Oh, I am so happy for you Sally.... you took the plunge!

Cats really can be so loving. She may still hide a bit for a while, until she feels more secure. Little Maya holds the RECORD for hiding... over 10 days upNorth, and another 2 weeks here!

I was almost ready to give up, thinking she was too feral. Then bingo...she accepted us. She is turning out to be very very affectionate and is very well behaved too. We are shocked.

What I did was make a play area upNorth and she would come out for a few minutes there to play. Then zoom back to hiding.
So then I started with human quality tuna, left over steak and chicken, and bacon, here and there in a little dish to lure her out. These tidbits were very helpful and she couldn't resist. She also does not like loud talking or excitement, but is getting used to that now too, at 6mos. The TV was a big hurdle for her. So I kept it really down in volume.

If you order online, we find this string toy very inexpensive and all cats seem to love it...
http://www.amazon.com/Cat-Dancer-301...words=cat+toys
She may like it if you do it slowly, because of her foot, etc.
But the string on this is so soft, our cats cannot resist it.

Sounds like you are Pals already. Cats give off such wonderful healing vibes. I suspect she is empathetic this way because of her own situation. I am so glad you tried

Boy this thread has really lifted my spirits!!
Sal my son has one of those robotic litter box cleaners-sweeps back & forth & gathers the clumps into a Baggie which he ties up & dumps-when he remembers
Keep us up to date...God gives us pets to soothe our souls-and gives pets humans to provide purpose.

Long hair cats need grooming much more than short hair.

Short hair cats as they age, cannot groom as well, and then you need more attention to it. But younger short hairs don't need much grooming IMO. Once a week at that.

Short hairs with that heavy undercoat of fluff need that removed from time to time. But Weezie is a Bombay and doesn't have the underfur, and when I comb her nothing comes out! Attention to the shoulder area and tail area on the back, and tail, when she begins to trust you more will be appreciated as they can't reach there themselves.

I know a gal with two of the hairless Sphinx breed...and she has to give them a bath once a week! They get oily and smell! ick ick..not to mention looking like alien creatures! As much as I love cats I don't think I could handle that task, myself!

This is little Maya upNorth, when she first appeared on the cushions, of the old sofa. And not on just any cushions, but the special extra soft one (orange in the photo)! I was so happy to see her there one day.
Her play area was just below, so that is probably a factor too.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/al...pictureid=7089

and new little kitten Maya hiding... but I spied her and snapped this photo.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/al...pictureid=7087
I used to call "Where's Maya?" Now when I call her she appears
pronto! She will jump out as us as we walk by...in play.

I scooped out her litter and put a little new fresh in. Not too difficult. Fed her a mix of friskies wet and some kind of dry food, she seems to like. Talked to, stroked and played a little with her. She was satisfied and dashed back to her safe place.

She also likes sitting in the liv room bay window. NEWSFLASH....she is now sitting on my lap purring and staring at me. She is now perched on my scooter, in the drivers seat...lol. OK, I'm almost hooked. She is well behaved.

Thanks all for all of your hints, help and cheerleading.

What a beautiful picture Sally. Glad the two of you found each other

They capture your heart quickly. She sounds like a little angel. My sister used to have a black cat named Cinders. I can't wait for pictures.

Aw...Adorable Mrs. D . Is that the glint of mischief I see in her eyes? I always melt when they flash that "Who me?" look...bet you do too .

Hey Sally,
QUOTE: "She is now perched on my scooter, in the drivers seat...lol."

Told ya

This thread is such a delight.
Thanks everyone.

With love, Erika

Sounds like Cinders is coming out of her shell. Remember that you said she is well-behaved because I see some mischief and limit-testing on the horizon! Kitties are so fun!

She LOVES Miss Sally!!

@ewiz. I just viewed your youtube video of your cats. Mine do the same. It was wonderful.

@Sally. I am very impressed that Cinder is getting so comfortable so quickly. You are being so gentle and doing everything right.

As her personality emerges, she will find ways to respond to your voice and try to make you laugh.

Mango grabs his tail and licks furiously when he is playful.

Luna likes to meow plaintively in another room waiting for me to find her. Then she looks at me stupidly.

Gabby likes to dive under my bedspread and think no one sees her.

All respond to my silly voice as if a cue to be cute.