how do i help my cat get used to me and my home?

Question

my new cat is about 10 yrs old and i got her from a friend because my friend just found out that her son is highly alergic and she didn't want to put her in the pound so i got her but now she is highly afraid of me and hides INSIDE of my BOX SPRINGS so what do i do to get her to like me and play with me?

Answer 1

Cats have a very hard time adjusting to a new living situation - time and much patience are necessary in dealing with the situation.

You can get a bottle of Rescue Remedy from a health foods store to help her deal with her fears and anxieties. You shake the bottle well and put three to four drops on a small cloth and put it under the bed in the area where she is hiding. "Refresh" the drops on the cloth frequently - a minimum of four to five times a day.

I really applaud your taking the cat on and offering her the safety and love of your home. At her age she would not have much chance of even being put up for adoption at a shelter.

Answer 2

If she is hiding, she's more nervous than afraid. Cats don't scare easily. Try not to make a fuss and try to encourage her by feeding her some tasty cat biscuits. If you leave her alone for a while, she will come out but make sure you have some tasty treats for her. She will get to trust you with time but don't expect too much as cats do not have masters, unlike dogs and never will. Also, you must keep her indoors for at least three weeks to get used to her new home before letting her outside to mark her new territory. If not, she is likely to run off and try to find her way back to her last home. Give it about four to six weeks before attempting to play. When she is ready, she'll let you know.

Answer 3

Talk to your friend and ask what kinds of places the cat liked to sleep or nap in. Is there anything your friend can give you that will have the smell of her house in it? A blanket or a pillow? Don't change her the type of litter you get her nor the type of food she usually is fed. Give her some treats and maybe some new toys. My old cat, bless her soul, lived to be 18 and she still loved to play with cat nip. She'll come around in time and maybe have your friend come over and both of you can pet her together until the cat gets use to you.

Answer 4

Just give her time. Cats will often hide when they are in a new, unfamiliar place. When I adopted my kitten, she hid in my closet for a few days - only saw her when she needed something to drink or eat. Once she got used to me and my routine, she just bounded out of the closet as if she was saying, "let's play!" and has been under foot ever since.
You might want to call her name in a loving way a few times when you're in your bedroom. If you can touch her, pet her gently and interface with her for a few minutes, but don't try to pull her out. Give her some space and she'll come around!
Good luck and kudos to you for saving a cat! :-)

Answer 5

Mostly you just have to give her time. And even then she might still never fully adjust to you. I have had a cat since she was little and she is...for whatever reason...very timid.

You could try talking to your friend about what your cat liked...a certain toy or treat...might help her trust you.

Answer 6

Let her get used to you, she's definetly freaked out because this is a compleatly new place with all new smells, sounds and sights. once she's okay with the house shell probably check you out and start to like you, just talk calmly to her and crouch down to her height when she's around untill she's okay with you.

Answer 7

Cats are very independent animals.
They would come to you in time.
They have a very strong instinct and they can feel you.
You got to be calm and gentle.Your cat will find a favorite place in your house give it time.