). Then with one hand hold her eye open and let dad administer the drops... Or he can hold and you can administer the drops. I have to put eye salve in Osiris's eyes for two weeks and I hold him like a baby, spread his eye apart, and then the bf administers the salve and all is done. I wish he'd take his liquid antibiotics better, that has been really tough for me because we have a defective syringe.

Anyways definitely wrap her in a towel so she cant swat at you with her paws... the only thing that should be sticking out is her head. It may take two people to administer the eye drops, which isnt a bad thing... Sometimes I find two people is better than one at administering the meds.

If she is scared of your dad all together, wrap her up first and then let dad come into the room.

I have to wrap Nollee in a towel whenever we want to put her in the carrier otherwise she slashes me to a bloody pulp (got some scars).

I am supposed to be giving these eye drops daily... I can't expect my dad to drive half an hour every day to do this... and my problem is getting her wrapped up in the towel. She won't let me touch her! I think if I got her caught and wrapped up I wouldn't have a problem shooting the eye drops at her face- LOL!

Oh Im lost. I thought you were still living at your dads place, sorry my mistake. What did T do to administer her drops? You can do the drops all on your own the same way i described, its just catching her that will be the issue. I definitely recommend wearing your gloves for the process and you will need to do the towel method. Dont show kitty that you are stressed, that will just up her stress level. Unfortunately when i first got Nollee I had to scruff her out of her hiding places to give her meds. Im not sure how well your girl kitty will handle being scruffed so if you try it use gloves... Oh and when I say scruff I never pick her up by her scruff, she was usually lying on her side and id slide her out from under a bed or couch by scruffing her.

Id call T and see if she had a set way of giving the girl kitty her meds. Id come and help you in a flash if we didnt live so far away.

Oh, babe.. I'm sorry- I've been back in my house for months now! My dad would have never let me bring these cats to his place!

Its ok... I figured your dad was really understanding to let you bring more kitties in the house.

LOL, no I'm in my own house. The kittens have their own bedroom.

**In case you want to read about the other kittens that "T" has found and are now up for adoption.. here you go:
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/pet/452801533.html

**To read all of the previous posts she's made about the kitties:
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/search/pet?query=storm+drain

**She also does a duck rescue, so if you would like to check that out, here you go:
http://webfootresq.com/

Dumpster Diving Kitties
~October 30, 2007~


Ok, so I know I haven't updated you in a bit, so I thought I would do that! I haven't made much progress with the female. The male- he'll let me hold him, and sometimes I can even get him to purr but he still occasionally hisses at me when I first walk in the room. He won't come up to me and beg for attention or anything.

Last night I decided I am going to introduce the cats.Yay... I just opened up their door so they could come out if they want. PHX walked in there all big and tough..haha- isn't he the actor. Noone got in a fight and he even kept trying to play with the male...but he wouldn't play back. I have a feeling that the more they get to know eachother the better! The female just kind of sat back in a corner and watched, anytime PHX would get close to her she'd hiss at him. PHX was doing this really weird like snorting thing when he was in there. He wasn't hissing or anything but every once in awhile he would just like blow air out his nose. Weird. I kept the door open in there, the kitties actually never came out of the room but PHX hung out in there. When I went to bed I shut the door, for right now I will only have them meet when I'm home to supervise.

Other than that... not much else going on here!

Wow that is a pretty smooth sailing introduction I must say. Mine never went over that well, im glad things are picking up and that the kitties are getting more comfortable with one another. Keep doing what you are doing, seems like everything is going very well. I agree to keep the visits between all three cats to supervision only (for about a week or so) just to avoid any mishaps.

Have your cats ever done that weird snorting thing? I couldn't believe PHX was doing that! When I introduced him to my dads animals he was hissing and swatting at them and wasn't this calm! Maybe it helps that these little guys are like 11 weeks or 12 weeks or something like that..

Ive noticed that when you introduce cats when they are kitties (kitties meeting adults vs adults meeting adults) is much easier. The kitties are more suseptable to realize who is the dominate cat... While some older cats already have establish habits and believe they may be of dominance and this can cause conflict (not in all cases).

My cats have made very airy hisses (that didnt seem like much of a hiss at all) but that is the closest i get to snorting. However mine do have a growling tendancy.

Dumpster Diving Kitties
October 31, 2007

Happy Halloween!

