New cat not adapting
Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2017 5:33 pm
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!
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!