My cat is 2-1/2 years old we got her from anti cruelty when she was 5mon, she is always scared & running away, if you walk by her she runs, she won't go on any thing high, couches or beds!! "Which I like", her liter box is in the bathrm she knows where it is, but at the same time if someone is in the bathrm she urines on the throw rug! Why? the bathrm is never close for a long time, and I know she did it when no one was in the bathrm, Her behavior is weird, she is not sick I had her checked. But to me she is acting like she don't trust us, scared of us, at the same time she never showed any anger at us, never bit or scratched any one, at times mostly night, I do see her playing, but she won't play during the day, she is to busy trying not to get in our way, she will brush up against me, but if I move my leg fast she will run away!!! I really don't feel like I have a pet at times she never interacts with the kids, I am the one she shows some what attention to, Why is she like this?
2007-10-08 16:31:22 · 6 answers · asked by Sheila3999 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
she does sound very fearful.
You can try some of the following. If she is not already an indoor kitty - please make her one! Her being able to go outside means she doesn't have to deal with all of you. If she is already an indoor kitty, be sure to leave the radio or TV on during times when no-one is at home so that she becomes accustomed to noise.
I would suggest you get her another litter box and put it in another area so that if someone is busy in the bathroom, she can go to the other one. Some cats are very shy about going to the loo with people around (my cat is not one of those - he will use the box even while I'm picking it up and taking it downstairs to clean - he doesn't jump out!)
Perhaps what you can try to do is to almost retrain her a little. Take away her pellets for a few days, so that you are only feeding her breakfast and dinner (hunger is a good incentive for most things) - when you put her food down and call her, she should come running, put the food down, then talk softly to her and try to stroke her while she is at her bowl. Keep this up for a while and she should become more used to physical contact.
Another thing you can try is to set aside a bit of time in the evenings where everyone sits quietly in the lounge - kids included - and you try and play with her using a lazer pointer. I would reccommend dimming the lights, as cats eyes see best in twilight so she will be more likely to play. Also, try it before you feed her dinner, as a kitty with a full belly doesn't usually feel energetic. The reason why I'm suggesting a lazer pointer is that it is seriously non threatening, as she doesn't have to be near any of you to play, and it is also seriously tempting to most kitties. Everyone can take a turn playing with her using the lazer pointer. After a few weeks of her getting used to playing with you - get the kids to try think up non threatening toys that they can make to try instead of the lazer pointer. Perhaps try tying a feather to a piece of cotton etc. As the weeks progress, you can start playing with toys that are a little more interactive (and to her are probably a bit more threatening), like balls, and catnip mice etc. This regular scheduled playtime should hopefully teach to interact more with your family.
another idea is to get an old cardboard box and tape it shut, then cut different types of holes in it - a few being large enough for her to go into, and a few more where you could run a toy around so she could stick her paws out and try an grab the toy. This is also a fairly non-threatening way of trying to pay with her, but you can't force her through the holes, she needs to go in there by herself. throw a treat in, or put some catnip in to entice her - then let the games begin!
Remember, with a little patience, and remembering to never force affection on her - she'll get better. My boy is very affectionate, but only on his terms, he doesn't like being picked up, but enjoys being petted on the head while he's sitting on the floor like a dog! You just need to find out how she enjoys being affectionate.
Best of luck!
2007-10-08 23:55:17 · answer #1 · answered by Karring Kat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was she like this at 5 months old too?
Is she just scared of you and the kids or other noises around the house too? How many kids do you have and how old are they? Are you able to pick her up? Does she ever sit on your laps? What does the cat do all day--hide--walk around? Where does she sleep? Does she not come near anyone? When everyone is in one room where is she? What attention does she show to you?
2007-10-08 16:55:52 · answer #2 · answered by Squeek E 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having had over a dozen of these poor, abused animals, I can safely say that you have a very long road ahead of you. These cats require special care, a ton of TLC, gentle massages and a quiet home with peaceful people. It sometimes takes years to gain their trust. I hope you can keep your heart open for this unfortunate kitty because she really needs a loving, consistent home to be even semi-normal.
2007-10-08 16:47:39 · answer #3 · answered by Leslie L 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like she was really badly abused. Here is a site that talks about some suggestions.
http://blog.worldvillage.com/home/dealing_with_an_abused_cat.html
You might have to let her make all the first moves and eventually she will learn that your not out to hurt her. Also I wonder if having another cat to play with would help.
Sure sounds like she wants to trust but is still scared.
2007-10-08 16:51:11 · answer #4 · answered by wherewhenwhatwhywho 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They're not necessarily abused, but every little thing makes them more and more traumatized.
2016-09-13 17:59:17 · answer #5 · answered by master control 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
idk but poor kitty u should take her to the vet maybe she was abused when little or something like that
2007-10-08 16:39:09 · answer #6 · answered by im2stupiddotcom_AM 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