So, I've started introducing the cats... well last night I was in the room playing with PHX with the fishing pool. Ya, well the female LOVED that! She came out and started playing with us! YAY! The male, he just kind of sat back and watched. Every once in awhile he would come out, but not for long. I am so excited the female didn't even seem scared at all! I would like bring the fishing pole close to me and she let me touch her paws without freaking... but she would back away. I have a good feeling, everything will be ok! Just wanted to share that with you!

WOW! What great progress. How was PHX about the whole thing?

And I'm sure I must have asked you this before.. but how do you pronounce his name? Just like the letters, P-H-X?

Its pronounced like Phoenix Arizona.

Thats great Tiffany. The female is kind of like Nollee, terrified of humans but loves her own kind like no tomorrow.

Keep us updated on the introduction process, sounds like things are running quite smooth thus far.

Dumpster Diving Kitties
~November 2, 2007~

So, last night I was pretty determined that I was going to make some progress. I got the kitties in their carrier and brought them into the bathroom-where their hiding places are limited. I sat down with a towel over my lap (since I was in shorts) and made the kitties come out of their carrier. I then closed the door to their carrier, so they don't just hide in their the whole time. I had some baby food that I was feeding them off of a spoon. Then I put some of the baby food on my fingers and let the FEMALE kitty lick it off. I was kind of nervous because I didn't know how this would go...but she seemed very relaxed and was just hungry. Everytime she got all the food gone she would like nibble on my fingers... kind of cute, but it still made me nervous. When she was licking off the food off of my fingers... I reached over and started petting her. This is the first time I have EVER pet the female. She's soooo soft! Then when the food would run out, she's look up, get scared, and back away. She would even give a couple hisses every once in awhile. I think she's just scared and not sure what I'm doing.

I decided that when I'm with the kitties I want PHX around too, he is a great cat and a good influence on them. Last night they had a couple little "fights" but it's because PHX keeps trying to play with them and they won't play back. It's kind of cute... PHX will go up and kind of like swat at their paws in a playful way..then they get mad and will start a "fight". It's nothing serious, PHX is just playful. We haven't had any real fights yet. *knock on wood*

Then I put them back in their carrier and brought them into the living room. (Last night was the first night they ever left their bedroom) I opened up their carrier and put all the cat toys in the living room...every single thing I could think of I put in their for them to play with and see that it's a cat friendly room. As soon as that door opened up the female raced out and checked everything out. The male raced out and hid under the couch. I just left him there... I got kind of side tracked watching "My name is Earl" and just let them wander around. Once the show was over I went looking for them and found them curled up together outside of their room on the opposite side of the house. I just opened the door and let them back in, enough excitement for them in one night. LOL!

So, progress is on the way! I think I've come quite aways, but still have aways to go too. Just wanted to keep you updated!

Still thinking about names...hmmm...

BTW: You pronounce PHX as in Phoenix, Arizona!

Dumpster Diving Kitties
~November 7, 2007~

Last night my sister came over for awhile and was so excited to see the kitties. Well, the kitties were hiding under my couch so she layed down on the floor to see them and put her tiny little hand under there. She said both of the kitties were licking her hands. Awwww, then she was feeding them cat treats under there. They wouldn't come out for her to play with them though. Shoot, they won't even let me play with them really.

I'm getting ready to move into an apartment, have to be out of my house by Dec.1st. I am a little scared about bringing 3 cats into an apartment. We'll see how that goes.

I just want to get them tamed so I can adopt them out. I almost feel like they would do better seperated though. So, I don't know what to do in that department.

Well, there's your update for the day. Nothing too exciting yet...

Thanks for the update. Sounds like you are making good progress! Im glad to hear that the kitties and PHX have only had minor spurts and no serious fighting. That is a major plus! No names yet huh? Gonna have to work on that one
You know if you need help figuring out some names, ive got nothing but time on my hands (well at least while I am at work).

Hehe Im glad that the girl kitty didnt bite your fingers off during your little feeding session. Awww she likes you, overtime she will slowly start to feel more comfortable and allow herself to give you more trust.

Good Job

Dumpster Diving Kitties
~November 8, 2007~


I just wanted to share something real quick...

Every morning when I take a shower PHX is always sitting outside of my shower either laying down or sitting waiting for me to get out. Then as soon as I'm done he runs in the shower and plays in the little puddles, etc. Well, this morning I open up the shower and there are all 3 of my babies sitting and looking at me. Of course as soon as I opened the curtain-the two kitties ran and hid under my bed. I just thought it was so cute I had to share that!

Awww that is cute. I never understood what the fasination is with the shower? Most cats arent fond of water but they have no issue plunking around in puddles, laying on the wet surface, and licking the faucet? Such odd creatures.

