Wednesday, November 21, 2018

A Darcy Update


You have to forgive the quality of the photos. To say she doesn't make it easy is an understatement.


Darcy spends her time in the cage. I have seen her come out to eat but as soon as she sees me she darts right back in the cage. I am trying to earn her trust by providing good things when I show up. Only problem is that those good things are generally not placed in the cage. There isn't much proof that I'm the one providing the 'good things'

If I have time, I try to lift the sheet up and let her 'spend time with me' but I can tell she is very nervous. She often balls herself up in a corner when I do this. I don't like having her so fearful so I don't do this a lot. Sometimes I crawl in the cage with her, no easy task, and talk softly to her and pet her, but again, this is hard on her. I'm in a weird position, I take up most of the cage, etc.

I have tried putting the food bowl in there with her and if I get it right back to her face she'll start eating, which is a huge sign of trust in a fearful cat.  I've started pulling the bowl forward to see if I can get her to move towards the front of the cage, and I can get her to do that too, but only so far.

Then the other day I thought I'd try something..


Yup, I got her to eat from my hand. I have to say I give this cat way more trust than I should for such a timid and fearful cat. I know full well if she wanted to she could do some serious damage to me, especially when I am kissing her forehead.. (but more on that later)

During the video, she was sitting on the top shelf. I was able to use the food to entice her down to the first shelf (see above) and then to the ground level. I was trying to remain calm but inside I was doing the crazy crazy happy dance.

Then..


and then.


She was only three feet out, the other back leg was safely tucked away in the cage.  I pushed it just a little bit more and she retreated to the cage.. Ah well, you win some you lose some..

Every few days I pull Darcy out of the cage to be able to put my hands on her. I do my best to do a once over without being horribly intrusive. I spend time cooing at her and telling her she is safe and scratching her ears and chin and kissing her forehead. I know she just wants back in the cage.. but she is putting up with me for longer and longer periods of time. I am doing my best not to push too far..

I do believe she will come around eventually and make someone a great companion for a calm quiet house, but I am pretty sure that is far more time than I am going to have with her.

But let's hope I am wrong.

12 comments:

  1. You are working so hard for this timid girl - I hope she comes around for you. The progress she has already shown is pretty awesome.

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  2. So much patience and love you give your fosters. We know this is helping her so much in her journey.

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  3. I'm going to make the crazy mad assumption that the shelter will be very careful in choosing a family for Darcy.

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  4. every little step is progress (and mom has done that internal happy dance too)

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  5. Time and patience. She will be one who you will always have to nudge her boundaries, but because it's always worked out well she will go along with another small step.

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  6. Darcy will blossom under your tutelage...someday...
    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  7. Hopefully you will be given more time with her, since you have made so much progress with her.

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  8. Some cats just don't make it easy. We're sure Darcy will come around...she's already made some progress.

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  9. You are so kind and patient. It sounds like Darcy has made some good progress and it also sounds like that is no easy feat. I really hope she becomes increasingly more trusting.

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  10. This is wonderful! Thank you for all you are doing to help Darcy learn that people can be good and loving.

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  11. She's so shy ! Those are already huge progresses ! Purrs

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  12. You've made some good progress, but it still makes me sad to see her fearfulness. It makes me wonder what kind of life she had before.

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