The above list consists of specific solutions to specific problems. The best thing you can do for your cat is to make sure she always has food, water, a clean litter box, toys, and a place to scratch. Also, do they visit often? This includes enough money to buy what it needs as well as the time to spend with it. Cats are very sensitive to these things! Barbara from Northern New Hampshire on May 10, 2018: I live alone and I have had my cat for a few years now. Good hub. The trouble is he is very fiesty with my new cat. You mentioned that she’s always been skittish with loud noises, particularly close to the front door. The reason your cat may be skittish may be as simple as the fact that he doesn't like how fast you move around him or how loud it is where you live. ), but right now the best thing is to leave him alone. It's possible that he's been attacked by other strays and is on edge. He does however play with the other cats comes for his round of attention and otherwise acts like a happy cat just a scardy cat. I've had him since birth along with the 5other cats in the house. I try not paying him any attention only her telling her she's a good girl when she dose right or she comes to me or something like that. I talk softly to them when I'm in the room and we have 2 scratch towers, a cubby, catnip and several toys and balls with bells. He runs when you approach or walk by or if he's laying on the bed when I walk by he jumps down and runs away or runs and hides. We have a one-eyed cat that we rescued a couple of years ago, and they have already bonded, playing and eating together. This could lead to your cat being shy and unsociable. Poppy is extremely active — she loves to run and jump and play. Sounds like he must know he's safe in your home! We adopted a pair of siblings last week. I had already set up a litter box, a few sleeping spots in some seclusion, and food and water. =) I hope you keep each other safe and warm! Any insight or thoughts or advice is much appreciated. They have all of their faculties, and they don't trust us if we're not there from the beginning. It could be that he’s had the past 6 months to readjust to being an inside cat already. The man i got her from told me her mama is the devil and hes hoping none of the kittens get her mentality. This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Again, up to you, and he’ll be fine either way.). Not a lap cat, doesn’t like to be picked up or held, and not cuddly. Cats aren't as okay with changes as humans are. If you reward brave behavior such as whenever she comes out, she’ll come out more often for the rewards, and then eventually she’ll be coming out just because she’s comfortable doing it and no longer thinking about it. She really dosent like to be petted or picked up most times and will give you a little bite or sometimes start meowing and then squirm all around and bite like your doing something bad to her. The decisions ahead of you are going to be hard, but I encourage you to talk to your vet about your Sofee's QUALITY of life. Bad thing, she's been diagnosed with inflamatory bowel disease, so she has chronic diareaha and leaves poop everywhere. By now she knows your routine, and she knows she's a permanent part of it. But this will be a process. I'm scared that Socks--what we named her-- will not eat. I assume the bed smelled the most of me. =) Yes, when we had Prince Fredward spayed, he was offended and hurt and scared. They would be starving themselves and refusing to go anywhere if they weren't comfortable. Have you considered rehoming her? Likes to rub against your leg. That is quite a lot! Whether it’s a box with bedding in it at a corner of the house or a tall perch on a cat tree stand, she will still want a place to retreat for safety/comfort. ^_^. It’ll just take time for him to get to know you again and the new apartment for the first time, and it’ll take the same for you to relearn his habits. We've yet to be able to hold and love them. Jennifer Kessner (author) from Pennsylvania on June 14, 2013: Hi, Sydney! ^_^ I can only hope that those who read this will keep it in mind when the situation arises. All rights reserved. That could be bad news. Edgar Charlie will begin to see that he is not going to be threatened while under the bed, then he'll feel safe in your mother's room as a whole. I recently got a cat from a friend and the cat attacked them whole trying to hold him, they said he's been like this for 6 months not always has, but since he's been fixed hes been like that. Definitely sending good luck your way, and please let me know how it goes! Not to mention in the short span of 3 weeks, prior to our adoption, she lived with 4 different families that brought her back within a few days. Could he have gotten it threw genetics and it's just the way he is or is there something else I can do for him??? Contrary to general assumption, cats love being carried, especially when you cradle them like babies. 