Eccentric Flower talk:201110/It Hasnt Gotten Less Crazy

Bunny42:

You are describing classic feral cat behavior. If they were very young when you got them, they may adapt, but it will take a long time. The older ones are so set in their notions, they don't really get socialized, in the sense we think of as pets. I don't know how long you are willing to wait, but they don't seem to be fulfilling the function you had in mind, which is to become a part of the family. A purring cat in your lap would do much to reduce your stress. Tip-toeing around these two isn't helping you relax. Sounds heartless to suggest returning them, but it might be your only alternative. I hope not. They are beautiful cats.

Oh, and "that word" sets my teeth to grinding. I find the whole idea that one can sit down one fine month and write a novel to be an insult to actual serious novelists everywhere. A jump start? Maybe, but how many actually succeed?

-- 17:17, 30 October 2011 (GMT)

Columbina:

Oh, we'd never return them. This is their home now; they're used to it, if not to us. Sending them someplace else, let alone back to the shelter, wouldn't be fair to them.

One thing we have been considering, although it's not an idea either of us is wild about, is getting a third cat, one that's already well-socialized, to act as an example. Several people who have worked with semi-feral cats say this actually works - but we'll need to be a lot more desperate to do it, because two cats is plenty.

-- 22:16, 30 October 2011 (GMT)

Bunny42:

Oooo, interesting idea. I'd have been scared that the ferals would harm the new one, but if others have vetted this, it sounds like a good idea. If nothing else, you'd have at least one lap cat. 8-)

-- 23:37, 30 October 2011 (GMT)