She is a rescued cat, was mistreated and is still sometimes skittish, like when the toaster pops she startles. She is a little over a year old as the vet wasn't able to determine exactly when she was born. I've had her since she was about 4 months old, a friend rescued her, but then there was a time when she stayed with someone else and I think he was the one who mistreated her because she used to sleep/play on my bed but now its like she's afraid to get up on it. I talk to her a lot but, sometimes I think I am hovering too much. She has lost interest in her toys but likes boxes, something I should have known. It worries me sometimes when she's hiding in the closet sleeping. Also, she won't let me pat her head from the front, only if I approach from behind or the side. I wish she would sleep on the bed with me but she prefers my computer chair in the other room. Should I pretty much ignore her and let her do her thing? I don't want her to become neurotic like me...lol.
2006-12-31 10:56:48 · 12 answers · asked by ~ le ant ~ 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
She also sits and stares at me like I'm supposed to know what she wants. I live alone and do talk to her a lot. Also, she follows me everywhere and even if she's sleeping and I leave the room she will get up and find me. Maybe I'm just overly concerned because she's so independent but she has her moments when she will sit on my lap for a few minutes and purr like crazy and the other morning when I woke up she was lying down at the foot of my bed. I guess I think she's moody but that's how cats are right...they do what they want when they want to. All the answers are great and I appreciate them. I have learned something from each one.
2007-01-03 16:42:42 · update #1
It's going to be hard to pick the best answer. Can I pick them all? lol
2007-01-03 16:44:54 · update #2
no, she probably don't know what to think now that you own her. she probably thinks " ok , now i have someone who is nice to me,and loves me, when is the other shoe going to fall ?" after all she's been through she deserves the extra love (and patience)
she is lucky to have found you. maybe put chair like the computer chair in the bedroom or give her a special blanket/fleece to lay on. our cat loves empty boxes and fabric scraps. she ignores her store bought toys too. also try putting her on the bed and praising her while petting her. good luck
2006-12-31 11:06:41 · answer #1 · answered by ♥ cat furrever ♥ 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Give her time, she is young and will bounce back. However a few suggestions, if she is skittish about being touched in the face, just put your hand out there so she can sniff it, look her in the eye and talk to her softly, lovingly as you slowly move your hand up to the top of her head. After a while she will understand that regardless of what was done to her in the past, you mean her no harm. Give her something of yours to lie on in the computer chair. That just gives her more time with your scent, she will come to associate your scent with comfort, safe, and sleeping. That may help her back to sleeping on your bed.
Cats don't like change and they will develop strong personality traits from it. As long as she is accepting your attention, then you are not paying too much attention to her. As for the closet thing, not all cats, but I have had a few over the years, who do prefer someplace dark to sleep. If you mind her sleeping in the closet, then get her a cat bed. One of the round ones. Put it in the closet and see if she will sleep in it, if she does then give her two weeks with it. Move it to a new spot, maybe even in your room, show her where it is and wait to see if she takes the bait.
Another reason she could be avoiding your room is if you have a boyfriend. If the male who had her did misuse her then she will probably be wary of males and that could account for some of her reaction. As for the toy thing, it happens. My cats, all 5 of them, have their own toy box and they ignore most of the toys after the first couple of times with them. Since she has a preference for boxes, I would suggest trying a cat tunnel. Most cats who like the peek factor of a box and the hidden aspect love tunnels. Get one with a hole on the top. Other than that I would just keep letting her know she is loved and safe. Even just by talking to her while you are doing things, you know like you would talk to a friend if they were there.
After all she is your friend. And let her take things as she will, at her own pace. I hope this helps and you enjoy your friend.
2006-12-31 19:51:05 · answer #2 · answered by DJ 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because of your cat being mistreated may be a part of the problem but cats do get annoyed when people mess with them to much.You should slowly try to gain back her trust and when you pet her you should come around the side but stroke the top of her head to her neck or scratch behind her ear. Do this as a greeting and not all of the time.As for playing with boxes get a median square box and cut out maybe 3 or 4 small holes.Get a toy that has some feathers and lure the cat in the box.Then take the toy and wave it and wiggle it in front of the holes so he'll stick his paw out and try to get it.My cat loves doing this and he always gets it somehow.Good luck!
2006-12-31 19:24:43 · answer #3 · answered by soccer_gurl_1294 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Everything sounds normal about your cat.
Getting startled from noises such as a toaster, is quite normal.
When you make a noise, let her know its okay, & that u made it.
She's also sleeping in the closet for warmth. Cats body temperature, drops a few degrees while sleeping, as opposed to humans, our temp. rises when we sleep. She is just cold, give her a wool blanket to sleep on. She'll LOVE u for it!
Also, most cats prefer boxes to toys, happens all the time!
Put some toys in the box, etc.
Also, petting the front of her head is just annoying to her! Give her the petting/massages where she likes..she'll purrr to let u know she like it!
READ the "The New Natural Cat ", it's amazing!
http://www.amazon.com/New-Natural-Cat-Anitra-Frazier/dp/0452265177
F.Y.I.
Cats have the intelligence of a 4 year old.
A 4 year old can learn up to 7 languages.
THINK about that.
Your cat is smart, the more u interact, the smarter it will be!
Your cat will have u trained in no time!
Peace & kitten love!
2006-12-31 19:16:21 · answer #4 · answered by Chloe 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My sister`s black cat is the same but she has never been mistreated before.Although some cats develop atitudes because of things like that.Besides she a little on the shadow side.
Sometimes cats act like that if something change in the cat`s life.
2006-12-31 19:04:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think your cat will just need extra time and patience, due to her unfortunate past experience. If she does not want attention, then I wouldn't force it on her, because that might make her less social. I'd just suggest giving her attention when she seems receptive to it, be gentle and patient with her, talk to her reassuringly. It may take some time, but I'm sure she'll come around.
2007-01-01 14:25:19 · answer #6 · answered by catwoman 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Cats can be overstimulated and then they may bite so yes it is possible to pay too much attention to your cat. Just ease up and let her get comfortable. My cats let me know when they want me to pay more attention.
As far as toys. You can buy a million of them and they will prefer the box.
2006-12-31 19:45:52 · answer #7 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I can only tell of my experience with my cat. He was standoffish for a couple of years, but by tantalizing him with treats I got him used to affection. Now he looks for it. Also, he has little interest in his toys unless he is playing an interactive game that involves me tossing the toy or chasing him.
2006-12-31 19:08:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Keep talking to her it does her good. Try calling her when u r sitting and hand feed her some kitty treats, She will learn u like her & begin learning to trust u more.
2007-01-06 13:30:25 · answer #9 · answered by Dotr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No I don't think you can pay too much attention to any cat.Give her time,she will start feeling comfortable again.
2006-12-31 19:30:56 · answer #10 · answered by Debbra S 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