When you find out..let me know! I could never figure out why PHX looks forward to my shower every morning.. some mornings he'll already be waiting for me in the bathroom... it's my daily routine to get up take a shower, get dressed, and leave. He knows my schedule and if I don't take a shower... man I wonder what he does? LOL!

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE:

The kittens now have names:

male: DVS (like Devious)
female: Gypsie

Hmmmm where did you come up with those lol.... Hehehe I had to

my best (online) friend helped me come up with those names...thanks for asking though nikki! I'll tell her that you like them!

I know you told me already..but I had to post.. YAY! It's so cool that they have names now, it always feels so special to me when animals finally have their names...

Oh, thanks hun! I was kind of reluctant (spelling?) on giving them names because I don't know if I'm keeping either of them or not... and once they have names you become bonded instantly. Yup, but they have names. I just know I can't keep them both...

I figured you were putting off names to avoid that type of attachment. However you picked some cute names. Isnt it nice that you have something to call them now? Make sure to keep updating this thread. Ive gained some attachment and their not even my kitties

I'm almost falling for the female kitty. She is so cute. She'll come out and play with PHX but only when I sit on the couch really still and don't move.I find her playing all the time... she just won't play with me. And the male...he just hides. I never see him out really...

Yes, I didn't want to name them..but I've had them long enough and it's time they have names

I took some cute pics of the kitties last night. I have some cute pics of me holding DVS. Will post them next week!

Awww cant wait to see them!

Dumpster Diving Kitties
~November 14, 2007~

Not too much to add to this... everyone is getting along "OK". Gypsie will come out and play with PHX in the living room, but is too scared of me still. What can I do to get this to change? It's annoying the ** out of me that she has been here this long and still won't let me hold her or even pet her.

DVS will let me pick him up if I come to him, but still isn't comfortable coming out and playing yet. I do catch him in the living room in a corner watching everyone else though. I've noticed that they have been coming out to PHX feeding area and eating his food and PHX has been then going and eating theirs. Since I free feed them, I really don't know what to do to control that.

If anyone has any good pointers or comments.. feel free to let me know! This is my first time with ferals and I have just been playing it by ear.

Also, I am getting ready to move into an apartment... so I would like to get these kittens tamed and adopted out.

There's your update for the day!

Honestly it is going to take time for Gypsy to warm up to you. It took me 2 full months before Nollee finally would approach me on rare occasssion (usually while sleeping). Ive had her almost a year now and she still runs from me in fear at times. Time is the only thing that will tell how she will interact with the human kind. When I got Nollee I used to harrass her for short periods of time everyday. Id pick her up and pet her at least 1 to 2 times a day and use interactive toys... However if she struggled, trembled, or tried to scurry away i wouldnt hold her back from doing so. I wanted her to trust me. Nollee still has trust issues with humans and I think she will remain that way considering she was feral for so long (and who knows how she was treated when she was rescued).

Just keep trying to interact with her in small incriments a few times a day. Same for DVS. Patience is key in this process, I know its a pain and struggle but there isnt a whole lot you can do. Just as we cant force people to have trust in us (its on their own terms) we cant force animals either. Maybe try incorporating treats. My mom is trying to gain the trust of Nollee (Osiris already trusts my mom and everyone else he encounters for that matter) by giving her a treat every morning and every night... Each day she tries to step a little closer to Nollee when putting the treat down on the ground (this coming from a woman who claims she hates cats )!

Reward them after a petting session, reward them after playing, etc... In moderation of course (I sometimes use their actual cat food as treats). Im not saying you must use treats to gain their trust, its just a little trick Ive used for quite some time!

But she won't let me pick her up is the problem... Any time I come near her...she runs away and hisses. I am very suprised she still hisses.. not often but whenever I get inside of her little "box". I still almost feel that they would both do better if they were in seperate homes. But, what do I know... LOL! Thanks for all your help Nikki, and everyone else! I know this is going to be a long process and it takes time...it's just frustrating!

Hmmm Id work on just petting and gaining a few inches closer to her each day... If she runs so be it. Just keep trying, if you are not comfortable picking her up and she isnt cool with it either then skip that part. Keep using your interactive toys and giving her a few strokes here and there when she lets you. Trust me I know how frustrating it is. Nollee is still deathly afraid of people but Ive grown to love her for what she is, knowing that she is only willing to give so much trust. Hang in there, you are doing everything you should be doing!!!!

