Taming a Feral Barn Cat

[@gabriellewilder501]

I’m a feral cat tamer and have found that the layout of the training room makes all the difference. I had my garage divided into two rooms, one was a finished office with a daybed and the other was a workshop with storage shelving. The feral cats could chose which room they wanted to decompress in. It took only about 5 weeks for them to start getting comfy around me. I just hung out on the daybed and read books until they got up there and started to cuddle. All house cats want a bed to sleep on and furniture to hide behind. A big empty room is not going to help them to get domesticated.

[@jaynesegman7847]

🐱 Thats kind of you. Im a vet volunteer. Just remember that if cats are catching rodents, theyll need to be dewormed. also feed a healthy canned food, and water. dry food thats cheaper can cause urinary blockage and kidney problems. try purina one, or fancy feast brands.

[@patibulary]

exactly and neither is reaching at them with a glove for no reason, you just gotta let them come to you in their own time

[@bobmanp8653]

yes

[@Tomorrowandtomorrowandtomorrow]

yeah this guy doesnt understand cats

[@Biloxicharles]

@@Tomorrowandtomorrowandtomorrow he's learning Most of us learn through our mistakes. LOL

[@andrewpuz7342]

I rescued a feral cat from my porch. I let him in the house he ran strait under my bed. It took him 2 months to come out and say hello.he would come out at nite to eat and when i wasnt home he would walk around. First day he used the litterbox. Now 1 year later he doesnt leave my side.the cat follows me to the bathroom and he jumps in bed with me. He is a great little buddie

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

That’s awesome, you did a great job 👏

[@cyndiburns7932]

I've trained a few feral cats in my house. It takes a long long time. But showing love and security is absolutely essential all the time. Bringing them into the house was the only way.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

That’s the feeling I was getting but it wasn’t going to work with both cats in the house. Bubbles is free in the house now and is discovering all the best hiding spots, but she is settling in. She needs to get used to the dogs too. I’ve seen her walking pretty close to where we are and she never did that before, hopefully soon she get more trusting. I’ve kept the cage open and her food station inside but I moved her litter box to the basement…she pooped in a corner so I put the litter box in that corner and she’s used it every time since.

[@rosykatzCATS]

I have as well

[@kamilebrahimoff3589]

Absolutely, ❤🐈

[@jennyanimal9046]

I am stuck with the last batch I've been fostering now for 2 years come this December. The cat coalition that I help foster for kind of abandoned them in my care. They become unadoptable to Petco or PetSmart. They were not easily socialized because they were sick when I got them and needed a lot of medication which they were unhappy with receiving if you know what I mean. They're sweet but skittish in their own way, one's normal and that's my cat's cat. Lolol. So I'm keeping her. I sure wish I knew what to do to rehome the three that I have. I want to sell my house and move and I can't do it when I have five cats.

[@jaynesegman7847]

🐱 Thats kind of you. Im a vet volunteer. Just remember that if cats are catching rodents, theyll need to be dewormed. also feed a healthy canned food, and water. dry food thats cheaper can cause urinary blockage and kidney problems. try purina one, or fancy feast brands.

[@1jedcaleb]

I sure would like to see someone like you in every state if not every city! So many cats would benefit from your methods. Space is so necessary- time would work out.

[@GoldenTV3]

Try slowly blinking at them. In the cat and animal world, staring at something means you are on high alert and are trying to assert dominance or are ready to fight / defend. Cats will slowly blink at you to show they love you. It's basically saying "I trust you enough that I'm willing to put my defenses down" If you do that, they're more likely to assume "oh, he's not a threat." Kind of just like blinking when you're really tired.

[@philicia1250]

Seriously love your videos!!! I just adopted 2 barn cats myself so appreciate all the helpful tips. Plus your pure joy and happiness brings a smile to my heart! 😊❤

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Aww thanks for saying that. Best of luck with your new cats.

[@tinaboyd7574]

Kittens need a lot of exposure to humans (handling, feeding, holding) in the first 10 weeks. Daily interaction and physical contact with humans socializes them from a young age.

[@JNoMooreNumbers]

And playtime.

[@paddyotoole2058]

I’m really confused by this video. These cats were kittens and so he had a great opportunity to socialise them with humans from day 1, but still they turned out feral. I think that not enough was done during the first 10 weeks and that essentially he has been trying to recover from that initial mistake of not doing enough during that time window.

[@jefftist9625]

​@@paddyotoole2058 Yeah that makes the most sense. Now this is months later so I'm guessing things are better but this is clearly a result of not doing enough research on cats in general to know about these things but I'll assume he's learned his lesson by now.

[@kamilebrahimoff3589]

This guy has done a tremendous work to bring Chewy and Bubbles to this point. Both cats are adorable. Keep up the good work.❤🐈👍

[@SarahLynnLee]

I'm so happy that Chewy and Bubbles have some freedom now. They both will come around, I just now it!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Yes Chewie is actually doing a bit better since, but he has anxiety being away from bubbles I think. I’ve been doing a bunch of work with the pigs and he’s hanging around, rubbing against my legs. He’s still not sure about the pigs but I have seen him in their stalls checking them out. Bubbles is still sketchy, but hopefully she’ll build up sone trust and confidence with us and the dogs as we go.

