On Thu, 28 Jul 2016 02:33:33 +0100, "Christina Websell"
wrote:


"dgk" wrote in message
.. .
On Thu, 23 Jun 2016 11:08:36 -0700, Joy
wrote:

On 6/23/2016 4:47 AM, dgk wrote:
On Mon, 20 Jun 2016 19:05:54 +0100, "Christina Websell"
wrote:



But as I'm typing this I can see her walking down the hall so at least
she is out looking the place over again. It's just three weeks short
of a year since we arrived here. Well, maybe once I get the yard
fenced and she can go out, she'll fall in love with the lizards and
finally be happy again.


Yes, I understand. You're considering her happiness. The reason
everybody is telling you not to take her back is that we're considering
her safety. For a good many years, I had a cat door and my cats could
go in and out as they wished. My current cats have always been indoor
cats, so that is no longer the case. Also, I understand there are now
coyotes in the neighborhood, so I wouldn't let them out anyway. If your
area is safe from predators, you might consider installing a cat door.

Yes, it's always safety vs freedom. I just hate seeing her slink
around when she used to run around so happily. I really thought that
she would adapt much quicker. Is a long miserable life better than a
shorter happy life? If I thought that she'd never be happy inside, I'd
take her back today, but I do hold out hope.

I don't think we have coyotes around, although supposedly we do, but I
have seen foxes in my yard. Small ones, not much bigger than the
catrs, but I do not want them in the yard at the same time. So there
will be a cat door, but it will only be open when the yard is enclosed
and during the daylight hours. And only when I'm home, and at the
beginning, only when I'm out there with them.

That sounds like a good idea. I'm cautiously confident that she will adapt
to the home eventually, but it does take a long time, a year wasn't enough
for Boyfie, even though he wasn't a true feral it was more than two years,
nearer three. Now I can hardly peel him off my lap. Give her more time and
don't push her to be friendly, just go about about your business, speak
kindly when you put her food down. Use a special word when you do and
eventually you can use that word to get her to come out. I used to whistle
4 tones and now Boyfie will come in from the out if I do that. Just be
patient, it's not easy and there's no short term fix. Let her hide if she
wants to. I still don't disturb Boyfie if he's gone to his "own" bedroom
even now. Don't expect Baby to ever be like socialised cats, she won't be.
Lots of luck with her.
Tweed

Thanks for the encouragement. And I think there is friction between
Marlo and Baby that is causing Marlo's overgrooming issue. I think I'm
going to speak to the "behavioral" vet specialist although it will
cost at least $400. There is a $200 initial fee, plus someone comes to
the house to look over the situation and make specific
recommendations. Sounds like My Cat From Hell.