I have recently obtained a cat from a neglectful situation. She is very shy and rarely comes out from hiding. I need to know how to get her to be a bit more social towards me, my baby, and my other cat. Any suggestions?
2006-10-07 05:13:24 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
I have had a couple cats like that and one I have only had for a year. He was abused by kids and was always hiding. Another cat I had in the past he was really shy and he would never come out and if u did see him he was a streak of lighting. But both of them have changed. What I did was I didnt go to them. If I was sitting on the couch or in my room and I knew they were in the room with me I would talk to them. Just as if they were a kid and a person coz animals do understand and they will get used to your voice. Slowly each came closer and would become more comfortable. But dont chase them down or make them sit with u because that scares them. Each of mine had come out of the shyness and the one that was abused by kids have started likeing my kids knowing that they are not going to hurt him. Once they do start comming around you, then u can slowly pet them while talking to them. Eventually the cat will come out of it but since your home is new its going to take awhile. Even ignoring the cat for awhile and leaving it alone, let it have some space too can help. As long as u talk nicely to the cat so it can get used to your voice. And for you other cat and the new cat getting along, that is going to take awhile too coz animals protect there territory and never get mad at one or the other it they hiss or fight coz most likely they wont get into a cat fight coz there hissing at each other shows domination and warning and they will stay from each other, if they do get into some cat arguments then just tell each of them.. stop that.. and eventually there too they will get along. I have 4 cats and each of them brought into the family at different times and ages coz I am a sucker for strays that dont have homes. and now they all get along. Time has to take its pace. take care.
2006-10-07 05:34:40 · answer #1 · answered by Jen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the cat was from a previously bad situation it may take some time for her to trust humans. She's learned from her neglectful situation not to trust and go into hiding. The best thing you can do is to allow them time to adjust. Comfort them: a soft bed for them to lay in probably in a place that's secluded (where ever it is she like to hide), toys, and one person will have to be the one she warms up to first. After one person, slowly, she'll learn to trust again and start trusting others in your family. As for the other cat - they have to work that out between them. As long as their not fighting (which they very well may do in the beginning) I wouldn't worry. They'll come around. Good luck and good for you for taking in an neglected cat :)
2006-10-07 06:30:14 · answer #2 · answered by Starting a Journey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would treat her with Rescue Remedy, a combination of five Bach flower essences, which you can obtain at a health food store. They are used for emotional healing and will help the cat clear herself of past negative experiences and make her more open to accepting the love and protection you are giving her.
It is simple to treat a cat. You just shake the bottle well and put three to four drops on the fur between her ears. Treat her as often as you can, three to four times a day if possible, for a week to ten days. The flower essences are energetic in their effect and cannot harm the cat in any way.
2006-10-07 05:42:01 · answer #3 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Send time playing with her and the other cats, a laser is always a good tool we have cats here all the time that we foster until they are adopted, other thing that work well are cat nip. Try sending time with her by herself, even if you are sitting in the room and she does not come out. Just sit on the floor and pull a toy around and talk the more time you send sitting in a room quite with her the sooner she will realize you are not a threat to her and the sooner she will aculeate to the new home
2006-10-07 05:24:37 · answer #4 · answered by pinkpiggies336 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Considering the background that your new cat has come from she really needs alot of love and attention. She needs to know that you are there to care for her and you won't hurt her. It will take some time for her to get used to you and learn to trust you.
Another problem may be your other cat. There is definately a territorial thing there. But be patient, things will be ok soon.
2006-10-07 05:26:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She will just need gentle caring. Give her as much attention as you can, which may be hard with another cat and a baby. Is she afraid of the other cat? You need to let her know that she is welcome in your home and you will take care of her so she won't be neglected anymore. Food is very important to cats, so maybe if you pet her as she eats she would warm up to you.
2006-10-07 05:23:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well if she came from a bad situation perhaps for a time it would be best to just gain her trust completely. Maybe afterwards you could introduce her to other cats/cat but really if she starts trusting you she may just come out of her shell on her own.
2006-10-07 05:20:02 · answer #7 · answered by Meg 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Love on her alot and get her used to the attention, carry her around with you when you go around the house. If she doesn't like that then maybe a really fun toy?
2006-10-07 05:18:09 · answer #8 · answered by Angels Of The Arts 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
have a party and invite all the neighbourhood cats for her to get to know
2006-10-07 05:15:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
pay a lot of attentoon to her and try to pick her up and let her sleep with u
2006-10-07 05:19:31 · answer #10 · answered by Applebomb 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