Force her to come out. She has no reason to come out now, with all her necessities right there in the basement with her. I once tamed some ferals by preventing them from hiding anywhere - all the closet doors were kept closed, the beds were barricaded, the stove was blocked, etc. They had "open hiding places" under high furniture like end tables and such. Don't force attention on her, but don't let her hide, either. If possible, move her food somewhere else so she'll have to come out and eat. You may have to move it a few feet at a time until it's where you want to move it to. You will not want to risk that with the litter box. Talk to her, and occasionally try to stroke her when she's out, and give her a few really tasty treats. Make her come out for short periods everyday, and gradually increase her out times. She will eventually realize she's safe and welcome in the rest of the house.

And bless you for taking in this poor kitty who has already had a harder life than she's deserved. Good luck with her, I hope she learns to trust and love again.

[This message has been edited by 4 feline house (edited May 03, 2001).]