This may take a lot of time. We are fortunate to have an area of the house that is closed off, and is now 100% devoted to tempting them inside. And in the meantime, they have food, water and warm shelter. If a flake of snow falls on that deck, I'm out there with my broom so their paws don't have to touch snow or ice. So, I need to MIND THE GAP and look at the positives here! Sure, it may take time to coax my cat friends inside. Stuff worth waiting for is WORTH IT, right? So, relax, Grasshopper...step over that gap and live in the NOW, not the 'what should be' or 'if things were perfect'. Was I put on this earth to be a cat whisperer from Day 1, or to learn and grow into cat love with each minute? I am thinking the later...
MIND THE GAP...but the gap does not exist...take a step, and another and life will reveal itself if you let it.
I can relate! As a caretaker of a family of outdoor cats, I've built them lots of warm, safe options and then came the challenge of getting them to use those resources. It took some time and creativity, but it all worked out. happy outdoor cats, happy me! I'm glad your outdoor cats have you looking out for them!
ReplyDeleteI can see your frustration! Trying to convince them how much better their lives would be if they accepted your offer... but I think this is where the feral-ness of their nature becomes very obvious. But with time, it will happen.
ReplyDeletepatty & sweetie....we promize with all 984 paws we haz, oh kay we haz trubull with math....but we promize with all R heartz....itz oh kay ta ....cross ta de warm side !! ♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the food would tempt more in an accessible upside down box on your carpet? Cats are often nervous in new rooms and want to hide. A good sized box would cut down on the size of the room at their level and provide an automatic hiding spot.
ReplyDeleteI hope they both decide that the indoor life is for them.
ReplyDeletei hope they close the gap soon!
ReplyDeletecatchatwithcarenandcody
It's odd that Patty is so friendly with you but doesn't wan to come inside. I guess it just feels safer for them outside where they know they're not trapped. They must be warm enough or they'd be much more eager to get into the warm house.
ReplyDeletePatty and Sweetie are very lucky to have you who care so much about them! I sure hope they eventually come into their room!
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