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Cat Forum / Cat Anecdotes / August 2005

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Help with new cats who are scared

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O.G - 09 Aug 2005 20:24 GMT
It must be asked alot but this is the first time I have had to deal
with this but I recently got two new cats from a lady who had no room
for them. She actually found them as strays and took them in, She said
it took a monthfor them to come around for her but i'm not sure if this
is the same situation.

The two cats seem to be buddies, Tehy usually ball up together as if
they were trying to protect one another. This has only been week one,
Since they were hiding under our couch the first two nights and not
eating we put the litter and food in our bathroom and had them stay in
there. They started eating and doing their litter duties. Well the
problem is now they dont want to get out of the bathtub, I guess they
feel really safe there and will let us pet them when they are in it.
But my girlfriend and I need to shower so when we pick them up and take
them out they hiss at us and one has even attacked me. I might of been
wrong to yell at the little guy when he did but I did it out of
reaction. But since then when I pick them up they dont really hiss
anymore except for on one other occasion but there was no bite or
scratching. Well we figured they need to get out of the bathroom so we
have no set up the box and food in our bedroom along with a scratch
post.

One cat hides under sink next to the litter box, I made sure to put his
food nearby so he doesnt have to move to eat. The other cat sits at my
sliding glass door and looks outside. The black and whire cat who sits
by the glass door at night meows alot and runs through the blinds while
the other just stays put. The gray cat is the one who doesnt really
move alot, I've tried to sit and pet him for awile and he seems like
he's just real depressed, The black and white cat seems like he's
sticking up for the gray one cause he eyes me the whole time I am with
it.

I know it's only been a week but is this rare for them to act so
scared? We've done alot to try and comfort them but as soon as we have
to pick them up from going in the bathroom they get mad at us again and
ignore us. Eventually the black and white gets over it and walks around
and lets us pet her, But the gray cat just sits there and could care
less.

Also, The black and white cat gets on her belly and it seems like she
wants me to pet her but then she bites me, It doesnt hurt but I wonder
if it's just playing or actually doesnt want me to pet her there. She
throws her hands and feet at me too for doing it.

Any help would be appreciative.
Karen - 09 Aug 2005 20:32 GMT
Well, I would number one, purchase a feliway diffuser and put it in the room
they are in
http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?PGGUID=c42848f2-a40d-444b-9fda-b7887b1cb53f

Try to not handle them much. Let them come to you. Sit in the room doing
other things. Be with them but kind of ignore them. Read aloud and let them
get used to hearing you. THey sound very traumatized. Poor things. Get some
wand toys and idly play with it (but don't pay attention to them, just act
like you are watching the toy.) Hopefully others will have some suggestions
too. They *will* come around, but it will take patience on your part.

> It must be asked alot but this is the first time I have had to deal
> with this but I recently got two new cats from a lady who had no room
[quoted text clipped - 41 lines]
>
> Any help would be appreciative.
Dan M - 09 Aug 2005 20:48 GMT
> Well, I would number one, purchase a feliway diffuser and put it in the room
> they are in
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> like you are watching the toy.) Hopefully others will have some suggestions
> too. They *will* come around, but it will take patience on your part.

Yes, I second what Karen wrote. A Feliway diffuser would be a very good
place to start. The main thing is to be patient. It sounds like they're
scared and just need time to get adjusted. It's perfectly normal for them
to still be scared after only a week.

And good for you, for taking them in!

Dan
Jo Firey - 09 Aug 2005 22:36 GMT
> It must be asked alot but this is the first time I have had to deal
> with this but I recently got two new cats from a lady who had no room
[quoted text clipped - 42 lines]
> Any help would be appreciative.
>\

As far as the light biting and grabbing with claws when getting a belly rub,
a lot of cats like being rubbed but just can't help themselves.  Its almost
an instinct.

As far as they shy and scared after this long, I've never had to deal with
it.  My aunt has.  She adopted two adult Himalayan cats.  One is fairly
social.  The other one pretty much lives under her bed.  Comes out at night
and when no one is around to eat and drink and use the litter.  Who knows
what trauma made her that way.

Jo
Enfilade - 10 Aug 2005 02:49 GMT
> > It must be asked alot but this is the first time I have had to deal
> > with this but I recently got two new cats from a lady who had no room
> > for them. She actually found them as strays and took them in, She said
> > it took a monthfor them to come around for her but i'm not sure if this
> > is the same situation.

You must give them time.  Keep living your lives and let them do as
they please while providing for their needs.  Once they feel safe and
secure, they will CHOOSE to come spend more time with you.  it seems
one is already seeking petting.  If you force your attentions onto
them, it will jsut scare them more.

One of our cats spent her first week under our bed.  Now she only goes
under there if she is stressed or wants private time.  MOst of the time
she is on our couch or on our pillow with us.

Some cats will always be more timid than others.  But the more
comfortable and safe they feel around you, the more they will warm up
to you.

--Fil
 
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