[@SarahLynnLee]

@@HiddenSpringFarm Yeah, they were all each other had (as far as cat company) and now they're split up for now. I pray Bubbles will be back at the farm with the others living the good cat life soon!! You are good Chad!!

[@chriscusick6890]

I cant believe this. This farm looks more like a paradise than I've ever seen before!

[@cpbird_lover9143]

What a sweetie Bubbles is. Good work on Chewy. Best place for those kitties to be😊…..

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Yeah she’s a cutie

[@isaacgraham5727]

Aww, this video made me smile. My roommates and I, who have 4 cats between us at the house we rent, also have something we call a “catio” - it’s a sort of enclosed part of our backyard accessible through a basement window which we built specifically for our one feral cat, and he’s the only one who really uses it. Speaking of our one feral (whom we think may have been born and initially lived for a few months as a barn cat) he’s a pretty odd and interesting case. He seems to only trust me among humans, and then only under certain circumstances - most of the time he never lets anyone even touch him, including me! But when nobody else is around he turns into the biggest sweetheart around me, cuddling with me and sleeping on my bed, laying on his back and purring while I give him belly rubs, just a totally normal affectionate (albeit skittish) cat when I’m the only human awake or in the house at the time. The rest of the time he’s a totally sketched-out and utterly untouchable feral who runs the second you get within a yard of him. It’s baffling, especially since my roommate is the one who feeds him and is totally nice and great with cats.

[@Biloxicharles]

A nice story. Thank you. Cats are a mystery, there's no doubt about it. They remind me a lot of hoomans because they are all so different and require different handling techniques. And for sure, some can be sooooo difficult and complicated.

[@cyndiburns7932]

Cats are tribe. To work with them, I found the to be part of the tribe helps a lot. They set up their own hierarchy and you cannot interfere with it or force it. As a female I made myself the head, or top cat. Mostly using body language and voice tones is what helped me. Then have lot's and lots of patiencetraining cats is nothing like training digs. The timeline and tactics are very different.

[@RebeccaCat22]

I so agree with you, Cyndi Burns, in that Cats communicate a lot through "Body Language," and with a lot of patience and loving care. Being a "Cat Lover" and having lots of Cats throughout my lifetime, I've learned that Cats communicate a lot with "EYE SIGNALS," so I would always stare at my Cats and slowly BLINK my EYES at them, and those of my Cats that slowly BLINKED back at me, turned out to be friendly and lovable, and trainable, too. Around the same time I was watching the "T.V. Show" (Animal Planet) and they had a guy on their that worked with "Cats," and he said that if a CAT "Slowly BLINKS at you," they are letting you know that they TRUST you. So "Staring at a Cat, and slowly BLINKING your EYES at them, and getting them to "Slowly BLINK back at you," really does work. My last "Momma Cat," loved being petted and held, that I was able to train her to do back flips "when she stretched out" as I lowered her to the ground... Bless you for taking the time to understand Cats, and training some feral cats.

[@jeffj2495]

Nice vid and nice update. I'm glad Chewie is being a good boy. If you have more time in the future, with kittens...you just have to spend time with them when they are little. But i'm pretty sure you are working long hours, so that may not be possible.

[@elisaa9981]

Just want to say that you're doing such a great job, you have a big heart ❤!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

You are so kind

[@kamilebrahimoff3589]

I had two TNR 🐈 who found me. Both cats were community cats or feral. I fed them, and I worked with the cats. Both turned out to be awesome outdoor cats. One was an orange male(Cooper) and a hybrid Mainecoon(Champ). Both were excellent mousers and friendly at the same time. 😂 I miss both of them. One passed away and the other one got hit by a car.😢

[@doriskuhberger8559]

Cats are very beautiful. We have 3. They have adopted us. They are still semi wild. Our first one his is nearly 2. Then mother and son arrived. Mother is still unsure about things. We can only give her one or two pats. The son has warmed up to me and he sleeps on my bed. His purr is very loud. I am glad that Chewy has some freedom. He will get use to it, on his own terms. Bubbles is a cutie. She seems to have settled in with you in the house. Your wife looks to be very nice. Beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. Lots of Love to you all. ❤❤❤❤ Doris, Penrith 🇦🇺🦘

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Bubbles is still investigating the house, but at least she’s using the litter box cause that’s what I was worried about most, next is her ruining our leather couches 😂. Chewie is actually to better since his freedom although I think he misses Bubbles. He’s jumping into the pigs stalks to check them out too and he’s coming to me letting me pet him more.

[@doriskuhberger8559]

@@HiddenSpringFarm Buy her a cat scratcher. Before she start scratching on your leather couches. Also use a spray bottle with water in it, to spray her if she starts to scratch the couch. You should be good. :)

[@williamclark9624]

Claws and paws 🐾. Got to love them.

