Accepted Answer

Hello,

A feral cat (one who has grown up outside/in the street), and doesn't have much contact, if any, with humans, will be very wary and skittish and not allow herself to be picked up, held, touched, etc.

Each cat is different, and sometimes, very slowly, after many months or even years of being around you and your family and seeing that you're no threat to her, you provide her with food, shelter, etc., she might allow you to touch her.

Your initial idea of having her take food from your hand was a very good one, and one day, she may do this, so keep on trying, but don't make her feel under any stress/pressure. For the meantime, I recommend taking a piece of your clothing (an old t-shirt, etc., unwashed) and placing it in her little house. If she's constantly exposed to your scent, she'll feel more familiar with it. Also, use a cat appeasing pheromone called Feliway, which comes in a spray and also a plug in diffuser, but if she's not living in your home, you have no place to plug that in. Spray it around the outside of her little house and the outside of your house, but make sure it's dry before she has access to the area, and that might help her relax and feel more comfortable with you, also. Here is more information re: feliway: www.catfaeries.com/feliway.html

It was very kind of you to take in this furry girl, and I hope things work out well!

Cher

Expert:	Jessesmom
Pos. Feedback:	99.7 %
Accepts:
Answered:	1/29/2009

Feline Specialist Health/Behavior

Feline Healthcare and Behavior Specialist 40+ years Experience