Yes, Megan, my Mom is a patient lady. When I came to live here over four years ago I was a feral kitty. Mom wanted a lap cat, but she got me instead. I didn't do laps then, and I don't do them now.
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Mom learned early on that if she wanted my trust, she would have to earn it. She did that by NOT trying to get close to me, and by NOT trying to touch me and NOT trying to pick me up. She learned that I always need to have an "escape route" from any room, and she's learned not to block the "escape route."
I have taught her WHEN I want to be petted, WHERE I want to be petted, and HOW LONG I want to be petted. Mom has learned those rules, and we get along fine. Last night, for example, I lay down next to her while she was in bed sleeping.
While I often tease my Mom, I know she's one smart cookie (that's a term of endearment). She made me the tent way back in September 2007.
You can read about it here. I didn't use it then because of the escape route thing. But now, years later, I use the tent when I am alone in the house. What can I say? It's a great napping spot. I love having different napping spots.
She bought me
the heated cat cup years ago, and I didn't like that when it was new either, but Mom is persistent, and one day I just discovered how nice a napping spot it was.
So yeah, it's good to be formerly feral, but better if you have a very smart, and patient Mom.