I had my heart set on adopting a kitten but when I went to our local cat rescue foundation shelter, I fell in love with this little guy. He’s 1.1 years old, and spent the first 5 months of his life on the streets. Although it doesn’t show in the picture, he’s a bengal/tabby cross and stunningly beautiful. He’s also lead a rough early life, and is consequently human-shy.
His transfer to my house was rough, mostly because he’s so damn smart. The volunteers caught him and put him in the carrier. When they walked away to get the food, he unlatched the carrier (!) with his paws and escaped. The second capture was tough. He’s been in my house for 3 nights and hasn’t left the hidey hole under the bed. He 's got food, litter and lots of places to hide in my bedroom, and I’ve managed to pet him with a feather wand, but he’s still not really eating. He left me a “present” on my couch downstairs instead of using the litter box.
I want to make his transfer as peaceful as possible. Any advice out there?
just talk sweetly to him, try laying on the floor in his proximity and talk to him, do not make any abrupt movements, that always startles them and not sure what it is you’re doing… could be in his rough early experience he was always running from predators… it’ll take a little time, but animals sense your feelings, good and bad, and if you use a soothing friendly tone with him, he’ll come around.
just talk sweetly to him, try laying on the floor in his proximity and talk to him, also, leave clothing with your human smell on the floor so he can get use to you, and do not make any abrupt movements, that always startles them and not sure what it is you’re doing… could be in his rough early experience he was always running from predators… it’ll take a little time, but animals sense your feelings, good and bad, and if you use a soothing friendly tone with him, he’ll come around.
Agh! Cute kitty alert! I’m just wondering if you shouldn’t restrict him to a more limited part of your house to start with - say, a spare room - just as you do when you already have a cat.
Also, you might consider putting his litter and food in the room he favors, shutting the door and giving him some private time alone in his "safe room the door so he can’t leave.
This way he can establish some territory. Once he is sure he is the Master of his Territory, he will be more comfortable having you in it and have more confidence exploring the rest of the house.
Whenever I’ve moved a cat I’ve always used the “safe zone” theory, confining them to one room or location for the initial transition. It seems to work well, and the cats will return to their safe zone whenever they feel threatened or anxious.
(keeping the litter in the safe zone is only a temporary thing, like for a week)
You might try a Feliway diffuser. Otherwise just give him time. He might always be shy around strangers, but he’ll probably come around and show you affection. Try not to move suddenly around him for now, or make loud sounds when you are trying to socialize with him. Let him get to know you, and realize you mean him no harm, then he’ll relax. Keep trying to interest him in play too. Good luck, he’s a handsome fellow.
That’s a good idea. Also, just grab a book and camp out in the room. Sit near his hidey place but not blocking it. He’ll probably get bored and come out to see what you’re doing. Don’t try to grab at him, just sit there and let him come to you…
I adopted a five year old cat from a rescue shelter a little over two years ago. Just in the past couple months has she come into the common areas of my house instead of just lurking in the bathroom or basement. The other day she came and sat on my lap for the very first time. It was very exciting.
So I guess my main advice is to be patient. This cat might not adapt to you and your home anytime soon, but don’t give up. Keep in mind too, that lots of cats won’t ever be really cuddle-happy because they have a stand-offish personality, just like people.
More of the same advice about letting him have a safe zone that’s all yours. I have had the same issue in the past, and I really like the laying on the floor letting him just see you advice. I’d add that the important parts of that are to avoid sudden movements, and talk, talk, talk. Cat’s will bond to the sound of your voice really quickly and in the long run I think it helps them be more social. They learn your voice means safety and comfort, and want to be around when you’re around.
I totally agree with the idea of taking a book into his room and reading - just spending time with him without paying direct attention to him the entire time. He will get more comfortable in your presence as time goes by. You might want to get some kitty treats and place them at the edge of the bed, then gradually move them farther out toward you.
Thank you, from SCL and her eight furbabies, for adopting a shelter baby.
