I responded to an ad on Craigslist to care for a cat, she came yesterday,I guess shes 8 years old female, she was at another babysitters house and they were cruel to her, so she is scared I know, she has been under my bed since yesterday, I try and talk to her and pet her but shes so scared, any suggestions? I have a 2 year old cat and a 2 month old kitten here as well they are my own.
2006-11-12 09:18:49 · 25 answers · asked by Michelle N 5 in Pets ➔ Cats
I DID put some food and water under the bed as well, I tried her treats and toys but she aint having it!
2006-11-12 09:25:12 · update #1
Best thing you can do right now is just to allow the cat to realize for herself that she is in a safe place. Just make sure she has food, water and access to a kitty litter box. But you are doing the right thing by cooing to her and petting her from time to time. My cat stayed inside the closet for a whole week (only coming out to eat, drink and go potty) the first time we moved to a new place.
2006-11-12 09:34:03 · answer #1 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any new cat in your home is going to be scared if they were previously abused. Just like humans, cats need time to learn to trust again and to get over their issues. If you put food and water under the bed, you are enabling that cat to keep hiding. Place the food and water in a corner or against a wall where there is minimal foot traffic. Sometimes closing the bedroom door for a half day will let it get used to that area and feel more comfortable. Do not attempt to pet the cat, it is still terrified. Let it get used to it's new surroundings and you. Within a day or so you will see th cat come out from under the bed, do not chase it or acknowledge it. Let it get comfortable and it will eventually come up to you. Trust me, it is eating, most likely when you are asleep or out of the house. Be patient and loving when you can.
2006-11-12 17:40:04 · answer #2 · answered by mercymarie3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A middle age cat put in a new environment is ususally very scared. Cats don't like change. Especially if they are put in with other cats, who have already established their territory.
It is best to keep the new cat isolated from the other cats, in a separate room, with her own food and litter. Once she gets comfortable there ( may take some days or even weeks, or maybe not at all, if her prior home was cruel to her), gradually allow brief interaction with the other cats. If you arre not going to be keeping this cat long, don't force her to socialize.
You are not going to coax a cat to do anything.
She has to cope on her terms and at her own pace.
2006-11-12 17:36:59 · answer #3 · answered by Lorenzo Steed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can afford a $20 bottle of Rescue Remedy from a health foods store I would get that. You treat her by shaking the bottle well and putting three to four drops on the fur between her ears as often as you can. I am not ignoring your statement that she is hiding under the bed and won't come out. Put three to four drops on a small cloth and put it under the bed near her. It can help her that way too.
It is for emotional healing from shock, trauma (her abuse) or pain (in her spirit which she may be feeling in her body). It is utterly benign and cannot harm her in any way so you are not giving her drugs or pain killers or anything the owner could object to. I have two veterinarians who use it in their practice.
It will really help her come out of her shell. I would keep her separate from your other cats until she comes around a bit.
You will still have plenty left in the bottle to treat your cats if they have a trauma in the future. It is preserved in brandy and keeps for years.
2006-11-12 17:27:08 · answer #4 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
does the cat like to attack things if so go to the pets store and get a little toy for it and if that does not work leave it alone in the bedroom with some food and water beside the bed and it will probley come out to get food and water
2006-11-12 17:38:47 · answer #5 · answered by pookies_rule 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is pretty normal for a cat to be afraid in a new house. And you have cats of your own so there is a pecking order difference. Don't worry about petting her, just make sure she has access to food, water and litter. If she wants your attention, she will let you know.
2006-11-12 17:27:57 · answer #6 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u don't say how long she will b with u but she will come out when she feels that she is safe. just keep her food and water fresh and play with ur cats and leave her b and she will come out when she is ready. good luck
a 2nd thought, she may not like all the feline company, maybe u should find a way to give her her own food , water and litter box if at all possible.
2006-11-12 17:22:14 · answer #7 · answered by Nora G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well move the bed and get her out put her in a comfortable room with little furniture and put milk and water and food in there and leave her alone for a day then go in there tomorrow and pet her a lot and make her feel safe.
2006-11-12 17:23:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She is frightened, give her a day or two to adjust to the new surroundings. She is a cat curiosity will bring her out. Just don't make any sudden moves or loud noises. As long as she is eating and drinking don't worry too much. Just continue talking to her and being nice.
2006-11-12 17:28:56 · answer #9 · answered by Badkitty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well you can get her out with some cat food when you get her out put her in the bathroom and shut the door then go in the bathroom and pet her like under the neck and rub her fur and get her use to you then you can let her out and keep paying attention to her and she will come out from under the bed for you if she likes you try it it usually works
2006-11-12 17:21:29 · answer #10 · answered by babyqball176 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