We just got this cat, along with another cat, from a cat rescue shelter. They are both females, about 1 yr. old. The one has adjusted very well, but the other one seems always afraid of everything and wants to hide. The one wants to play, but the other one wants nothing to do with her, and does not want to play, even if we try to play with her alone. We have to find her & bring her out to her food & then she will eat. We put her in our laps & try to comfort her, but she will only stay as long as we hold on to her gently. As soon as we let up, she will jump down & return to a hiding place. - Cathy
2006-09-01 09:45:53 · 19 answers · asked by cathy 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi Cathy...some cats just take a little longer to adjust than others and to one another as they are nervous in their new home with new people. It's usually ideal to allow the cat to come out by themselves rather than impose anything upon them. This may only delay the ability for them to become secure in their surroundings as they feel they have no control even if we are trying to comfort them ourselves. By regularly sitting nearby the kitty will help her get used to your presence and help her gain trust. Have a little patience...she will come around when she feels confident that her new home is safe.
2006-09-01 09:59:41 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
At SpiritEssence.com Dr. Jean Hovfe has a remedy called Scaredy Cat. It is simple to use, you put it on the cat's fur between her ears. You "treat" the cat three or four times a day for ten days say pretty intensely and then just use up the bottle, treating once a day till it's gone.
A bottle costs just $16.95, no shipping or handling, or taxes. It is mailed to you with instructions for use.
It will help the timid kitty by releasing present and past fears (she may have had some trauma no human is aware of). It is inexpensive, easy to use, cannot harm the cat in any way and you will be very pleased with the results.
I wish I had known about the flower essences when I got my Amber ten years ago. She is still frightened and I cannot hold her for more than a minute before she splits. Something happened to that dear little cat and she has never gotten over it.
2006-09-01 09:59:21 · answer #2 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all make sure her shots are up to date. Check to see if her bawl movements and urine looks ok. (this is for something you love remember) Then look for any injuries from the other cat. (you never know female cats normal don't get along with each other unless they happen to be sisters) Think back to when she came home till now. Can you think of anything that has happened loud or new people in general. They do feed off from other feelings of the humans. If all fails give her lots of love like petting her every day. With scratches on head around ears and neck. Where ever you find her special spot. Talk to her too. Make sure your feelings are not nervous or worried just act like there is nothing wrong. And also do a lot of this with out the other cat interfering. Cause she might also be afraid of her. The other cat could be letting her know that she is the Domenic one. It is OK to be that way but she still needs to know that they are two cats in the family! She is not that bad cause she is eating. It sounds like she is afraid of someone or something.
2006-09-01 10:01:56 · answer #3 · answered by sxymama 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, without know what happened in their 1st year of lives nobody can be certain. But cats in general are loner creatures. Unlike dogs that seem to need attention, cats are the complete opposite and don't need it. (on the majority)
My mother has two cats, one is very playful and walks up to everyone, whereas the other won't let you get within 5 feet of her without her hissing at you and then running away. She has been like that since she was little. The sad thing is I used to hand feed them both (my step-dad found them under his work truck one day at work, their mother abandoning them when they were days old. Their eyes hadn't even opened yet!!), and she used to let me feed her then. In fact, she was the one that ate the most. Now I can't even get close to her.
Give her some time, don't force her into anything and she might start to let you get close to her.
My boy cat at home doesn't like male strangers. He will hide whenever one comes over (except one neighbor male). He also hides from most women and any kids. Like I said, cats are solitary pets, and they don't usually need or want the attention that dogs seem to crave.
2006-09-01 09:52:28 · answer #4 · answered by Kevin J 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some cats take longer to adjust to new surroundings. It may be the fact that the cat may have been abused by people before it came to the shelter or was tormented by dogs or other cats. Give it time.......I have cats and I know that it will eventually get used to the surroundings and it will come out and eat.
2006-09-01 09:53:36 · answer #5 · answered by redeaglesoaring2004 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some cats are a lot more timid than others. This cat just needs time to adjust to the new surroundings...make sure her time out of hiding is pleasant and not frightening.
2006-09-01 09:55:43 · answer #6 · answered by talented mrs v 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is normal for you kitty to be a little timid at first. She will come out when she is hungry(you just might not be seeing her come out to eat because she will probably do it when you are not at home or are asleep.) She may stay timid too depending on her background. She could have been abused or a feral kitty when they rescued her. With cats you have to play by their rules because they are not as easily trainable as dogs.
2006-09-01 10:01:02 · answer #7 · answered by sclay95843 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know how to solve this one! And the answer is... tuna! Rub tuna all over your hands and pet the kitty. You'll be instant friends! The same thing works for socializing the two cats with each other. Rub tuna on both of them and, by the time their done giving each other a bath, they'll be best buds!
2006-09-01 09:48:43 · answer #8 · answered by Zebra4 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats always start out timid. It took sometime for my cats to just roam around the house. Consider that your animal might enjoy enclosed spaces.
2006-09-01 09:47:22 · answer #9 · answered by Job 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im sure she was formerly abused. Just try and comfort her as much as possible. Keep doing what you are doing. Call her talk to her, feed her out of your hand. Just to let her know its safe with you..
2006-09-01 09:49:09 · answer #10 · answered by yournotalone 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