I have come across a Maine Coon mix that was born in a feral colony. This cat is now in a foster home and I am considering adopting him. Currently, he is terrified of people and not too thrilled with other cats. He seems calm with his foster mother. What is the probability that he can become a friendly, non-terrified pet? Anyone have experience in this area? He's 10 months old currently, fixed and vaccinated.

thanks in advance

Jen Bennett

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2001

Answers

We have two Maine Coons. Neither of which were feral, but both were rescues. One was from an SPCA and the other we got from a breeder after it was returned to him from a home where the children abused it. Most cats will come around and become loving additions to any home if they are given love, attention, good food, medical attention and most of all patience. The cat will probably learn to trust you in time after he or she has discovered that it will be much more comfortable inside your home and receive tons of attention. We have found that our cats trusted and bonded to us more quickly if we set aside playtime each day with a collection of toys. They now look forward to playtime and remind us if we are late in starting playtime. Both of these cats have set into routines and have bonded with us and each other. Rescuing a cat, giving it a loving home and seeing it happy is the best feeling. When you bring the cat home for the first time, many people suggest that you confine it to one room for a short time so that it will grow accustomed to the smaller surroundings before letting it expore the whole house and going into sensory overload. We slept with each cat in the room for a few nights until we thought it was alright to introduce the cats to the house and each other. We found that when the cats became frightened during thier exploration, they returned to this room and seemed to calm down and feel safe. I hope you decide to adopt this cat. Maine Coons are fastastic, we are now considering a third Coon companion.

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2001

Hi Jen- My Maine Coon came from a feral colony. I believe he was abandoned there when he was about a year old. I don't know how long he was out on his own, but he had definately become feral before I got him. It took me several tries to trap him, but in a few short weeks he came around very nicely and is the most loving, sweet cat I could hope for. I manage two feral colonies, and have extensive experience in taming ferals. They nearly always bond with one person first, and it takes a little patience for them learn to trust others. However, once you win them over, they will love you and bond with you, too. In my years of feral trapping, I've only had to give up and re-release one back to the colony. She was never friendly, and after many weeks of trying we knew she could not learn to trust us. I'm sure the foster mother knows if her (your) Maine Coon is ready for a new family. She would not put all that effort into helping this cat into a new life, and then give him up to a new home too soon. Enjoy your new friend. It sounds like he is going to a good home with someone who will always love and care for him. Congratulations!

-- Anonymous, February 23, 2001