[@kathyortiz4302]

I have a feral cat,she started coming to my house,I would put food down ,then say com on and she would wait for me to go in and come eat , then one time I was walking towards the house and looked behind and she was already eating,I went didn’t approach her yet ,then she started coming to the back yard and I started feeding her there ,I would it out there she ate then went for awhile,I would talk to her while sat with her , just you ,but I knew once I patted her she would be mine,and she let me touch her ,I was in love ,her hair was so brittle I started brushing her she loves it ,now she comes to my door meowing for me ,her hair is beautiful now ,and she is so loving ❤❤❤❤

[@jackempson3044]

I move to the country and built a home. It already had barns but the farm house had burnt down so I had barns for the stray kittens that were left under my porch from my previous home. Of course they then had kittens. It was hard for me to give those cute kittens away. So I kept too many. Soon, I was losing cats on the road and a few never came back suspecting humans killing them and maybe even a couple to coyotes. Finally, I realized they cant live outside or they will die within 6 years or much sooner. I brought the ten I had left in the house. My oldest died at 17 last year. The rest are now 13 to 15 yrs old. All healthy so far. My point is, you have to bring them inside if you want them to live long lives. My house does not smell like cats. The biggest problem is hairballs. Cats are pretty clean if you are.

[@leonafaryna7617]

What a long road of pure love and patience. ❤️🤞

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Since filming this video Chewie is doing really well too…he’s crying a lot, but comes when I call and lets me pet him. He still hasn’t been away from the barn though, maybe he’ll just be a true barn cat.

[@leonafaryna7617]

I really pray he gets a friend who loves him when you’re not there though.

[@666Musik]

I met my outdoor cat when it was still a bit of a kitten about a year ago. At first it would just stick its head out the hole in the fence to my yard and look at me.. and gradually it got more used to me. The first few times I petted her and held her she was very careful not to get me with her claws and would give me the softest paw pats. I started noticing she was getting really fat a few months ago and I was like damn you're pregnant. I knew when she had her babies cause she lost a lot of her weight. She didn't come by as often for awhile but would still stop by to eat and I'd say go get your babies, I want to see them.... as soon as they could walk she showed up with her three adorable babies. I built them a couple feral cat boxes in the backyard underneath the overhang. I let them in 4-5 times a day to eat and play. Mama cat domesticated herself to me and she's trying to do the same with her kids. The babies are slowly getting used to being petted etc. I really need to find homes for them lol.

[@retajansevanvuuren5173]

I have two ferals at home, one is 16 years old now and she is still skittish and the other one is about 8/9 years old and she too is still very much a feral. Both I had from kitten stage. I have realized in my years working with ferals that some just stay somewhat feral, they tolerate us humans but never fully trust us. I have a total 12 ex-feral cats of various ages but these two I mention are the ones that have not changed much trough the years.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

You’re probably right about that. He did get much better as time went on though. He came around a lot and warmed up to me.

[@marionwest3661]

If a feral cat is adult, they will never fully trust you, no matter how much love and care they are showered with. It can be depressing when you have invested so much of your time and money in them. It seems so one sided, like you just give and give, and get precious little in return. Oh well.

[@retajansevanvuuren5173]

@@marionwest3661 I don't feel bad if they don't fully trust me. I can understand them and just the fact that they are willing to share a living space with me and not run for the hills when I move is good enough. The trouble comes when they need medical attention and you can help them because most feral cats you catch once in a trap and that is when you try and do everything possible at that time (spay, neuter etc) because you know you won't get them again. Now the two I talked about was ok with me until I had to take them for spaying and since then they will keep an ever watchful eye on me. So those two are like that now that I am unable to catch them to take them to the vet until they are like in seriously ill and that is not ideal but something I have to deal with. Fortunately they don't get ill often.

[@DonaldKimble]

We fostered a feral mother and two of her kittens. Kittens we've managed to fully domesticate after a few months. But the mother is still very fearful of humans. She's only recently brave enough to walk near us at night but that's about it. Do you think she could ever change?

[@Spurros]

'Don't do that Dexter, he could be your son!' 🤣

[@rf5207]

You should make Bubbles a house cat 🏠 Beautiful cat! I love all your cats but Dexter is my favorite Great personality ❤️ God bless you for caring for all your animals!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

We may end up doing that with Bubbles and yes Dexter is my main man. 😊

[@Biloxicharles]

@@HiddenSpringFarm I agree with what everyone is saying about the blinking. It really works.

[@spacewolfjr]

Those are some nice friggin' kitties you've got there Mr. John Candy

[@chickeastwater9883]

Did ya try a lil Catnip?.. & its true , that music calms the savage beast. I've had quite a few feral Cats - Your Dedication is SPOT ON !! You can also benefit,, having other cats.. show Bubbles, other cats luv ya.

[@DJ-bd9sf]

Love all the cats❤️🙏❤️👍

[@xmateinc]

I’ve had my cat since he was 6 weeks, and he won’t take a collar, and he lets me hold him about as much as you hold chewie. He’s super cuddly on his own terms!! I love him more then anything.

[@ElsaR.-th8sc]

Hi, 🤗, Hidden Spring Farm, I Enjoy watching your videos because of seeing all your Cat's. 🆒😏. I use to have 8 when I move to my home now but that was a lot a yrs ago. Before that at my old home, I had 10 cats. But, I had chickens, 1 duck, dogs. Had a home but not a lot of land like you. Just the regular kind of land...small but a big yard. So, that was good. Anyways, I want to say that, You look like Garth Brooks the Country Singer + even size are the same. I think that's just sooo 🆒👍👍👍. I hope that's ok to say. 🙂. I hope you & your Family have a Very Merry Christmas 2023..& a Happy New Year 2024. Blessings to your Family. Sincerely, Elsa R. 63 yrs. young/old woman. From out in California. 👋

[@akw0523]

Congrats! Bubbles may become ur new house cat😂❤

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

You never know, she’s still investigating every nook & cranny of the house and hiding from the dogs. We just giving her a bit of freedom to get comfortable right now.

