Two More Graduates of the Fischer School of Feral Feline Socialization

Is that really a thing for socializing feral cats?

Well, no, but it should be. This past year I’ve met some really remarkable people who are willing to try to do everything possible to help us help bring more cats off the streets.

Pinky and The Brain are perfect examples. We trapped them popping in and out of outdoor drain pipes at the Pallet Colony in January.

Pinky’s nose was so pink at the time. The temps were brutal when we were trapping her.

She was incredibly vocal, so we thought immediately she may be friendly.

The Brain’s trapping was accidental. We placed a trap around the corner and found her in it at the last minute.

It was pretty funny. We were rounding up the traps, thinking we were going to pack it up for the night, and Joann found her. Isn’t her marble coat gorgeous?

You can really see it in this photo.

They are older kittens, bonded, most likely from the same litter, and needed some socialization in order to be admitted into a no-kill shelter.

Joann insisted on giving them a chance immediately after their TNR surgery at PAWS Chicago. She took them home to foster and socialize, and later for further vetting.

They were shy, but still did well around her. They purred and wanted to be pet. Problems only came about when Joann would try to get them into pet carriers for transport and vetting. At one point, The Brain got out and went straight for the rafters in her basement. Robin F. agreed to further socialize them. We met Robin last fall when she took the KFC Colony kittens to be fostered. She and her family are amazing at showing cats and kittens the good life indoors. So, thus explains the title of this post, the Fischer School of Feral Feline Socialization took on the case of Pinky and The Brain.

Considering at this point they came from outdoor drain pipes, to the clinic, to Joann’s basement, to vet appointments, and then now to Robin’s house, all within long car rides in traps and carriers, Pinky and The Brain were doing remarkably well. They were first crated together in Robin’s foster room, where they slowly learned to play. And then relax.

And then strike a pose.

Eventually she moved them into their own small room, her bathroom, where they could roam more and get comfortable.

The Brain was a bit shy at first again.

And then she got used to it.

Pinky was the same way, shy at first.

And then playful.

She also wanted to get to know Robin’s other cats.

And then they were totally comfortable and acted like typical indoor cats. You all know about cats in sinks, right?

Joann has them back at her place now, and said they are rolling over for tummy rubs. Next week they have an appointment for possible admission into PAWS Chicago. Fingers crossed they will be admitted!