I think I’ve inadvertently adopted a semi feral kitten

[Savethebric]

We have a very old lady in our village who ran a cat/kitten rescue for many years before she wound it down. She still has many cats and kittens dropped off with her but doesn’t have any real formal process for adopting them out. I’ve had two rescues off her in the past both very successful. One kitty unfortunately died about 6 months ago at a ripe old age so I gave her a call this weekend to see if she had any kittens around.

I went to see her and she had 3 kittens around 4 months old which someone had found in a Tesco carpark. She (the lady) has clearly deteriorated since I last got a cat from her around 10 years ago. House very stinky with cat urine etc. I saw the 3 kittens All spayed and jabbed but no other history. I picked one very timid girl (on reflection they were all quite timid).

Shes been with us for 3 days now and has spent all 3 hiding under the sofa. Shes been enclosed in the small room to feel a bit safer with her food and litter tray. I’ve spent hours sat on the floor trying to coax her out with treats and toys. She ventures out by creeping around the edge of the room but darts at the slightest noise and doesn’t come back out again. I managed to coax her with some very small bits of chicken but the second I touched her with a little stroke on the head she hissed and growled at me and darted back off again.

When she came back out she sat about a food from my hand growling and hissing, I sniffed and she darted off again.

Any tips gratefully received. I don’t think she’s used to being touched at all.

Oh gosh, just saw your photo, this was mine.,,,

We have had two semi-feral rescue kittens. One was absolutely terrified but came out of his shell when around our older, friendlier cat. It took months to be honest. He is 10 now and has been comfortable with us for years and even loves our young children (wasn’t so keen when they were babies or toddlers). He is still a nightmare to get flea treatment on or take to the vet as still quite skittish. He loves a fuss and to lay on the back of the sofa nestled into my head. The second we got a year later from same rescue but she was wearing a harness. They said they had found that it meant the more timid kittens were easier to pick up in a way similar to how a mother cat would on their scruff. It worked well for her. She can still be nervous around strangers but is the cuddliest lap cat ever for us and people she knows.
It takes time but it is so rewarding knowing that others might not have had the patience for them and they are both now such lovable cats. Maybe give the harness a try.

My first concerns are usually with animals! However, I very much hope this old lady is getting the support she needs.
Might a call to Social Services be in order? She clearly has a heart of gold but isn’t coping.