8. You jump up from your chair in excitement, and he darts under or behind something. But now he's soo skittish. I'm hoping that hubs like these will help to either keep people from abusing their pets, to help people with adjusting to a new pet that had been previously abused, or both. I am not sure how long my landlord will wait for me to get that done. There are sprays and plug ins. Jennifer Kessner (author) from Pennsylvania on December 30, 2016: Aw, I'm sorry to hear this! Neutering/spaying just one feral makes worlds of difference in a community with a lot of strays. Whatever the action, chances are if your cat is reacting so strongly to your loud noises and fast movements, he is not yet used to you or his surroundings. =) You sound like you've got it handled. Boo McCourt from Washington MI on January 04, 2013: Absolutely awesome hub, so much information packed into this hub. Thank you for your time. Jennifer Kessner (author) from Pennsylvania on April 30, 2018: Thanks so much for the post, and for taking care of those kitties! I don't know what to do, I'm thinking about putting her down. Thank you! =). There was nothing different in my appearance. I’m willing to bet however that this is habitual for her simply because it has been a year, and she is still doing it. (we got our male cat neutered but I guess he had a one nighter with Sarah before his surgery). And yes, I am 1000% certain of this. Nevertheless, for the time that we’ve had him he’s been skittish. We rescued a cat a little over a year ago. Plastic bags moving to fast or moving at all around him. Yours would expand for another addition to your life; believe me. We have a small cocker spaniel, so she was just confined to one of our bedrooms. poor edgar charlie. Fredward not only became used to Luna, he would seek out her company! He will get to used to the schedule, expect it and be excited by what you're offering him, and the trust will grow. I wish i knew of something to help him not be so scared all the time. Have you ever groomed him with a pet brush? What could be causing this? Luka stated so close to him...Early on his brother was killed sadly due to his friendly manner. trauma, or maybe it's just their personality. She hissed if anybody came near her, and nobody was able to pet her. I always try to take a different route when walking around her. Your kitties are acting normally, and they feel safe enough to eat, drink, and pee! I'm so sorry her scaredy cat personality has you frustrated. Now let’s assume that that this is not habitual for her. She hasn't made a peep and is "hiding" in the kitchen chair under the table cloth. Let him decide when it’s safe to come to you. Ancient Romans held a similar—albeit tempered and secularized—reverence for cats, which were seen as a symbol of liberty. Jennifer Kessner (author) from Pennsylvania on June 05, 2013: Aw, well good luck! She is indeed comfortable with you. Thanks for all the votes! Cats are indifferent to men with shorter beards. They need a regular schedule, and some cats are super skittish and can take up to a full year before they feel safe....with no changes. I love my Candy even if he's a big, black, lazy ball of fear and I try to help him overcome his fears little by little and he's made quite some progress. I haven't figured how to "move him" yet either....a cage? 17 weeks old is still young enough to keep a cat from going feral, but it's possible that she is, even with living with you for as long as she has. Although I know I need to wait, when we found were given Midnight(She was a barn cat) she was older. Instead of immediately sniffing everything out, they stay to where they know is safe and then slowly venture farther and farther with each exploration. She already had her claws removed probably right after her rescue (her toes are a bit funky but adorable). Or doea this behavior sound like abuse could be the reason? Thank you so much for your wonderful comment! Even after a full year, you and your kitty are still learning one another. A great hub here and looking forward to so many more by you. =) Especially with her age, if they had never moved before, this is her FIRST time in a new environment! The fact that she plays with you and your family and comes willingly shows she already trusts you (you lucky duck! It will take a lot of time, but please keep being patient with him! (You can get a simple wire pet brush for a $1 at most stores.) Should have been and indication I guess. =). If he’s sleeping that much, it might be because of a couple different reasons. I meant to say " he will not snuggle with us." I know it takes time for adjustment, but she hasn't seemed to eat or drink anything since she's been here. Both intentionally scaring your cat or physically harming him are indeed big reasons for a skittish pet. The fact that he’s resting so easily just shows he feels comfortable, safe, and trusting of you. It doesn't have anything to do with the genes, but with how often the original breeders handled the kittens. Thank you. I do sometimes get frustrated then have to apologize to her. He will be just fine learning to occupy himself while you’re gone. Prince Fredward prefers the backyard whenever we go to bask in the sun. Give him some time to readjust, try the techniques to get him more comfortable/used to hands, and just keep loving him. Our cat is skiddish and we have no idea why. If you haven’t groomed him before and he seems to be afraid of the brush, just hold it still and near him, and let him sniff it before you try to go at it. He will be able to sit, watch, listen, and become familiar with your voices. my cat edgar charlie just got moved in my moms house yesterday and my mom is so mad that i ''pester'' him. Spoiled yes but that's it. But when I held him he was fine just cried a lot what do I do? AWESOME!!!!! We just moved to a new house about 2 weeks ago (4 br from a 1 br, so tons more space). Brush him once and let him smell it again. UltimateMovieRankings from Virginia on June 11, 2011: Great information....I had a cat that