[@cdanilana]

My cat is almost seven and lived in my house from birth and she is still feral but she loves me...although I must respect her to the most degree. No is no.

[@mackieb6989]

Great video as always 👍

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Aww thanks 😊

[@marilynnschroeder4436]

Not sure why they were feral if they were born there. Did they not get any socialization after birth? Thanks!

[@yeagerxp]

Chad the cat whisperer. 😁 Well done 👍👍👍. Thank you for sharing. Be safe 🇨🇦

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

The cat whisperer is a great title for a video 😆

[@ashleyvanerp5910]

Awww Bubbles is beautiful!

[@lee8300]

Don't worry, the cats will work it out themselves. Bubbles is a beautiful cat.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Yes, they’ve all been in and around the barn to see Chewie and there were no issues apart from a bit of hissing.

[@johnclinete6193]

Feed them salmon and see how fast they come around! Dude shipped me 50lbs of salmon last year. Cats are my best friends fast!

[@micah06v8]

After watching the way you interact with the cats, I think a lot of the problem is the way you're approaching them. If you have some time I would highly recommend watching some Jackson Galaxy videos to help. I think most of the problem is your body language. You're not letting them smell your hand before you try to pick them up, also treats like true or just tuna in a can would be very helpful in associating you with good things which will help them overcome their fear. Cats are very different from dogs in the way you have to approach them. And it's quite a bit harder to return their trust once it's been broken. But it can be done you just have to be slow methodical and patient and give a lot of rewards.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

That’s what happened with Bubbles & Chewie, I lost their trust. Chewie is doing great, Bubbles needs more patience. I definitely let them smell me all the time, you just see when I turn on the camera. All the cats will eat from my hands except Bubbles, even Chewie will take treats or fresh fish or chicken right from my hands. I dunno about the body language thing, maybe it’s something I’m doing subconsciously. 😊

[@micah06v8]

@@HiddenSpringFarm see if this helps. When you go to approach Bubbles next time, stick your hand out, palm down with your fingers curled towards your palm like in a fist; and just let her smell your hand before you touch her. That's the best way to approach cats to show them that you're not a threat. And hunker down and make yourself as small as possible. We are way bigger than them and can come off very intimidating when we don't mean to. 😊 Use treats to reward the behavior that you want. If you do those things consistently I'm very confident you'll see a change in her attitude.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

@@micah06v8 I’ll try that for sure, hope it helps thanks. She usually does smell me then runs away like I have b.o. 😂

[@micah06v8]

@@HiddenSpringFarm reward her with a treat when she smells you. Good luck! I look forward to seeing your progress! 😁

[@Biloxicharles]

@@HiddenSpringFarm These are interesting skills to learn. Keep some cat treats in your pocket so she doesn't run away after she smells you.

[@1jedcaleb]

We have all made mistakes along the way in rescues but we learn and in time wih the right confinement they will come around.

[@petersterling5334]

Glad you mentioned what a Mistake Netting the Cats was. Definitely much better to Never Traumatize them if you want to Tame them. Great Video!

[@bobkohl6779]

My house cat is ex feral. Best house cat I've ever had.

[@ElohiSilverEarthVentures]

Now is that a doodlebug? Labordoodle? If so...im amazed youve got him so good with cats! Theyre hard to get to be chill with them. Even after like 4 years my doodle still will try chasing them when we're out walking together. At home though hes cool with our cats most the time unless they run. Luckily my cats have learned hes all talk and have pretty well but him in hia place. But still im impessed with your dogs comfort level with all the cats around

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Our dogs are Old English Sheepdogs and they are amazing. They take a lot of training from a young age. I keep them leashed then introduce them to all the animals at the farm, it takes time though. Every cat is different too. I can bring our dogs into each animal pen and I’m 100% confident they won’t hurt em. Training Dogs to be Around Small Animals kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoO5kH9pbalrY7M See if this link works to my video on their training. Thnx for the comment, much appreciated 😊

[@RebeccaCat22]

