Making Friends With a Hissing Cat?

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Sheellah - 15 Jun 2004 20:02 GMT

My mother's caretaker brought a gorgeous non pure bred dark grey Persian into
the house, and it hisses at just about everyone but her when you try and get
near it. She said it was abused when it was younger. Any way to make friends
with this cat so I can at least pet her or pick her up?

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Agua Girl - 15 Jun 2004 15:27 GMT

> My mother's caretaker brought a gorgeous non pure bred dark grey Persian into
> the house, and it hisses at just about everyone but her when you try and get
> near it. She said it was abused when it was younger. Any way to make friends
> with this cat so I can at least pet her or pick her up?

Time, time and more time. The cat is probably scared and doesn't really
trust anyone. That kind of trust can only be developed with time. Just
keep talking to it in a soothing voice, don't reach for her or attempt
to pet her until she is more comfortable. Not only do you risk pulling
back a stump but you will just set the process back if you rush it.
Some cats never like being picked up but at the very least you should
be able to pet her. Just give it time.

AG

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Hope Munro Smith - 15 Jun 2004 20:59 GMT

> My mother's caretaker brought a gorgeous non pure bred dark grey
> Persian into the house, and it hisses at just about everyone but her
> when you try and get near it. She said it was abused when it was
> younger. Any way to make friends with this cat so I can at least pet
> her or pick her up?

Tuna fish! ;-D

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Laura R. - 15 Jun 2004 21:07 GMT

circa 15 Jun 2004 19:02:35 GMT, in alt.cats, Sheellah
(sheellah@aol.com) said,

Time.

Laura

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Experience is the name every one gives to their mistakes.
-Oscar Wilde

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nimue - 16 Jun 2004 02:43 GMT

> circa 15 Jun 2004 19:02:35 GMT, in alt.cats, Sheellah
> (sheellah@aol.com) said,
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>>
> Time.

Time and lots and lots of patience. Be calm and quiet around the cat and
don't demand affection she isn't willing to give. By and by she will come
around. At first you may be able to pet her with one finger at arm's
length, then two, then your whole hand. Just be patient. It took one of my
cats a very long time to get to love us, and right now she is one the couch
sitting on my husband's head, so anything is possible.

> Laura

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nimue

"If I had created reality television I would have had a much greater
influence, but then I would have had to KILL MYSELF."
Joss Whedon

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M.C. Mullen - 15 Jun 2004 21:20 GMT

| My mother's caretaker brought a gorgeous non pure bred dark grey Persian into
| the house, and it hisses at just about everyone but her when you try and get
| near it. She said it was abused when it was younger. Any way to make friends
| with this cat so I can at least pet her or pick her up?

Yes, but you have to let the cat decide when what is going to happen.
The way to most creatures hearts goes through food, so there's where you can
start.
Then comes stroking the head, the cheeks, *maybe* lifting the cat on your
lap.
I would give the cat half a year to build up trust - but beware, once you've
got the trust of a feral or abused cat it is unconditional!
Good luck!

Carola

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Sven Olafsson - 16 Jun 2004 13:33 GMT

> | My mother's caretaker brought a gorgeous non pure bred dark grey Persian
> into
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> friends
> | with this cat so I can at least pet her or pick her up?

Thick biker gauntlets. Corner the cat, then tickle it's stomach to
your heart's content. There's no way the claws get through the
leather and in the end the cat gives up. Easy.

Oh aye, some catnip after helps.

hth,

Sven.

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~*Connie*~ - 15 Jun 2004 23:09 GMT

a lot of time, treats, and tenderness. I often "impose" myself on a cat
that is scared. Get near, offer soft gentle words, and yummy food. When
you can tell that you are getting on her last couple of nerves, tell her
that she's a good kitty and leave. I always tell cats what I am doing and
what I want. If you can be near her with out obviously upsetting her, see
if she'll play. Usually the distraction of a good play session will help.
Get a fishing pole type toy, so you can be further away from her.

Good luck!

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nimue - 16 Jun 2004 02:43 GMT

> a lot of time, treats, and tenderness. I often "impose" myself on a
> cat that is scared. Get near, offer soft gentle words, and yummy
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> distraction of a good play session will help. Get a fishing pole type
> toy, so you can be further away from her.

This is excellent advice.

> Good luck!
>
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>> younger. Any way to make friends with this cat so I can at least pet
>> her or pick her up?

Signature

nimue

"If I had created reality television I would have had a much greater
influence, but then I would have had to KILL MYSELF."
Joss Whedon

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PigDog - 16 Jun 2004 04:24 GMT

If it won't be your friend punish it by repeatedly sucking it with the
vacuum cleaner nozzle! It'll eventually come around!

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jb - 18 Jun 2004 07:46 GMT

I had a shot from a long needle, 4 stitches, and now a permanent scar on the
end of my middle finger. I recieved this from an injured, stray cat I
rescued a few years ago. I didn't know about traps and such, I just knew it
needed help. After a short stay with animal control and a trip to the vet he
was home with me. Within 1 week I could pet him while he was eating. Within
3 weeks he was 'cuddly'.

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