I know what you are going thru. I rescued 2 kittens from a garage of a friend where they were born. They were feral kittens and didn’t take to my kindness. I only was prepared to take one of them, but her brother seemed interested so I took the two of them. I had a box, but they weren’t having that, they rode in the back window of my car. Got them home and put them in my b/r. Mind you I have 2 grown cats and 4 dogs. I left the kittens in my room and let them come out when they were ready. They tore the bottom of my boxspring open and hid in there for weeks. Little by little they came around. It’s been 9 mos. now and they come out of the room and join in the fun with the other dogs. The cats (older) are not too fond of them, but oh well, they will adapt. They just growl alittle. You are right to give her TLC a little at a time. Rub her head, behind her ears and when you see her tag wailing you know shes had enough. A little bit at a time and in short time she will be your best bud. My two critters sleep all over me! LOL I love my furkids more then some of my family members. Sad but true.
Thank you for your input. In my heart, I know that she needs TLC on her terms, but my eyes water when I think of how long she was confined...24”X24”X24” for six months doesn’t give a cat a lot of room to just be a cat. I won’t push her, that much I have decided. It will all be on her terms, but I will see that she WANTS to be with me. That’s my job as I see it!
She was confused by the flap on the litterbox (which I have subsequently discarded) and ended up peeing on my bed...my new quilt, my only blanket and a set of flannel sheets were the recipients of her distress. I took the top completely off the box, but now I need to invest in clumping litter, which is what I thought I got.
I have problems with my lungs, and the dust bothers me, but I don’t want her to have respiratory problems, so I’m going to look for some “green” litter. For both of us!