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I need help, I got a cat from a no kill shelter and she has a problems like she is depressed and very shy. She wont come out from under my bed she will come out on the stairs and she will let me pet her but she is way to afraid to come down stairs , shes just too shy and I dont wanna have a cat that always hides. The shelter said if she doesnt get happy and not shy anymore then we can bring her back but I hate for her to be back at the shelter becuz she hates it there. Please help me find away to get her not shy and afraid?

2006-07-31 06:57:52 · 33 answers · asked by Kayli (: 4 in Pets Cats

33 answers

You didn't say how long you've had the cat. It will take some time. The cat has went through a lot of not being wanted. She needs time to adjust, settle in and realize your not going to abandon her too. You say she will come to the stairs and she will let you pet her. Great start. Now sit on the top stair and pet her.Talk to her real nice. Do that till she comes to you willingly for strokes. Move down a step or two. When she adjusts to that and comes willingly, move down another step. Just keep doing that and she will be going downstairs. I may take several days and plenty of patience on your part but you can make it work. The key is YOU being patient and spend the time it takes.

2006-07-31 07:06:42 · answer #1 · answered by Stick to Pet Rocks 7 · 0 0

How long have you had her? If it hasn't been that long, she may need time to adjust. Cats don't like change, and it takes them a while to get used to new surroundings and smells.

Pulling her out from where she is will only make her more afraid. I have heard of a cat hiding for over a month - the new owner couldn't find him - but knew he was there because he ate and used the box.

Best thing you can do is isolate your kitty into one room with all the things she needs...food, litter box, toys - this will give her a chance to get used to your home gradually - she may be overwhelmed!

Get a schedule going - cats like things to be the same day after day (i.e. they are fed at the same time, etc.) I would encourage you to isolate her in a room - then go in there and spend some quiet time - like reading a book or softly talking to her. Give her a chance and give her some time. I bet she is much happier with you than at a shelter, and it will just take her a little bit to bond.

I would also keep the household noise down - not sure what your family situation is - but perhaps you did adopt the wrong cat for your lifestyle. If she was friendly and outgoing at the shelter, chances are she will be once she settles in.

Here is a link to some great cat articles from the shelter I used to work for; there is an article about stressed cats:

2006-07-31 07:00:19 · answer #2 · answered by dvm2b 3 · 0 0

Just take it easy for a few days and give her a chance. She needs some time to adjust, and even the most outgoing cat can act like this when she first comes home. She is probably just trying to get a feel for her new home. Be very patient with her, don't force her to come out until she is ready. You can sit on the floor and speak to her in a reassuring and gentle tone. Give her plenty of love. You can also start by moving her food bowl down the steps day by day a few at a time so that she gets used to coming downstairs to get fed..it will help her adjust.

2006-07-31 07:03:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

How long have you had her? Sometimes it takes a good 1-2 weeks for a cat to adjust; Try playing with her, grab a string with something tied on the end(like a feather) and walk by her; get her some furry mice from the pet store(there are 3-6 to a package and they have rabbit fur on them), grab a big, soft fluffy towel and pick her up and try to pet her....give it some time; sometimes, 2 cats are better then 1; I have a caboodle of cats and there is one, Smudge, who is just a bit skittish and antisocial, but the others are outgoing and relaxed; I think that cat's tend to take on the owners personality, a bit, too!

2006-07-31 07:04:27 · answer #4 · answered by sweet ivy lyn 5 · 0 0

Well if u just got the cat it has to get use to u. Plus if it came ftom a shelter it is very likely that the cat was abused by humans before so it is hard for the cat to gain trust. Just give the cat time to open up, dont take it back to the sheltr cuz it only harm the cats mind. i had cats that were like that at frist but slowly over time they gained my trust and opened up, but they were still shy around others though.

2006-07-31 07:03:51 · answer #5 · answered by lowkey616 3 · 0 0

You have a lot of excellent answers here. I would suggest you try the Bach flower essence Walnut. This is something you can buy at most health food stores (Whole Foods) for instance.

The Walnut is specific to adjustment to new situations.

You always shake the bottle well and put a few drops on her fur between her ears. Use it lavishly! Four to five times a day for about two weeks.

A bottle costs around $18 with tax and it seems to go on forever. People use the essences, they can do no harm and really can change situations where emotional issues are present.

2006-07-31 07:58:15 · answer #6 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0 0

It takes some cats along time to get used to their new home. You have to understand that she has been locked up in a cage for who knows how long . Plus you don't know how she was treated before . give her 4 weeks . she probably comes out at night to check out the new surroundings . Just give her alot of love and don't force her . she will come around once she realizes that she won't be couped up in a cage that this is her home now, that shes not in a shelter anymore

2006-07-31 07:04:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Given her background, it's hard to tell if she had formerly been abused or neglected. Give her time and keep a calm environment for her if possible. Allow her to come out of her shell on her own, if she will, and don't try to force it. Cats can be very surprising, and hopefully she will sense that you are safe and eventually stop hiding and being so shy.

2006-07-31 07:02:19 · answer #8 · answered by ... 4 · 0 0

I had a cat that did the same thing, and I was told by the vet to just ignore her.... and she will slowly start exploring on her own...
If you just let her get used to her habitat, and she realizes that you are no harm to her, she'll come out to check out what else there is to see :)
Don't send her back just because she's shy... She may have had a traumatic life....
She'll learn to love you if you give her time...
(Mine did)

2006-07-31 07:03:24 · answer #9 · answered by Sienna Baker 3 · 0 0

Cats are independent animals and it could take months for her to feel comfortable in her new environment and also she probably was not well socialized with people.She will need a long time to trust you,just leave her be-speak softly to her ,give her a routine during the day so she knows what to expect she will come around but its all up to how patient you are.

2006-07-31 07:01:38 · answer #10 · answered by puupyluvtwo 3 · 0 0

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