Hidden Spring Farm, I'm so glad to see you finally decided to let "Chewie" and Bubbles out of the enclosed space inside your Barn. Since I'm an avid "Cat Lover," and have had several Cats throughout my lifetime, and the last "3" Cats that I had came from "3" generations of "Farm Cats," (who lived across the street from me). So when the farmer across the street had told me that his two female farm cats had both had a lot of kittens, I wanted to get one. But the farmer told me that all the kittens where all skittish and would run and hide, but, the day that I went to pick out a kitten, I asked God to please let the right "Kitten" that he wanted me to have, to not run or hide. And sure enough, as soon as I walked into the farmer's Barn, all but "ONE" kitten, ran and hid, but the one that stayed put, just looked up at me and was so gentle natured, that I knew she was the one for me, and she was the best lovable "CAT" that I had ever had. And she was also very trainable too, she would always come to me when I whistled or called out her name, and she loved to be held "like a Baby," and when I would lean down to put her on the ground, she would stretch out and do a cute black flip... Now, when my kitten grew up and later had her on set of kittens, I could tell right away how to tell which kittens were going to be lovable and friendly, and which one was going to be "Ornery" and set in her ways... I've been around enough Cats to notice Cats different Personalities and Demeanor. And from what I've been able to see with your Cat "Bubbles," she is definately not cut out to be an outdoor kitty, she has the demeanor of a in-door "Cat," (and I bet once you take "Bubbles' to your House, you will see a much different lovable Cat)... Plus, when my "Momma Cat" had her 3 kittens, one of them (Tabatha) didn't like to be held, and she refused to wear a "Cat Collar," and every time I put one on her, "Tabatha," would always chew them off, so the last "Cat Collar" I bought her was a "Leather Cat Collar," but then she went missing for two days, and I found her hiding under my neighbor's truck wagon, with her bottom jaw and her bottom teeth stuck under the her new "Cat Leather Collar," rubbing her bottom jaw raw, so I had to take her to the Vet, and that's when the Veterinarian had told me that just like infant human babies can be born with their "Umbilical Cord," wrapped around their necks, so can "Baby Animals," so the Vet told me that my Cat (Tabatha) was probably one of those kittens that was born with her "Umbilical Cord" was probably wrapped around Tabatha's Neck, so he doubted that she would ever want to wear a "Cat Collar," and she never did. But after my beloved "Momma Cat," and one of her other daughter cats were both sadly killed by a "Jack Russell" Doggy that moved on our street, I noticed my last "ornery" Cat (Tabatha) become so much more lovable (because I learned that she was one of those Cats that liked "One-on-One" Attention)... So that could also be an issue with your "Bubbles" and "Chewie." PS: Your Cat "Maggie May," reminds me of my childhood beloved Cat (Brownie)... And, PSS: Since I took care of my disabled Mother, she didn't like my Cats inside our house, so she had my Stepfather (who was a General Contractor) build my Cats an "Outdoor Cat House," (that was a double-decker Cat House, with a sleeping loft up on top, and the front porch was fenced in (where I put their litter boxes) and the back half of the Cat house was where I put their food and water, and their Cat House had a front door and back door, and had tile flooring). I would let my Cats out during the day, but before dark I would gather them to put them inside their Cat House at nighttime), and all was going well, until in (2007) when my Mother had gotten home from the Hospital and I had to care for her and while I was helping get my Mother into her hospital bed, I heard a barking dog outside, and then I heard my dear beloved "Momma Cat," MEOW really loud, and I heard a loud thump against our front door. I told my Mother that I needed to go outside to put my Cats up for the Night, into their Cat House, but I couldn't find my dear beloved "Momma Cat," but her two daughter Cats were up on our roof, hiding from the mean aggressive "Jack Russell" doggy that was going around our neighborhood and killing people's CATS... Sadly, I found my "Momma Cat," a few days later, dead, so I buried her by her favorite "Sycamore Tree," that we had in our back yard that she would run up-and-down on. The miraculous thing about finding my "Momma Cat" dead by her favorite Sycamore Tree, was a few months before this happened, I was grooming my Cats outside, and while I was petting my dear beloved "Momma Cat," I told her: "Now, if you ever die, please let me find your body so I can bury you by your favorite Sycamore Tree." I think GOD allowed me to find my dead Cat "laying by her favorite tree." Then, two years later in (2009) when I got back home from taking my Mother to one of her Doctor's Appointments, I went to collect my two remaining cats to put them up for the Night, but I sadly found one of my dear beloved Cats, dead, behind my back yard Garage. I didn't see any blood or injuries, so I'm guessing that mean "Jack Russell" dog from down the street had gotten a hold of her, but my Mother said since I only saw a red spot on one of her legs (about the size of a pencil top eraser) my Mother thought that maybe my Cat was bitten by a poisonous spider or snake. So I highly recommend anyone who has "outdoor" Cats, to make them a "Cathouse" or a "Catio." Another thing I've learned about Cats, is they communicate with "EYE SIGNALS," so I would always stare at my Cats and slowly BLINK my EYES, and the Cats slowly BLINKED back at me. Around the same time I was watching the "T.V. Show" (Animal Planet) and they had a guy on their that worked with "Cats," and he said that if a CAT "Slowly BLINKS at you," they are letting you know that they TRUST you. So that "Staring at a Cat, and slowly BLINKING your EYES at them, and getting them to "Slowly BLINK back at you," really does work. Maybe you can try that with both (Bubbles and Chewie). Since I moved back up north, the next Kitten I get, I'm going to make it strictly an "Indoor Cat." Pet all your Cats (Fozzy Bear, Maggie May, Dexter, Chunk, Tango, Mango, Chewie and Bubbles) for Me. And pet your two "Sheepdogs," (Molly and Olive) for me, too. I love watching your "Hidden Spring Farm" Animal Videos. And I really love the neat "Chicken Coop" you made for all your Chickens; and I love "Ducks," so I enjoy watching your duckies, too. Hoping to see some "Baby Ducklings" soon on your Farm.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

My wife started the eye blinking thing with Bubbles last night and she did wink back. That’s a very good story thanks for sharing, it had ups and downs so sad you lost all those cats to a dog. You’ve had a lot of heartbreak with your cats, sorry to hear about that…I know the feeling of losing a cat.

