Here's the pretty dilute calico in my bathroom...I think I've found her a place...

[joeybee12]

One of the rescue groups will take her once they have a space...right now she's happy just hanging out in my bathroom...I feel bad, but she has no desire to leave it...as long as there's food and a bed, she's happy, so I spend time in there, reading and on the computer...not much else I can do in there! She is very affectionate and loves being held...as soon as I walk into the bathroom she starts purring...I can't believe someone would abandon such a pretty and loving cat. Haven't introduced her to my other cats, but may try with my one male this evening...one of the females, Blue, sauntered in once when I went in and had a hissing fit at the calico...I may have to force the issue if she's going to be here past this weekend.

Below is a dark and blurry photo, but it gives you a good idea as to her markings.

[RiverLover]

1. I've fostered many cats & dogs over the years.

That hissing & such between cats is supposed to be because the new addition doesn't smell like them. It's supposed to take 2 weeks to normalize. I could never go the full 2 weeks keeping them in separate rooms. The way I got cats to get along is to play with all of them with a shoelace or something. They start playing with it together, chasing it, and slowly realize, Hey this cat's not so bad.

Its so great you're fostering her! I wish I could take her!!!

[joeybee12]

7. Thing is, the calico did none of the hissing...

She does not have a mean bone in her body! And her fur is so soft...I could hug her all day.

[Divernan]

29. 3 ways to mask that strange new cat smell

Before bringing your new cat or kitten home, take her to a veterinarian to get her wormed and vaccinated. Be sure to get her tested for feline leukemia. After the visit to the veterinarian, take her to a friend's house and give her a bath using an approved cat shampoo. Bathing not only removes fleas but also neutralizes all the other cat's odors which, when detected by your existing cat, will cause her to go crazy. Now your new cat or kitten is ready to go home.

There are two other ways of masking the odor of this new beast who is threatening the security of your existing cat's territory. You can either spray an inexpensive diluted perfume on both cats before the introduction so that they will smell alike, or you can rub a clean, damp towel on your existing cat. Then, using that towel, rub her odor on the new cat, and reverse the procedure with the new cat. They will be more accepting of each other if they smell the same or like themselves!

http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/AnimalServices/pettips/cattips/introducingcats.aspx

I always have 2 or 3 rescued cats from the woods behind my home. The woods border a park - seems to be a popular place to abandon cats/kittens. I don't think these cats are true ferals, because they do adapt and become quite affectionate. I currently have a beautiful calico girl (most calicos are female) and a big old ginger tom - each very affectionate in their own ways.

[freeplessinseattle]

2. A bathroom is way better than the typical shelter cage!

When I first brought each of my semi ferals home they spent the first few days in the bathroom, and seemed content as can be to just be safe and warm.

I'd run a ribbon or other toy under the door so the new cat could play with the other cat, and get used to each other that way. Also doing feeding time or some treats for both right beside the door at the same time can help associate positivity with the new kitty.

Best of luck finding the beauty a forever home!

[joeybee12]

8. The group adopts out of a vet's office, so they'll be a little more

free than at a shelter, and will get lots of attention during the day...they don't adopt out many so they are very picky about the homes and they've helped me out before...she'd be a keeper if I had a bigger place.

[onecent]

3. Awwww so sweet I wish I could take all the strays

and give them safe homes....

[joeybee12]

10. Same here...

There's so manyt out there.

[City Lights]

4. What a sweetie pie!

She's really adorable. I hope the shelter can take her. It's great that you're loving her in the meantime!

[joeybee12]

11. She is...she doesn't not have a mean bone in her body...

And very soft...I could cuddle her all day!

[tammywammy]

5. When I brought home a new kitten last summer

I kept him separated in the bathroom for a few days. The way the house is laid out, I used a baby gate that also kept him separated. My two old cats (12 & 11 at the time) wouldn't jump it and kitty was scared. I held him and let them sniff him a few times. The first intro was a lot of hissing. But after they got used to his smell or figured he was staying they got okay with him. All three are buddies now. I released him after 3 days of separation.

[joeybee12]

12. Also, I got her fixed, so the vet smell may be freaking them out also...

She didn't hiss back...she does not have a mean bone in her body...she has yet to meow once, although the purring is working fine!

[japple]

6. Bless you for giving shelter to this sweet little girl. She's got a chance now!

Bless all the folks who work to save all creatures great and small.

[joeybee12]

14. Thanks!

[2naSalit]

9. What a beautiful baby!

Thank you for taking her in!

About 27 years ago I found a kitty who looked very much like this one, I was the first human to hold her because she was a wild barncat who needed to come indoors before a hard winter. I named her Mythras and she was one of the most memorable little friends I've ever known.

I wish I could keep kitties where I am now but, for several reasons, that isn't doable. I just have to enjoy online kitties for now.

Glad you found each other and wish the best outcome for all of you and your kitties.

[joeybee12]

13. Thanks!

Like I said, she's very sweet and pretty...she'll get a good home

[Arugula Latte]

15. Oh, my goodness. My heart skipped a beat when I saw her face.

[joeybee12]

16. Isn't it too sweet for words?

[Arugula Latte]

17. She looks very intelligent, too.

That gaze.

I would love to have a female kitty like her. I have three boys now, and they are wonderful, but I do miss having that connection with a special girl kitty like I did with my kitty "daughter."

[joeybee12]

18. My females have all been ridiculously affectionate, and mainly gentle...

I love that about girl kittehs!

[bullwinkle428]

31. I've only had females, and that description can totally apply to

all of them through the years!

[joeybee12]

33. 8 females, one male...

The male is a Maine coon, dominant and loving, and I think it's his "leadership" that helps the others all get along with one another.

[Skittles]

19. she is gorgeous

excellent, what you do

[joeybee12]

20. Thanks...and she is ridiculously affectionate...

And Soft...I could hug her all day.

[demigoddess]

21. we got one cat from the local shelter and

he would only play with me in the bathroom, for years. He would not get on the furniture no matter how we encouraged him. But finally one year he stayed on the sofa with me and then one day I woke up and he was in the bed with me and his head was in the palm of my hand. After that he would lie with me and hold my finger with his paw. Like holding hands. What brought him out of his shell was a younger cat whom he could 'mother'.

[joeybee12]

24. It's interesting how traits come out or are suppressed

depending on the traits of the cats around them...when Melanie passed, her sister Scarlet, who had always been skittish around people, became sort of friendly.

[Odin2005]

22. SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

[joeybee12]

25. Yup..it's a face to love

[Liberal_in_LA]

23. a cutie

[joeybee12]

26. And not a mean bone in her body

[Warpy]

27. I've rehabbed quite a few shabby kitties who turned up for a free meal

After a while, they'd disappear only to reappear a month or two later sporting a collar. It's amazing how they get adopted when the bugs are gone and their coats are brushed and good food has filled them out a little.

I'm glad this little girl has a home.

[joeybee12]

28. It's all about presentation!

Seriously, if the cats look better, people assume they're friendly and will be aeasy top adjust in their new home.

[Warpy]

30. They were mostly barn kitties, Maine coons in New England

and those are huge and beautiful cats with lovely dispositions.

[joeybee12]

32. My one male Ashley is a Maine coon, has to be...

even though he was found at 4 weeks and I don't know his background...but he looks like one and has the greatest personality, and really takes care of all the kittens when I get them.

[shenmue]

34. Squee!

[joeybee12]

35. Definitely!