Ellie and Emma were trapped, along with two other cats from their litter, and put up for adoption. Their siblings, although feral, were social, and got adopted quickly. These two, though, were very skittish and frightened. I’d been treating them with tuna and cheese and chicken when I went to clean the cages, and when I managed to get Ellie to sit on my lap, I was asked to take them home to try to socialize them.

I let them out into the house too early, though, and they spent a few days hiding. We brought them into our bedroom so we could keep them out of trouble and separated from the other animals for a bit. They spent their time hiding under the bed, coming out only when they needed to use the litterbox (they held it in a lot!) and when I gave them food. I started by putting dry food in a bowl and sitting close to them, but if they wanted tuna or chicken or cheese, they had to take it from my fingers. They’d come out only when I was feeding them, and dash under the bed again if there was any noise or movement. I began stroking them while they ate, from behind and from the neck back, so they wouldn’t be startled, and they’d associate me with food and petting. Ellie warmed up first, and could be picked up and held, would sit in my lap to be petted, but still went to hide. Emma liked to be petted on her back while she was out, but wouldn’t let me touch her head unless she was under the bed. I didn’t know how long it would take to get them over their fear and interested in socializing with people and other animals. Well, between last night and this morning there was a breakthrough.

I’d gotten Emma on my lap briefly last night. This morning, they came out to greet me, and purred and rubbed against me without any promise of food. I lured Emma onto my lap with a trail of food, and she stayed, enjoying having her head and neck scratched. And what you don’t see in this picture is that the dog and two of the cats are also in the room. I hope we can get them adopted this weekend!