[@kg-Whatthehelliseventhat]

👻

[@jaynesegman7847]

sorry for your loss of the cat metioned here 🐈

[@jodilea144]

We found a female kitten that someone had apparently dumped - on the road, and in the rain. She was justifiably terrified of people at that point. We had one inside cat, Nash, at that time, but she also loved getting to go outside and explore our acreage. Nash tolerated the new kitten (Little Miss), but they never really got along. Nash was spayed. Little Miss was horrified of being inside the house, and escaped one morning as I walked out to check the garden. She never really came around much, but would sneak up and eat once I’d put out food and gone back inside. I fully intended to get her spayed, but apparently miscalculated her age - and before long, we had a couple of very feral kittens. LM finally began bringing them up to the house to learn to eat food, but they were determined to not be tamed. Then, sadly, Little Miss was gone. Apparently a neighbor’s dogs got out of their fence overnight and got her. So now we had these two little hissing kittens who wouldn’t allow anyone to get close. Having had much experience taming kitties over my lifetime, I grabbed a can of sardines and went out one evening and sat on my porch. The kittens saw - and smelled - Nash getting a treat, and they would come a little closer for me to toss them tiny bites. It took a week or so, a couple of cans of sardines, and part of a package of wieners, but the kittens were not only coming up to eat, but allowing me to pet them, and after several more days, to pick them up. They have become part of the family now. I just bought some wieners because a stray cat with her own litter of kittens has started coming around. I’ll tame them and get them fixed too. I struggle to keep the cats from using my flower beds and gardens as a giant litter box, but I rarely have any evidence of moles, voles, or field mice - and I occasionally have a dead snake presented on my front doormat. This was a very long comment to say - get some tasty nibbles and Bubbles will be your best friend in no time! 😁

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

I’m super busy but really don’t mind people sharing stories at all, always nice to know viewers a tiny bit. You did a great job with those kittens even though it was sad about their Mum. Bubbles is still getting settled in but I think she’ll come around. Chewie is doing great, he hasn’t even left the barn but he’s is getting more and more relaxed with me everyday.

[@rubenperez3882]

You’re a great guy!

[@ZippedUpKitz]

Bubbles needs to be a house cat… she is gorgeous… long hair kitties will get all matted up out in the barn… I'd make her my lap kitty… :)

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

You’re right anyway, she’s just so fluffy and beautiful. She’s free in the house now but is hiding and keeping her distance. She’s still just checking out the house too. She’s been creeping closer to me though so just a matter of time. 😆

[@pambrown6260]

Cats hold grudges

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Funny you say that cause if I pet Chewie for more than he like’s he’ll turn around and swat me 😂

[@RebeccaCat22]

@@HiddenSpringFarm, by watching your awesome "Hidden Spring Farm" Videos, and how you love and interact with all your "Farm Animals," I can tell its only a matter of time that "Chewie" will turn out to be a good Cat. Especially, since "Chewie" is purring and rubbing against you, he's letting you know he's trying to trust you. Since Cats have a high sense of "Smell," being that you pet your other "Farm Animals," maybe "Chewie" and "Bubbles" are the type of Cats that back off from other strong "Farm Animal Scent," (because I've noticed they do that to you when you try to pet them)... Another thing I've learned about Cats, is they communicate a lot with "EYE SIGNALS," so I would always stare at my Cats and slowly BLINK my EYES, and my Cats that slowly BLINKED back at me ended up being friendly and loveable. Around the same time I was watching the "T.V. Show" (Animal Planet) and they had a guy on their that worked with "Cats," and he said that if a CAT "Slowly BLINKS at you," they're letting you know that they totally TRUST you. So that "Staring at a Cat, and slowly BLINKING your EYES at them, and getting them to "Slowly BLINK back at you," really does work. Maybe you can try that with both (Bubbles and Chewie).

[@RJH_LIL]

Morning Chad. Poor Bubbles. Glad there is some progress with Chewie. What a rebellious one lol. Maybe it's best for Bubbles to just be a house cat?? What do you think?

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Haha Bubbles is loose on n the house and we’re just not bothering her at all. She needs to get comfortable and trust us a lot more, she still won’t even take food from my hand…even fresh chicken. Once in a while I’ll update everyone on her progress too. Hope my allergies don’t get too bad with her around though, outside cats don’t seem to bother me too much.

[@DS-wo5hd]

@@HiddenSpringFarmpacagen spray has helped us a lot with allergies and indoor cats

[@gwenb4531]

So you kept them locked up for months??

[@LindaSmith-vq1br]

It takes time for the various cats to settle status within the crew. The hissing is a way of assessing rank and dominance. Chewie will be fine. I think Bubbles will end up being a house cat and that will probably be for the best. You have done well with this rehab.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

yes you're right. they hissed but didn't swat or fight, they just parted ways. and the other cats have visited the barn the last few days without incident.

[@LindaSmith-vq1br]

@@HiddenSpringFarm fantastic!

[@AnilasManganaro-lq5ei]

They so beautiful

[@johnvalencia7488]

How do you keep the ants out of the cat food laid out on your property?

