Update 11/29/24: Finally was able to upload the picture of where I got eyes on Lila. Hasn't happened since that day, but it is always one step forward, one step back - repeated until she finally takes two steps forward.
Just before retiring for the night on 11/24/24, I opened the gate at the stairs since Lila has been coming up the stairs every (early) morning and meowing (I meow back). According to the cam, she came up the stairs once or twice but only to about 2/3 of the way up. Monday night (10/25/24) I left the gate open again and she came up all the way. She did venture up to inside the kitchen for a little bit (unsure if she got further). Rainey was not pleased and hissed/growled a few times (as expected). When I got up at 2:20 am, she scooted back down the stairs as soon as she heard me rolling off the couch.
I closed the gate at that point (lightly, not latched). When I went down to feed her, about 3:20 am, she meowed to me from the pallet by the drier. I meowed back several times and she came out and showed herself behind the baby gate that sits there (it just leans against the pellets for storage. (If I can ever get Typepad to act correctly, I will insert a picture to show where I mean)
She stayed at the wall but did not move when we met eyes and we meowed a couple of times to each other. I finished with the feeding/watering and came upstairs (closing the gate gently). By the time I checked the nearby cam, she was eating.
It seems much longer than a month, but we started this journey on 10/24/24. We still have a long way to go and there will be plenty of what seem to be setbacks during that time. But truly feral cats are whole nother thing from socialized street cats that you sometimes read about.
This graphic is for new cats that have been around humans, not feral cats
Oh, and Spot has figured out how to get downstairs thru the "windows" between the stairs and living room. I did block them off for a week or so after she figured it out (and broke a figurine by knocking it out of the way), but now leave them open. Spot will go down there during the day for a few minutes the come back up. At that time, Lila is holed up so they never cross paths but do get each other's scents.
Note: This post was delayed because, you guessed it, pictures would not upload. Oh, they would get uploaded by the insert image widget (1/2 the time), but when I told Typepad to "insert", there was absolutely no response, It acted like I had cancelled the request. Over, and over and over again. I finally gave up in disgust, so the post is a bit lacking
I would say that Lila is doing rather well considering that she has had but one month in which to train you. Well done!
No doubt about it: TypePad has it in for you.
Hope your weather cooperates so that you can proceed with your Thanksgiving dinner plans.
Posted by: Cop Car | November 28, 2024 at 08:50 AM
You got the photo to post! I see what you mean.
Posted by: Cop Car | November 29, 2024 at 04:33 PM