~November 19, 2007~
Dumpster Diving Kitties

I have come to find out that Gypsie will let me pet her when she's eating. That's the only time she lets me pet her though.

Both Gypsie and DVS have become more adventurous. They come out and play more. Still to the point where they won't really let me near them, and I get the occasional hiss. I'm just trying to be patient with them

Just a quick update... in the process of moving so I have a lot going on here!!

Dumpster Diving Kitties
~November 26, 2007~

PHX and Gypsie have really started to bond well. They are always laying by eachother.. Gypsie is following him around like a little shadow. So adorable! But DVS is still shy... he prefers to stay under my bed, under my couch or in a corner watching everyone else. He's definetly a loner. With me in the process of moving, I wonder how they are going to take it all. They are going to have smaller room for 3 cats and a new environment. I am sure they will do fine! Will update you again after I get moved into my apartment (move in this weekend).

Thanks for the update and good luck with your move. In a few days time they will adjust. They may hide for the most part their first day in the new place. Then again that isnt always the case.

One thing I noticed while I was home sick these last two days is that everytime DVS tries to snuggle with PHX... PHX will get up and walk away or will swat at him to leave him alone (in a nice way). But yet him and Gypsie are constantly together. PHX is playing favoritism. What a bully.

Thats no bully... Tiger completely favors Nollee... He is a gem to her. He is a serious jerk to Osiris, he attacks him violently all the time and for no reason. Osiris never fights back (which I wish he would) and never enters Tiger's territory. Tiger is a massive bully compared to PHX. PHX just has it for his little lady friend and seems he rather not be bothered by DVS. It is much better for them to co-exist then it is for them to fight constantly. I wouldnt worry over it much (it's kinda cute, in a sad way)... Trust me things could be MUCH worse!

How did they handle the move?

They all handled the move PERFECTLY! I could not have asked for it better. I had the two kitties in their carrier and PHX got to ride shot gun. He rides really well in the car so I let him ride free. He just layed down in the back seat next to the carrier and went to sleep! It was only like a 30 minute trip to the apartment. They are having a blast running around the boxes, on top of them, knocking them over, hiding behind them, in them... It's so cute! I think they will like it here! Also, my new apartment has 3...yes 3... closets in my bedroom- so I made one of the closets the kitty litter box area. Yay. This morning when I woke up Gypsie was sleeping on the bed with me.. I very carefully tried to pet her...nope... she got down real quick. Oh well. I think they are doing great! I already found out that the complex has a neighborhood stray. So cute. So I'm going to have to put food out there for her!

Im glad the move went well (congrats on that) and that the kitties like their new digs. As for the stray??? Your a sweetie to put food out for it...

I'm not sure yet if she's a stray or someone's cat that they just let outside like 24/7 because she is socialized. When I'm sitting out on my patio she'll come jump right up on my lap and rub against me. I think it's a her. I would name her patches... she has really pretty patches (markings) on her body. She seems healthy except for a few eye boogers but nothing serious. Soooo cute!

I just wanted to keep you guys updated... If you ever have any questions about what's going on..feel free to ask me! No big changes happen it's just little things... I think I have decided that I'm not going to keep them, i am just going to foster them and then give them up for adoption....

I stand behind you whatever your decision. Three cats is alot to handle (this I know all too well, I give credit to those who have more than three kitters)... Feel free to keep us updated. How are DVS and Gypsie doing? Are their social skills improving?

Ok, I don't know if i ever mentioned this to you guys but when I moved to Arizona I had several cats in Iowa. But I couldn't bring them with me and had to find new homes for them all. Which of course I hated to do, but I had to. One of the cats I had since he was a kitten and I was very very bonded to him and couldn't see myself giving him up. So I convinced my mom (who hates cats in the house) to take care of him for me and when I got my own place I would come back to get him. It was seriously not supposed to take this long... Shes had him for like a year and half. Well, I just kinda thought that she's so attached to him now (she's in love with him) that I didn't want to take him away from that and take away her cat now. So I never thought twice about it. But I talked to her a couple weeks ago about it, and she said that it's my cat, always will be, and she can tell he misses me.. (He isn't as social as when I had him) Awwww so I'm hoping this summer I will come get him.

His name is Chewbacca but we call him Chewy. (Yes, he was named before I got him) He's almost 4??? He's neutered and *gasp* declawed. I declawed him before I knew what that really meant. So... I can't possibly have 4 cats. I'm really attached to Chewy and would love to bring him home with me.. I have vowed to myself that I will never get rid of him again because I miss him so much... Just like PHX... I've really bonded with the both of them.

