Meet Jojo and Crash

Jojo and Crash came to us in need of some socialization. (Can you say feral?). Unfortunately, they've been stuck in a large double height cage for weeks at a time because of their behavioral challenges. 

Jojo did pretty well with the move. Hissed a little but let me pick em up and move em to the carrier no problem. 

Crash on the other hand...

Drew blood biting me before dancing over my head, AnnMary's head, and the shelters owner before barricading himself in a kitty condo across the room. The three of us, stunned and bleeding from numerous scratches on our scalps, could only look on in shock wondering what we were going to do now. 

After several failed attempts to coax, entice, and cajole Crash from his entrenched position in the condo, I finally gave in, donned the elbow length gauntlets, and plucked him hissing and clawing from the upturned condo and stuffed him into a carrier. I now have several deep gashes on my hands and arms, one of which is infected. These he managed through the leather gauntlets designed for handling feral cats. 

The good news is that they now have the run of the foster room rather than being cooped up in one of the shelter kennels. Yea, they're nice, but they're still cages. The bad news is that they are still suffering PTSD and actively refusing to engage with humans. Close the door and walk away, they play and chase each other like any other kitten. As soon as I walk down the hallway toward their room, they find their hidey holes and peer out warily.

I had to make some kick plates to retrofit under the dresser and book case to keep Jojo from cowering under that any time we came and went. I know it feels cruel to take away his safe place but without forcing some level of exposure he'll never socialize to humans. For now, his favorite hiding place is between the condo and window. 

Day by day, we spend some time going in and talking, watching tv, generally being pleasant, but not attempting to touch or pet them. It's slow agonizing work but they're starting to let down their guard. Crash played with a hand held toy the other day and AM says Jojo gently touched her hand, no claws. Seems like nothing but these are big steps.