was abused as a kitten....and it never ever became a friendly cat....which was very sad....voted up. he never outgrew it. When calling her to come to you, always keep your hand out, palm up, or rubbing your fingers together. Keep it up, and show her that hands are for loves! I'm sure he'll become more and more comfortable as time goes. It sounds like your poor adopted kitty has been taught that hands can do harm. I just had a foster my best friend took in, but I'd had her for a year a half with no luck of touching her because of not having any human contact for 9 weeks. Do you live in a noisy neighborhood? She’d do well with older kids, as she can get quite sassy. Cats aren't like dogs when it comes to territory. Would not eat or drink out of dish so i washed it real well. Nat Amaral from BC Canada on September 27, 2011: Very well written. Again, this would not then be habitual behavior but learned after her traumatic experience, and it’s just a matter of her becoming more and more used to the environment. He did have one problem and that was with storms...actually could see his demeanor change and would have an accident. He will begin to calm down again. Thanks, I voted up and useful. I now have to take her in to the vet for a steroid shot every 6 weeks or so, which means having to catch her and get scratched again. Loud cars or motorcycles scare her even if a few streets away. The following bullets may also help to calm your cat down. I know that it means a lot to them and the rest of the neighborhood. Most of the time Molly is a happy cat; she purrs, cuddles & snuggles, head-butts us, loves having her tummy rubbed, eats well. Just because an older cat preferred to jump up onto the counters doesn't mean that every one of your cats will expend this energy. BUT. I can't figure out why other than Christmas day. It's a good idea to keep an eye out for a while to see if the cat keeps returning and scrounges for food and if she looks well-fed or not. It could be that her retreat to the bed is simply to get away from the noise and sleep/feel safe. But I had to pick him up and put him on the bed if I wanted to hug and love on him, and then he was immediately between the bed and the wall, huddled in a ball, if I left the room for even a second. This is fine and normal. Okay. I'm baffled! It sounds like he thinks he's going to be attacked, so he's attacking first. xx Jen. What could it be? She's about 2 years old or so. He also had a short lived flee problem around the same time, but after a few baths he was fine. The longer he's outside, and the less interaction he has with humans, the more feral he will become. Don't put your hand out and reach for her. A wonderful hub especially as we have been adopted by two rescue babies; mum Tabatha and her kitten Meg who were found in a hedge abandoned last winter around thirty miles from here. Are his reactions common or is his behavior something I should be concerned about? (And having something with you might perk his curiosity, and he might have to come see what you’re doing just because!). The SME sector is an underserviced area largely due to the reluctance of banks to lend to SMEs for a variety of reasons. He does love to be combed in fact he begs to be combed. And if this is a constant thing, it could become a respiratory problem in their lungs. I just want her to have a good life and would love to love on her more if she would let me. If you read my article Positive Reinforcement With Your Pets: Why it's important, you'll see some of the behavior Prince Fredward had with a cat I ended up having for an entire year. Or he may be just active at night while you’re sleeping, so you only see him sleeping while you’re up. Now, she may never run to the door when someone comes by! Does she head for the bed only when you leave? Thanks for sharing your story! Let them have their peace their way, don't got to go around correcting something not broken. Jennifer Kessner (author) from Pennsylvania on September 13, 2011: Stories of abuse are always so sad. He’s an active kitty, just when HE wants to be. She runs from me which makes it extremely difficult to catch her when I need to get her to the vet. Aw, no, I'm so sorry! The girl has been slowly getting accustomed to us, but the boy is terrified of us. (I don’t know if it would be possible financially or allowed by your landlord, but if you want, it might be a good thing to get him a companion. She also chases her tail a lot. Above all else, only take on the responsibility of a cat if you have the means. "Cats don’t do much meowing to other cats," says Sueda, calling meows "an attention-getting device" to express greetings, approval, demands for food, and more. it broke my heart but I kept getting up and cuddling him close until he calmed down. We opened the door and put up a gate to keep the dogs out on the 3rd day so they could get used to "house noises". She may have either gone in heat, or is/was pregnant. I just don't know what to do. These interpretations are … I sleep in there at night so they know I'm there for them, but it's not making any difference. Don't share the spots/behaviors, make it uniquely theirs and they just appreciate the hell out of it. I live alone and work full time but spend almost all my free time with her or at least in the room with her. And talk to him! XD), but I do hope it helps! Then the dog avoided playing with her. It could STILL be that she retreats to under the bed because of the noise. One of my fosters, who I had