Does our cat hate us?

Question

My cat stays under the bed all day like a troll. We have had her since she was 5 wks old (I know - too young to be away from mom - besides the point.)
Anyway - she stays under the bed all day, then comes out to eat & use her litter box. When my husband or myself enter the room - she looks at us like we are either cat killers or cat serial rapists & runs from the room.
For the record - we have never abused her - let alone ever killed or raped a cat.
Is she just a psycho?

Answer 1

No - she's just not properly socialized. (one typical effect of leaving mom too soon, btw.)

You don't say how old she is now, or how long hse's been with you, but there's what to do:

spend time in the same room, sitting on the floor, but not peeking under the bed or anything. Talk to her ina calm, friendly voice - either just chat or maybe even read to her. it doesn't matter what you say, just the quiet, calm voice is important.

If she approaches you (which might take a while), don't look at her directly, and don't try to touch her, just let her do thing son her own terms.

Play with her with "distance" toys, such as fishing rod toys or wand toys - that way, she can have fun with you and interact positively without feeling she has to get to close to you. do this a few time a day, but don't push her - if she doens't want to, just try again later.

sit on the floor and have some treats (or some kibble) with you. Throw single pieces all through the room - under the bed, into corners - away from yourself. If she chases and eats them, great, if she just stays under the bed, leave them so she can check them out later. Eventually, when she seems more confidently, slowly start throwing them closer to yourself.

The important thing is to be patient and take it slowly. Let her touch you, often, before you even try to touch her. You'll know when she's ready. Normally, it goes very slowly in the beginning and suddenly there's breakthrough and things go really fast after that.

Answer 2

Some cats just have unfriendly personalities. I have been told that during a kitten's younger days it is very important that the kitten develop positive associations about humans--gentle petting, feeding by hand, letting them smell human scent, all help to familiarize them with humans and develop trust and think of themselves as part of the human family. Maybe your cat was not socialized enough when she was a kitten. For now, try to be friendly, maybe offer her some catnip or encourage her to play with toys. Hopefully she will warm up to you.

Answer 3

Wendy, don't stress yourself out over the way your cat is acting. This could just be her personal quirk. All cats in general want attention but only when they want it! Because you got her at a young age she may still be feeling kittie napped from mommy... just an expression. give her time to adjust. let her feel comfortable and just keep doing what you've been doing. She'll come around.

Answer 4

I think she is going to need to be forced to warm up to you. You should try some therapy (and it may take a while), like sit with her in a small confined area each day for a half hour, like the bathroom for starters. Talk gently to her and give her treats now and then throughout the session. I wondre how old she is and for how long you have had her, because that definitely makes a difference. But try what I said. Make sure you give her attention too, like petting her and talking to her so she warms up to people, especially you.

Answer 5

Has it been spayed or Neutered?
If so contacting a pet behaviorist would be your best option.

I have seen many cases like this. Taking a kitten away from its mother ahead of schedule seems to do it, but not with all cats.

I even had a cat that acted this way myself. I wasn't able to influence it to be more "people friendly" and eventually we gave the cat up. I'm not discouraging you. I'm only saying that I've seen a lot of "fraidy cats" in my time but none have changed their ways.

Answer 6

We had a month-old cat who would always hide under the bindles of wood in the basement, only coming out to eat. After a couple months, she started accepting us. Now you can't read a newspaper or change the tv channel without her running up and demanding you pet her.

Answer 7

was her mother a feral cat? my friends have two cats that were from a feral litter and they acted like that for the longest time. but they are getting better, they come out from hiding now, when people are over, and one actually comes up to get a pat or two. but any sudden movement and they dash back to their hiding spots. try getting some treats and luring her out with them & pet her while she eats them, and have them handy if she ever comes out on her own. be patient and gentle with her, she's just a scaredy cat, she doesn't hate you. she will probably never be the most social cat, but she will probably get much less scared in time.

Answer 8

She is very scared. Is she still quite young? I have rescued a kitten once who is scared like that, but not so much of the people who live with him. But he hides whenever he sees me. Anyway, try to hold your kitty and keep it near you when you watch TV and the like. As she grows up I am sure she will feel better, but you must teach her that you are good cuddly people.
Try putting feliway liquid in the plug, it relieves the stress from cats.

Answer 9

It sounds more like she has not been socialized and therefore doesn't interact well with people. It probably ties to being taken away too early from her Mom and litter mates. So that really isn't "Besides the point" at all.

Answer 10

She probably isn't a very friendly cat. We have a cat like that at home and she hates me. As she gets older, she will come out more and let you pet her. Give the kitty some time!