[@BrooklynAlien]

Have you tried Churus? Loke giving them a treat from your hands but with some space in between your hand and the cat. Works wonders with feral kittens.

[@AnilasManganaro-lq5ei]

Awesome

[@jjforcebreaker]

What a sweetie!

[@fredderf3207]

To have those barn-born kittens grow up to be good people cats, you have to handle them and give them human attention. Some of the best cats I've had were feral kittens that I trapped.

[@MrAvant123]

I think there is some confusion over 'feral cat' and 'farm cat'. Farm cats are not particularly tied to humans but are approachable and may even be touched. Feral cats are ferocious wild animals that its difficult to get less than 50 yards from on a good day ! We have both here in Devon...

[@woodlander9634]

Agree. Ferals are pretty much invisible. Usually just a blur as they run away.

[@johnclinete6193]

You feed um they are yours! I've got 3 boys that live on my upstairs porch! Going to make a cat house out of a cardboard box.

[@marcomalo02]

What is the history on the door you have on the cat enclosure?

[@b0borden437]

I hope you clean their water bowls regularly as the one I saw didn't look like it had any water in it despite having a jug on top?

[@josie4peace]

Are the collars to too tight? my vet said cats hate the tightness.

[@joyceleady3691]

I am in middle of helping a mama and 5 baby feral we started feeding mama then she came with her babies. I can pet and pick up 3, ....1- I can pet... mama only pet, the other one wont let us near her. Been doing this for 3 months working with them. I just love them all and will not give up on them. Although I can't keep inside because of our dogs I wish i could. But we will continue with them until they all come around and fully trust us.Chewy looks exaclty like one I have that even acts like it he was a tuffy to at least get to let us pet him. Just recently has let me within the last two weeks. Have a black one that is just so sweet and can do anything with him I call him a happy little Pepper. Great job you have been doing with these cats. With channels like this we all can learn from each other especially when those like me whom have never owned a cat in my full life. But these I have have touched my heart .😻😻❤😺

[@turboredcart]

So pretty. I have 1 cat, I grabbed him from an alley as a large kitten. He is spoiled rotten.

[@79PoisonBreaker]

to help chewy and the others get used to each other you can swap cat beds or other items that have thier scent on them so their smells are more familliar to each other.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

not a bad idea, I'll get one of their cushions

[@rumbleofdrums527]

He's got a little job. Protecting the barn.

[@ZippedUpKitz]

Could try a harness on Chewie…. I had a cat who would not wear a collar, but he had no problem with a harness…

[@emilymorley3655]

what beautiful cats

[@Agnieszka-s6y]

👍🌹🙂

[@timothystevenhoward]

Chewie!

[@qrubmeeaz]

Two things: 1 and b. I caught that. Good one.

[@AnilasManganaro-lq5ei]

Precious angel 👼

[@marilyncornell2194]

You have to socialize thrm as young kittens

[@JanoschNr1]

I know it's late but ... allways "Train" them by giving the food and petting them, so they establish a bond with you and food, meaning in future they see you and be happy ... for food. A net was a big no no .... altho I understand why you did it.

[@josie4peace]

So, when they were locked up, did they have any windows to look out? Seems cruel.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

While I admit a few mistakes with these two cats, they must be confined to the space you’re trying to train them to for several weeks. That’s how they’ll know it’s their home. But because I was changing their home I kept them confined a bit longer. Chewie was doing great and I had made good progress with him that’s why I let him free on the farm.

[@josie4peace]

@@HiddenSpringFarm Totally understand. You did good and so patient...but maybe next time have some access to windows they can at least look out. I'd hate to be cooped up with no view, wouldn't you. :o) You've done more than most would. Thank you!

[@troytaylor1913]

I take care of an outdoor cat. It will walk by my door when It wants food but when I open the door it runs under the car and hides and watches me until I walk away from the food. The last cat I took care of was too friendly and I think someone took it. Nobody is going to take this cat it runs or hides. I want to build a cathouse for it. It's the best way to keep the squirrel from digging in our yard. I think it was a released cat from the animal shelter. It looks like it was sewn together in black and white so I call it Patches. It just sits around the yard or in the garden across the alley all day watching things.

[@dennissimo7546]

Are they all fixed ?

[@helenthea1056]

You artist.

[@huntakilla1234]

06:22 to kill or not to kill.. that is the question 🤔😂

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Haha yup, it’s all about the chase

[@acecarter1717]

@@HiddenSpringFarmcats really pick up on your nervous energy. I would recommend that you be more confident in your approach and try to watch some cat videos from a guy named Jackson Galaxy. I learned so much from this guy

[@shimmyshamm]

Treats and back scratchers work wonders.

[@tiffanydenton-thefarmhouse3848]

You might enjoy watching Kitten Lady on KZbin. She’s got great advice on kittens and cats .

[@cuckoshroom5394]

god bless you

[@stevepatterson8678]

Thank you!

[@rosemarymoore3142]

If you have time,watch some of Jackson Galaxy's videos, you can learn so much form him about cats. He's an American, all his advice is sound..I'm English x would say usually i stay well away but Jackson is magic. He has a large amount of advisory videos. Hope you don't mind my suggestions!!! I think you do marvelously if you consider how far you have come with all the birds x animals your trying to learn about caring for since becoming a county man😊 respect to you. Its beautiful there x the autumn colours are totally amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[@MrMountain707]

No cat wants an empty room.