But me having the foster kitties- they are just fosters to me. They are cute and I love them, but I don't think I'm going to keep them permanently. I think I'm going to have a hard time finding homes for them though, because they won't seem to socialize with me at all. Gypsie still hisses at me sometimes and DVS still hides under my bed. Of course they come out and play at night in the living room with PHX, but they won't consider playing with me.

So, I'm kind of confused right now... i would love to keep them longer and get them socialized- and they have come a long way since I got them... It's just it seems like a never ending process... If I were to keep them I wouldnt be so worried- but honestly I just want to tame them, get them socialized and get them adopted out before they get too old and noone will want them.

So there ya go....

Im sure someone will want to adopt them. Nollee wasn't into people at all. I was intrigued by that so I took her home (knowing that nobody else would probably want her because she is so skiddish) she was the best decision ever. Sure she is skiddish but she is a good cat, fun to watch, and very loving on her terms. Im sure there are more people out there that think like me and would be up for the challenge, the hard part is finding them.

I hope you and chewy can be reunited one day

OMG Nikki When i went to visit my mom and my family in Iowa... Chewy seriously RAN BOLTED JUMPED at me.... I feel so bad... I hate having to give away your pets. But now I'm at a point in life where I'm more secure, responsible and I know I won't have to get rid of them again. OK now I'm getting sad because I haven't seen him in like a year and a half.

And that comment you made about having 3 cats is a lot OMG I really notice it when I'm constantly out of food, kitty litter, etc. Geeez! But, I love them.. They are great cats and have a lot of potential. How do you do guys do it? Imagine the people that have like 10 cats, holy cow...bless their hearts! LOL

I dont know how I do it, but I guess I know why Im always so broke lol. It does get costly providing vet care for three cats, buying their food, toys, and litter. Im definitely at my max mark... No more kitties for me. I hate to say it but three is a crowd (well almost). I have no idea how people manage to have more than 3 cats.

Awwww Chewy loves you, I hope you can get him back soon. Your mom is going to be sad though, its amazing... My mom HATES cats but she fell in love with Nollee and Osiris. Heck when I moved back to the apartment she asked if I was going to leave Nollee and Osiris with her (my sis and her both wanted to keep em). To this day she still says she hates cats.... Which is the biggest lie to ever spill out of her mouth. I dont get why people deny their love for kitties?

Nikki I don't know why either? Isn't that weird. Just admit- you love cats LOL!!!

My mom told me that after I take Chewy she's never getting another cat again... We'll see But ya I think she's more of a dog person, but since Chewy's been there she's gotten to see the "loveable" side of animals! He likes to headbutt if you don't pet him! hehe And he sleeps "under" your kneck. So she's gotten to see how cats are a good pet to have around.

She sounds just like my mom... Makes no sense, I asked my mom if I could get my sister her own cat for xmas and she told me heck no... but she was willing to keep my two cats???? My mom is always saying cats just arent dogs... She just needs to come to terms with the fact that she loves them both and that is ok...

OK, so I have 2 exciting things to report. Well, they are exciting to me anyways.

#1 Usually if I have company over at my place, the two kittens will hide in my bedroom, under my bed... and basically freak out. Well, last night my neighbor came over and we were just sitting there talking and Gypsie came up and was smelling his feet. Then all of a sudden DVS came out... They then hung out in the living room with us all night. LOL, then my neighbor was playing with the laser light with the kitties... I think he was having more fun then the kitties.

#2 A couple days ago.. Gypsie and PHX were hanging out in my bedroom laying together (as usual). Well, I calmly walked up to them and noticed that Gypsie didn't jump down. So I slowly reached over and petted her. She let me do that a good 3-4 times before she hissed and jumped down. This is an improvement... she usually only lets me pet her when she's eating. This is the first time I've ever pet her besides that! YAY! These kitties have come quite a ways!



There's my update!

Well, the kitties have started coming around more. Started hanging out in the living room more then ever now... unless I'm up moving around and making noise then they are in the bedroom. Gypsy will let me pet her every once in awhile. Mostly when I just kind of catch her off guard. Still won't allow it to happen for very long, and will soon jump down and run away. DVS is still shy... When I feed them they know what I'm doing when I pick up their food bowls so they will follow me to the food, and sit right by me and wait for me to fill them up. Then we all walk back over to where there food dishes are kept and they all sit and wait for me to put down the dishes. Then they sit there, look at me, wait for me to leave, then pig out! I've noticed that Gypsy is by far the fastest eating cat I have ever seen in my life. I've heard once that any feral cats being tamed will eat fast like that, because in the wild they ate fast so noone else could get to it, and you just never know when your next meal is. So Gypsy eats sooo fast I sometimes wonder if thats healthy for her. But oh well! LOL There's my update!

