I am adopting an approximately 2 year old female, spayed Russian Blue/DSH mix that was rescued from a feral colony. She was going to be spayed and returned to the colony, but they discovered she is very friendly and decided to find her a forever home. She has lived with her foster mom for about a month now, and she's very shy but not aggressive. She hasn't scratched or bitten anyone, but she has her spot behind a door where she always hides (till it's time to eat). When you can get her to come out, she loves to be scratched behind the ears and pet. I know it will take her some time, but does anyone have any suggestions for how I can make her transition to my home easier and less stressful? I am hoping she won't be the cat that I never see, so how long should I give her to "come out of her shell?"
2007-04-11 03:14:17 · 11 answers · asked by Karen 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Congratulations on your new kitty! What a good heart you have to adopt a feral kitty. My kitty, Lyra, if feral also. She moved into our backyard and we started feeding her. Eventually we brought her into the house so we could begin domesticating her. At that time, I did a lot of research on the best way to "socialize" a feral cat. Ally Cat Allies (non-profit organization supporting feral cat colonies) gave me these instructions:
Initially, keep your cat locked in 1 room, big enough for her to run if possible (we kept Lyra in the bonus room). Make sure she has a safe place - a box, or a couch she can hide in or behind. We actually put a throw blanket over the couch like a tent - which she still loves! Every day spend time with her and slowly integrate more noise. For example, after a couple of weeks of quietly visiting her in the bonus room, we started watching TV up there with her. Get a shoe string and start encouraging her to play. She may only play on her terms (wiggle the string in her tent/safe place). The key is PATIENCE! Feral cats can come around, but tend to come around very slowly. After time, start letting her into the rest of the house - starting with times when the house is very quiet. Eventually she will be comfortable and will be able to fully integrate into the house. Be sure to take your cues from your cat, she will let you know when she is ready for the next step as she becomes more and more brave.
One other thing I have noticed about Lyra, I don't ever walk directly at her. I walk to the side of her and sit down to pet her. In other words, I try not to make any moves that could appear aggressive, and I try to make myself as small and non-threatening as I can.
Keep in mind, your new kitty will most likely hide a little even after fully integrated, but you should be able to make great strides in reducing the frequency of the hiding.
Best of luck!
2007-04-11 03:43:34 · answer #1 · answered by JuJuBean 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats are neatfreaks too - especially about their hygiene. They do shed, but its minimal, and usually only 2 times a year (in the spring and fall) that its heavy enough to be a bother. Usually, they lick it off - which is why some cats get hair balls. Just stay away from long haired cats and you should be fine - most are short hair. Cats do need vaccinations, but, they're not horribly expensive and they don't need them that often. You'll need to consider that you'll have to buy a litter box, food, bowls and a scooper, as well as litter. So its a bit up front, but cats don't eat a ton and they pretty much care for themselves. They're good pets - especially if you find "your" cat. I've not ever owned a rabbit. They seem cool, but less social than cats - although I have a friend whose pet rabbit roams the house and sits on the couch with people while they watch TV. Not the norm, but possible. Best of luck - pets are amazing - its really wonderful to share your life with an animal.
2016-05-17 09:02:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Patience is a virtue. Blue Russians are usually very affeconate and make great companions. She might be shy because shes been out in the wild for a while and is not used to being taken care of. Make sure that you keep the noise to a minimum (loud music, yelling, i know vacuming is inevdable however try to move her in another room when vacuming). Also little children, they love to play with any animal. Some cats really dislike little children. This makes them more stressed out and fearfull. Try FELIWAY, you can get this at your local Vet's office. It's a cat phermone that the mother cat releases to sooth and calm her kittens. Adult cats are responsive to this as well, it makes them mellow and friendlier, so she might open up to you faster. If you have any questions dont hesitate to email me . Good luck with your new kitty!!!
2007-04-11 03:45:17 · answer #3 · answered by VeRcE 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest you go to http://www.spiritessence.com and read about the use of flower essences with cats. Dr. Jean Hovfe has a "New Beginnings" which contains essences to help the new cat overcome fears and make a healthy emotional adjustment to her new home with you.
You just shake the bottle well and put three to four drops on the cat's fur between her ears. If she hides out (very common with a new cat) under a bed you can put drops on a small cloth and put the cloth where she is hanging out. Flower essences work best when you use them intensely for a week to ten days. They cannot harm the cat in any way and will definitely help ease the cat into her new life. They are inexpensive, easy to use (please follow MY directions) and very effective.
2007-04-11 03:41:11 · answer #4 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just wait things out and your new kitty will come out and join the family, it would be a good idea not to have a lot of noise around. Food has always been in my experiences the way to win a cats heart.
2007-04-11 03:30:36 · answer #5 · answered by Pamela V 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will take a few weeks, maybe even a month or two before she is completely comfortable in her new environment. Don't go after her, wait on her to come to you. Get her some new toys, a blanket, some catnip, things to help her come out. Try offering her turkey baby food as a treat for coming out. Talk to her everytime you see her. This will help her come along. GL to you and grats on the new kitty!
2007-04-11 03:31:25 · answer #6 · answered by catmomiam 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would start her off in a small bedroom with food, water and litter. I would also play a radio with some soft music and on a station that also has plenty of talking - getting her used to voices. I would spend lots of time with her and when she gets used to you, slowly introduce her to the rest of the house. Keep doors to other rooms closed so she doesn't hide.
2007-04-11 16:27:24 · answer #7 · answered by jennifer c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are very shy, but she will come out of her shell. Maybe buy some cat toys and she'll come out and play with them. Cats are very weird about new places, just give her time, cats are also curious and she'll come out to check out her surroundings.
2007-04-11 03:33:51 · answer #8 · answered by Dbrown 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try to keep things quiet, and move slow when shes around, till she gets use to you, when she comes out, dont chase after her, let her come to you. it sounds like shes been through a lot...and these things just take time a patients. you just have to let her get use to you on her terms. good luck!
2007-04-11 03:19:45 · answer #9 · answered by desiree_jade410 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congrats on the cat and she will get used to it !
♥ Good Luck ♥
2007-04-11 03:19:17 · answer #10 · answered by laquisha lalaneisha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