[@Rorschachqp]

Lil homie doing the hardest time, solitary.

[@stjbananas]

I recently moved onto my banana farm here in the Virgin Islands and brought a once feral cat with me from my old place. He is an outdoor cat, trained to sleep inside with myself and my special needs adopted cat. I built a catio thinking he would love the new place, but he's breaking my heart. I want him to roam free, but am frightened to death of losing him if I let him out where he wants to be. Is there anything i can do to ensure he won't leave the farm, which is tucked into a rainforest on the side of my islands highest mountain? Any advice at all will be most appreciated. Thanks!

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

A cat needs to be confined for several weeks in the new place you want them to call home. An older cat will take longer. I’m lucky cause in our barn we have a small room but most people use big crates. It’s tough to do hearing them cry and try to escape but it’s necessary. Their beds is there, you feed them there and after their training they will always know that’s their home. Hope you don’t have predators there though cause I’ve lost a few cats to coyotes that’s why I protect them at night now. Best of luck

[@stjbananas]

@HiddenSpringFarm there are no natural predators here, aside from red tail hawks, but locals here have little or no respect for animals, and there are pet dogs who are lose, but my young feral is quick and alert. We are going on week 4 here on the farm, and he isn't adapting to captivity too well. I already took him to the vet a week ago because I thought he was sick, but he had literally made himself sick from fright. I feel like I am breaking his spirit by not letting him roam free, but I know this is the only way. Several people have told me to leave him inside and in the catio for a few weeks, and that's exactly what I intend to do, but his misery is beginning to make me question everything. Part of me wants to let him out, but I know it's too soon. Thanks for the advice!

[@cyndiburns7932]

You should put old towels down into the cage. You have to show them you understand cats and their wants.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

She’s only going in the cage now to eat & drink. She has a cat bed but hasn’t used it yet. She’s found all the hiding spots like under the couches, but also likes to sit on the dinning room chairs. She still won’t even eat fresh chicken from my hands cause if look at her the wrong way she hides. Baby steps though.

[@bobmanp8653]

is this a new breed of cat?

[@Onemanstrash1]

I have 1 that was here when I bought the place , she has made me bleed many times over the last 4 years , but this year she has decided she likes being petted. I dare not try to pick her up, I would bleed out for that lol

[@JeanBatiste5158]

he could be your son.Dexter! Dexter: go around for the exit.....

[@jdheelfan]

I need video of you using the net 😂

[@CenturyHomeProject]

Chewy it’s just a big old love bug!

[@nzcym]

They will be the happy cats under your care.

[@pamelatorres5314]

Love your videos! What tracker do you put on your cats collars?

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Oh they’re just apple air tags

[@Bafafaafafaff]

Can you do a farm tour. Love the videos ❤

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Haha YES!!! 👏 look out for Thursday’s episode, it’s a tour and intro to all the animals.

[@jennyanimal9046]

Could you use 2 more. I used to foster kittens until this last batch. They came to me very sick and needed to be given 3 different meds 3 times and day kinda messed them up unlike the other kittens I've had in the past. They were happy healthy and easy to socialize. This batch of 4 I've had for almost 2 years now and are unadoptable for the average family. They're all very sweet. I've decided to keep one because my cat and her have bonded. I think they would do well with an elderly person in a quiet home. Anyways take care

[@jaynesegman7847]

@jaynesegman7847 0 seconds ago 🐱 Thats kind of you. Im a vet volunteer. Just remember that if cats are catching rodents, theyll need to be dewormed. also feed a healthy canned food, and water. dry food thats cheaper can cause urinary blockage and kidney problems. try purina one, or fancy feast brands.

[@witchhazel8583]

❤❤ find a flower essence therapist! She/he will do a perfect blend for the cat/cats and it will do wonders with whatever you and your cats wants to accomplish!

[@pederb82]

I’m currently trying to get close to a huge male furball that showed up 5 months ago. He meow around the house calling for my female cat - I thought. At daytime they play together and are best for friends it seems. But at night he meow and meow. I started asking in town and neighbor towns if anyone know the big guy and who the owner is. I can’t get close enough to catch and take to vet to check chip. He just run away. He’s stayed all this time and I’ve started feeding him and would you know he stopped meow. The big boy was hungry. I think he’s been dumped from a family who could not take care of him for economic reasons anymore after Covid. A Covid cat as we call it when owners got them during Covid and then get rid of after. It’s taken me 2 months to get him to eat inside. I can talk to him while he eat just outside my open bedroom door so I can see him. He’s walked up to my bed and looked at me. But if I extend a hand he leaves. I think patience is what older cats need. They must be allowed to come to you. But it’s a painfully long process. It’s tempting to shut the door on him while he’s inside. But that won’t do. I want him to get used to being inside before winter because in Norway winters are quite cold and he might die if stuck outside. So I hope he comes around.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

Just keep at it, you’re doing it right I think. Takes a lot of time to earn trust. Good for you for trying to help 😁

[@perluidziperluidzi7049]

💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