New cat not adapting

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Jessw
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Joined: Tue Jan 19, 2016 9:52 am

New cat not adapting

Post by Jessw »

Hi,

I just adopted a bonded pair of street cats. One is around 18 months, the other 6 months. They were living in a lady's garden until she brought them (and 4 others) in. She had them for around 2 months. During that time the little one was very friendly and the older one would run against her legs and let her stroke him a bit.

I've now had them for just over two weeks. The little one has really come out of his shell. He doesn't hide anymore, plays with wand toys and comes to me for strokes if I sit on the floor. He's not quite there with my husband but getting there.

The older one is in a cubby hole of our walk in wardrobe. He does come out a bit when we are not in the room (I have a camera set up). He is eating and using the litter tray. Twice he has tentatively take a small bit of Turkey (his favourite) from my hand whilst in his cubby hole. However, sometimes he hissed at me for even putting his wet food bowl down at the entrance to the cubby hole (though he will come and eat it even with me sat there). There has been no signs of progress.

I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions. I don't know if I should be continuing to try and feed him or just leaving him alone until he ventures out of his cubby hole. The little cat runs up to him and tries to entice him to play but it's all to no avail. He watches me stroking the little one but never comes closer.

Any help greatly appreciated, even if it's only reassurance that patience will pay off!
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Lilith
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Re: New cat not adapting

Post by Lilith »

Hi and welcome :)

Yes, time and patience are the remedy. Good on you for taking on these two and I think you've made very good progress. Hissing can be very normal; I once bought a Siamese kitten, who was well-socialised, and on her first night I took her to bed with me and she decided to sleep on my shoulder. But every time I moved slightly, she hissed. She was simply indicating that she didn't know me quite well enough and was reminding me of the fact and that she was THERE.

I would go on doing as you're doing. Also talking to him, and sitting at a distance for a while in the room, talking and telling him what a good boy he is and that everything's all right, are other good ploys. He is sussing out his new home and establishing a secure base at the moment; he'll come out when he's ready.

All the very best with them and please let us know how you go on :)
Jessw
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Re: New cat not adapting

Post by Jessw »

Hi,
I thought I'd post a little update in case it gives hope to anyone else in my situation. We've now had the cats about 8 weeks.

Progress is slow but there is definitely progress. The little one, Pip, is now exploring the whole house. He loves to play and be stroked. He even enjoys tummy tickles. He is still a bit skittish when out of his "safe" room but is going from strength to strength.

The older one, Monty, has finally started to come out of his shell a bit. He comes out from under the bed (his latest hiding place) and eats dinner right next to me every night. He is definitely curious about me but still not ready for contact. He will stay out in the room and even sit on the bed when I'm there now. I think he will let me stroke him soon. He hasn't explored much of the house. He has made it out of the "safe" room once or twice. I am confident he'll get there.
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Kay
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Re: New cat not adapting

Post by Kay »

It's very rewarding when the real scaredy cats start to trust you, and I have found myself that they rarely regress once they start to come round

I have been feeding a stray in my garden for more than a year now, and only in the past two months have I been able to put down a dish of food without his retreating till I leave - but because nothing bad happens when he gets bolder he will learn to trust me more and more, I am sure

it does make you wonder what these cats experienced to make them so fearful of humans, though, doesn't it :cry:
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Lilith
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Re: New cat not adapting

Post by Lilith »

Hey I think they're both doing well, it's so heartwarming when they start to trust you. They'll both be under your feet soon, if I know cats. Congrats and thanks for the update - keep us posted :D
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