Update- January 8th, 2008-

Kitties are doing good. I think they are at about the same stage as the last time I updated everyone. Just wanted to keep you guys informed though. Still waiting to hear back about the spay/neuter. I'll let you know what's up!

It's not uncommon that gypsie would chow down her food like that. My dog Angel was always like that. She was raised on a farm where she had to share food with a ton of puppies (theyd only put out one bowl) and she was abused.... So she always ate as fast as she could... Afraid it would be taken away or someone else would devour it. It was kind of sad. However she was the best dog ever. Im glad to hear things are looking up with the kitters. Keep is informed, and let us know how the spay/neuter search is going.

Will do. Thanks for all of your support through all of this Nikki and to everyone else. Definetly an experience! LOL

OMG OMG OMG! This morning I was on my way to take a shower and Gypsie was laying in my path...and as always... I bent down to try to pet her. (I do this often so they get used to hands reaching at them and petting them LOL) Well this time she stayed. She didn't run away!!! So I pet her for a good 2 minutes before she ran. There were no hisses, but I could tell her was a little tense! Maybe this is the start of her being ok with me sharing the house with her LOL! YAY! Had to share the news!

Just a quick update:

Kitties are doing good.... will probably get them spayed and neurtered soon and then after they recover from that start looking for their new homes...

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear that they are doing well. Good luck with the spay and neuter. Let us know how that goes. Im hoping they find great homes. Your a sweety for taking them in.

Aww thanks Nikki! It sure has been fun having these little guys... but at the same time I just want to find them their permanent homes! PHX is going to miss his little girlfriend too! LOL I'll definetly keep you updated! Thanks girl for all your support through this journey of craziness! *hugs*

You know I got your back girl. Awww PHX is gonna be lonely without his little gf. Poor boy.

Yeah but I'm bringing my cat from Iowa this summer... so then he'll have a permanent friend that won't be going away anymore!

That's right I forgot you were bringing your kitty down to AZ. Yay!

I've been in contact with an agency that will spay/neuter the cats for me, but they told me that they will ear tip them and told me to release them back into the wild! THATS SOOOO NOT RIGHT! They are set and determined that these cats won't become completely tamed.

So I emailed the lady that I originally got the cats from and she is furious with that agency telling me that. She's going to help me get vouchers for free spay/neuter and help me find homes for them. The worst case scenerio is that I leave them with a friend of hers that has a barn they could live in and he would take care of them by feeding them, etc. I wouldn't have a problem with that at all...but dropping them off just in the wilderness is not an option for me.

Did the agency even meet the cats to determine if they were tameable? That is **. Nollee was feral for the first 5 to 6 months of her life. She was part of the TNR program, I ended up adopting her and she is domesticated as can be now. It takes time and patience but it is possible. Sure there are some kitties that cannot be tamed, but this doesn't seem to be the case with your two.

NO! They NEVER met the cats, never asked me any questions about the cats or anything. I am definetly NOT going to be using their advice.

I dont see anything wrong with the ear tipping in a case that they couldnt be domesticated and needed to be released into the wild... That way they would be marked as spayed/neutered... but to decided that they cant be domesticated with no info on the cats at all is just ridiculous. Id go somewhere else.

I had a small break through yesturday with Gypsy... She was laying on the floor and I bent over to try to pet her (as I always do..so she gets used to it) and well this time she actually stayed and didn't run away! She let me pet her...and she enjoyed it! LOL This is the first time I ever EVER got her to start purring and rolling around. She was even letting me pet under her chin. Which usually when I go for the face she runs... It was really quite amazing!!! Thought I would share the excitement with you guys! If only I could get DVS to be let me pet him! It's so weird because at the beginning of all of this.. I thought DVS would be the first to come around!!

That is awesome Tiffany. Nollee was the same way as Gypsy. Nollee is still getting used to being pet. She is loving it now, but wasn't a fan for quite some time. Guess she didn't know what she is missing out on. That is great progress, it shows that she trusts you. You must be thrilled. Now DVS needs to come around and get some lovin.

I went back and was reading some of my posts from when I first got the kitties and Gypsy has progressed SOOOOOOOOO Much! It's absolutely amazing!