I rescued him when he was 2. He was and is always jumpy. I walk in the house and he hides. If I stand up from the chair, he runs. I absolutely cannot ever pick him up. He doesn't scratch. His eyes get huge and he starts to pant. Any clues or ideas?
2006-10-29 12:51:13 · 10 answers · asked by Jerzey Daze 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Pretty good he has been abused and it can take quite awhile before an animal regains trust for humans after that. Keep feeding him and talk to him softly when you are home. In time and this could take quite awhile he will seek you out for companionship. Wonderful that you rescued him!
2006-10-29 13:00:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You might have a semi-wild cat (a feral), a cat who's had little human contact (like a barn cat), a naturally timid cat or even a cat that has been abused in the past. He may never be a lap cat, but with patience, he can begin being more confident.
Don't try to pick him up or touch him; in fact, don't even stare at him (that's rude if you're a cat).
Give him little hideaways--boxes with openings facing the wall, or those carpet-covered hidey-holes they make for cats. Find ways he can be up high--a cat tree or window perch, maybe, or just a shelf he can get to.
Be predictable. Feed him at set times, give him treats at set times, scoop the litter box at set times. If he knows what's going on, he'll be more confident.
Talk to the cat--a lot. If he's used to your voice, it'll help a great deal. Don't move suddenly or "stalk" him. Just be really casual and let him come to you.
Play with him. The best toys are ones you can use from a distance--wand toys or strings.
See if you can lure him close to you with smelly treats--sardine, tuna, that sort of thing. If he comes up to you of his own free will, that's a good thing. Don't force him to let you pet him initially.
What you're trying to do is form an association in his mind, kinda like Pavlov's dogs... except bell=meat, you're forming positive associations between your presence and treats, food, play, whatever.
Do a Web search on "socializing feral cats" (or kittens)--though you may not actually have a feral, frightened cats have some of the same problems (and the success rate for them is higher than for ferals).
2006-10-29 13:00:15 · answer #2 · answered by lisa450 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
same, I also have a black cat who's 4 years previous, i've got had because her start and she or he fearful of each thing, my husband especially she won't bypass everywhere close to him, birds, plastic baggage, the wind, you call it. Flys even, any random noise's she hides all day in my cabinet all day or below my mattress.. she does pop out if its darkish or relatively somewhat while all people's in mattress how can i help her, as quickly as I take her to the vet she acts in any different case lower back. like she's putting on a courageous face in simple terms to speed as much as get lower back below my mattress, this cat has never been trumatised via any ability..... because her start she has hid, its a genuine subject does any physique have any concept's on the thank you to help cats with severe anxity?
2016-10-20 23:39:26 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a kitten like that, I saved her from an Alley way, her eyes were stuck together. I would get to know his/her best rubbing spots. Play games. When you have a kitten your supposed to quickly introduce it to sounds and things. Also being weird can be cause by something that happened, maybe you approached him/her wrong, or did you step on it or hurt it in any way? If all else fails...Catnip. :D
2006-10-29 15:04:06 · answer #4 · answered by lil_miss1562 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long have you had this cat? He may still be adjusting to living in your house. Who knows what kinds of conditions he encountered before you rescued him. In time, if you are always gentle, calm, and loving with him, hopefully he will improve. Sometimes with cats it is best to let them come to you.
2006-10-29 13:00:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe you should leave him alone and get him a cat house.or if you don't do that hire a professional to help you and if that doesn't work maybe you should let him go and find a new home because maybe hes scared of you.
this answer is from a 7 yo girl
2006-10-29 13:09:10 · answer #6 · answered by Kristin C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is stressed out. Give him time. Eventually he will be loving. My cat was the same way, it was years before she would come to me to hug.
2006-10-29 12:53:19 · answer #7 · answered by Trollhair 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be understanding. what if you were a cat that got picked up a stranger? you would probebly wait to trust another person. all he needs is love!
2006-10-29 12:56:58 · answer #8 · answered by jeannemarie11 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It needs medication--- take it to the vet if you can catch him. My room mate has a dog that way and she has to give it medication.
2006-10-29 12:54:04 · answer #9 · answered by erotikos_stratiotis 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just speak, act, and handle her gently, she will gain trust for you
2006-10-29 12:56:45 · answer #10 · answered by Sentinel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