We have had our 4 month old kitten for just over a week now and he has stopped hiding and started getting braver but has also started to hiss at us (although he is not aggressive towards us in any other way). Also he will not allow us to touch him or pick him up. What are we doing wrong or what could we do differently to encourage him to be our friend?
2006-12-06 05:38:22 · 24 answers · asked by Clazza 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Cats are usually like that since you just got him. He's afraid and he thinks you might harm him. I've had cats that I got from the streets and they were like that at first. Once they see you pose no danger to them, they'll open up and be more comfortable with you.
2006-12-06 05:41:36 · answer #1 · answered by gothic_marionette 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
we have had a rescue kitten for about a month now and it is still hissing and doesn't let you touch it. best advice i can give you is to find some treats it likes and give it some to enjoy. after that just sit near it and offer it one in your hand (took ages and ages for the first one!).
it still won't be touched but hopefully that will come with time.
best wishes & good luck with it - know how frustrating it can be when it looks all sad and you just want to stroke it and make everything better x
2006-12-08 10:23:13 · answer #2 · answered by aria 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like he's a bit feral and not very socialized with humans.
He is setting his boundaries when he hisses. You don't want him to think he's the boss, but you also want him to trust and respect you. Learn to understand his limits and approach but don't cross them every day. If he doesn't want to be petted try to gently touch him when you give him his food, but never more than he can handle without wigging out. Increase the attention you give to him on a gradual basis. Never try to restrain him or react or yell when he hisses, even if he swats and scratches you. You don't want to pull back and have him think he can control you and you want him to learn that you will be consistantly trustworthy, gentle and fair.
If he's scared, move slowly around him, talk in a soft voice and always be trustworthy. He will warm to you very quickly.
Both the cats that I have now were very feral when I got them and they are now loving, doting pets. One was very the agressive type one was the scared type. Just be patient. Your kitten may have had some bad experiences and just needs to learn that you are really his friend.
2006-12-06 08:23:48 · answer #3 · answered by heart o' gold 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i also have a kittne and wen he was here for a week he was also hissing. He would hide ebhind the sofa and if u luked at him whilst he was behind it then he would hiss. It usually means that they r guarding ther teritiory. Dont shout, hit or spray him with water because this will make it worse and he will become vilent. Try and hold him close and if he stuggles then just keep him ther - he will prob scratch but dnt let him go cus thn he will no if i scratch she will let me go - wait till he calms down and thn let him go. If it carries on and he wont let u touch him pick him up by the scruff and thn hold him. He will soon learn - mine is perfect now - he doesnt like me pickin him up but is fine with me stroking him ETC..
2006-12-06 07:18:15 · answer #4 · answered by Sophie B 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don`t force yourself on him. Let him come to you. Entice with toys, something dangling from a string or even a finger slowly waggled back and forth at floor level. If all else fails use titbits. Above all don`t shout or get angry when your fingers get bitten or clawed, the cat will probably just be playing with you. Take time to get to know your cat and let it come to you, some cats accept hospitality but never want to be petted or stroked. A bond with a cat is best formed with a 6 week kitten. Let yours make the pace.
2006-12-06 06:06:45 · answer #5 · answered by Tedem 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Perhaps you should try to solve your dilemma by asking yourself these questions :- Was he ill-treated or abused before you got him ? Are his hearing and eye-sight alright ? Do you know where he came from ? If he was ill-treated or abused before you got him it will take time for him to learn to trust you . If it is his hearing or eye-sight that are impaired then his actions will be purely defensive . If he is part feral then , again , it comes down to trust . Time and patience will tell but if you are very worried about this then i suggest a visit to the vet for some professional advice just in case it is some under-lying problem that needs to be addressed .
2006-12-09 00:30:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's probably feeling overwhelmed. Have you given him free reign of the house already? It's actually best to introduce a cat gradually because cats do better if they have time to adjust to a new place by themselves. Let him set the pace. That way, he'll associate you with safety If he hisses at you, leave him alone for a while. That way, he won't feel threatened.
2006-12-06 06:01:42 · answer #7 · answered by Cam C 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Your kitten maybe feeling threatened. This will be mainly due to the new surroundings. Plus your kitten is finding his feet this will pass.
My kitten did this and now a fully grown cat she has stopped hissing but spits if you walk past her and wants to play. For some reason she has accociated that spitting will initiate play and i guess she is right because it works.
So don't worry your kitten will stop this
2006-12-06 05:44:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
He has never been handled or rarely by humans and he is scared. Offer tidbits of food luring him nearer and nearer and finally to your lap. Put your hand out slowly and then just touch briefly at first just to show him you won't hurt him. Talk to him softly when you do this any of this. It will take time but will work and he may never let you pick him up. At 4 months, he has already picked up his personalilty so he may never get overly friendly and may never like strangers and new people coming around.
2006-12-06 05:50:42 · answer #9 · answered by Marcia T 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
He wants to show you that he really IS brave, it'll take some time, just make sure you feed him and change his water all the time. Then he'll get used to you since you care for him and begin to trust you more. Try not to scare him by trying to pick him up if he doesn't want you to and do NOT chase him even if you think it's a game. He must be stressed out. I say give it time, he'll come around.
2006-12-06 05:46:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most cats succumb to food, try the odd gentle stroke when it goes for the food plate. Ignore the cat the rest of ther time unless it comes to you. A calm quiet atmosphere is reccomended for settling in. Do not feed the cat until after you have eaten.
2006-12-06 05:45:47 · answer #11 · answered by simon w 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