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Expert: - 10/8/2011


Question
Hello. We are housing right now 2 feral kittens. We used to have 3 but the older female (Missy, 2 months old) found a way out of the kennel and hid in the house with the 6 week old one.
Missy panicked in our house and finally found her way out the window.
I don't understand though why the male (Tiger, 2 months old) did not even try to get out of the cage with the others, and why did Lily (6 weeks) run from us, bite and claw my dad and I when we tried to catch her? in the kennel she is very affectionate and loved the attention she received?
We give her good food, fresh water. We play with her, and pet her all the time in the cage. We also give Tiger equal amount of attention.
When Lily escaped out of the cage with missy she wouldn't let us near her? she hid somewhere in our living room and wouldn't come out when she saw us.
Why is she lovable in the cage, and mean outside of it?

Answer
Hi Becca,

She most likely is frightened outside because of the big spaces and loud noises. She was protecting herself. Inside the cage she feels safe. She feels her cage affords her protection. And also there probably isn't alot of traffic around it. The cage is off in a quiet area. When you come upon her in the cage she feels very relaxed and not threatened. She is young and will get over this in time. As for Tiger, males are lazy. He knows it's a good thing where he is at. He is not about to leave his bed and food. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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