Timid Cat

I just adopted a cat, well a kitten still technically I suppose as she's only 10 months, and she has to be the most timid little thing I've ever seen. The shelter could only tell me that her last home was "chaotic" but I have to wonder if there is more to it than that as she is so scared and has spent most of her time hiding behind the couch.

I know kittens/cats need time to settle I've just never had one so timid. I feel so bad for her. 😢

I know she'll come round though. I've just been talking to her without getting to close and letting her get used to her new home (and me) in her own time.

I just wanted to ask if anyone has experienced the same with a new pet being so timid/coming from a less than stable home previously, and if anyone has any tips on how to coax her out of her shell a bit more.

Thanks.

Something tasty as a treat helps too. Bit of tuna or other. Get down and just let kitty know you are present. Bit closer each time, extending hand out for a sniff like Feisty said. If kitty bolts, try again. And keep at it. In time you should have a real lover on your hands. 🙂

Thanks you two! Well since posting we have progress!

She came out of hiding last night for a peek at her new home. I just stayed where I was on the couch so that she could have a sniff around in peace and feel safe. After a while she came across to me and had a little sniff then proceeded to have a wander about and investigate. She was rolling about on the floor for a bit too, pawing my foot lol, so at least she's feeling safe enough to be playful. And she's eating fine so that's good too.

I'm just in from work and she's having a snooze in what appears to be her favourite place now - under the my floor length living room curtain lol. Looking forward to seeing how she'll be when she stirs. 🙂

Awwwwww. 🙂

^^^ Ooo I saw those in the pet place I got all her stuff from. Didn't want to get too many toys at the time so as not to overwhelm her until she settled (I got her a scratching post, ball with a bell in it and a little toy mouse with catnip in it) but they looked like something kitty would like!

I'll go get one this weekend I think. Thanks!

kitties like having other kitties to play wif 😄 😄 i say get another!



but im a crazy cat lady so you probably shouldnt listen to me

She is awesome DP thanks for asking!

I went and bought a Feliway diffuser which you plug-in like one of those air freshener things, which produces cat pheromones and is supposed to help create a state of familiarity and security. Well what a difference! After only one day she came out of hiding, gradually at first and then more and more. She is now completely out of hiding and comes to me when I call her. She rolls around in front of me lets me pet her, rubs against me, follows me around and purrs away. 🙂

She's even playing now, which is awesome. She loves it when I poke my toes out from under the bed covers and will proceed to pounce for them haha.

She is like a totally different kitty and I now appear to be her *mum* so I am very pleased with her progress.

Ewe I would love to get another cat, I'm not sure though lol. I'll wait and see.

Thanks DP. It was actually the vet who suggested it when I had kitty in for her second lot of jags.

I'm glad too, she's such a cute little thing I love her to bits. 🙂

Try blinking at her very slowly and keeping your eyes half open. I have seen this really calm ferel and stray cats down.

Time is the healer....
We "inherited" a male cat (4yrs old) from someone who was very abusive to him....
At first he stayed behind the couch, chairs etc etc and we let him stay there.
We let him come out in his own time, which he did. Food and water was always there for him.
Slowly over time, he tentatively approached us and we patted him etc etc...
Now, a year later, he has the run of the place, he has three people here that love him to bits
and fuss over him.
He now has the best life that a cat could have, and he's gorgeous 🙂

Hard to say for a DOG 🙂)