had for a year and a half, wouldn't let anybody at all touch her for those first 18 months. He eats good & plays but the skitterish part is anoying when he'll fly off the bed or sofa.He meows alot doesn't seem as happy any more. so she could meet the dog. Thanks so much for reaching out about this. © 2021 manilastandard.net. He remained the same never any changes. He doesn't come out until everyone is gone but my and my mom. he does, however, stand his ground around our two larger dogs. The only thing that gets him startled is the vacuum. So when do you notice that he’s most active? Only problem is he needs a flea treatment bad so I wish I could just have him give me 30 seconds of chill for his benefit. Again, it just shows how much he's improved! What could be causing this? =) Thanks so much (From those cats? Could it just be his personality? Molly and one of my other cats love to play chase together. If she’s not very playful, I definitely suggest experimenting with a couple of different things! I can't take seeing his petrified look every single time he sees me, I don't know what to do.. if you have ever encountered something similar, a bit of advice would be great. She doesn't like it. He's not mean, doesn't even hiss at me anymore, but he's mr 3 ft. Used to run like crazy from me, has been almost 5 yrs and still will just sit on my truck sniff my hand and run 3ft away from me at all times/all movements I make. Also take your safety into account. Kathy from The beautiful Napa Valley, California on August 14, 2011: Your little Prinze Fredward is adorable...love this article..so much information and great tips and respect for our feline friends..excellent source of step by step ways in which to introduce new kitties to home, kitties to new home and new animal pals, how to handle ferals and shy kitties and so so much more. He is scared of everything. With their legs perched up in the … yikes? Also, when I first got her she immediately hid. Jennifer is a writer, editor, feminist, and Potterhead. I planned on moving in the future to a place where I could have only one animal. When she knows she can rely on you to give her what she needs, she will be more willing to play with her toys in front of you, or even to let you play with her. My BF and I have had her since she was a 6WO kitten and she was a lovey kitten. I encourage you to still consider it. He does however play with the other cats comes for his round of attention and otherwise acts like a happy cat just a scardy cat. She gets feces in your cuts, and something gets missed in the cleaning/sterilization of those cuts? XD. You’ll be able to see what the triggers are, whether they’re because of noise or fear of something else, because she’s just comfortable, or maybe you’ll see that there’s another cause. Thanks so much for taking the time to rescue and adopt Miss Kitty. I watched it so closely! Makes me wonder what her old house was like. Thanks so much for your comment. Will not approach me, but will let me walk right by it if it's resting and freak the hell out and 3ft the distance if I make any attempt to pet it. Same for if she focuses on a different part of your hand. My friend just gave him back due to the fact that the cat and him have never gotten along. Just taking her time getting adjusted. Over the last 3 or 4 months Molly spends most evenings running about, from room to room, chasing unseen objects as if she is chasing a mouse. However, my husband took the trash out and she came to him, but she would not come to him last night either. Hello! 6. She is 8 and a survivor of Hurricane Katrina. She's sharing it with you with her purrs! This is my first time caring for an indoor cat and I need him to be happy! Wait a few days and try to do that? And then, remember that picking them up by the scruff of the neck is a good place. Try a scrunchy! But I'm hoping that by now she's a cuddly purr monster! How long have you had him since getting him back? Just got a munchkin cat who is 7 months old, had him for 2 days hasn't eatin, drank or went to the bathroom and she preferres to hide then to let me love on her what shall I do. Do you find babies cute? Just getting those poor cats fixed/neutered will ensure that at least THEY are not creating more feral cats, no matter if they are capable of rehabilitation or not. I just got a kitty about a month ago, age unknown; a cousin of mine found her in the hood of his car. No point in her living in fear. Here are the most common causes for a skittish cat, and ways to help make your cat more comfortable and sociable! Here's to hoping. You're doing better than you know! She may have only just been diagnosed, but she could have been living with this all her life, and now as she gets a little older, it's rearing its ugly head. While neglect is a form of abuse, as it denies a being its needs, there are other types. Some cats are just scaredy cats, but it's always a good idea to also take her to the vet to see if anything else is going on. Glad to hear about your spoiled cats! =) Friendly and cuddly is very hard to resist. Jennifer Kessner (author) from Pennsylvania on September 28, 2011: @Nat: Haha, thanks, Nat! That poor cat went through a LOT), but he unfortunately doesn't know how to act around kids, and fast movements (as kids are prone to do) scare him into running under the kitchen table. We had one when I was growing up that was mostly outside, but when she was inside, she let you see her all the time (to remind you she owned the house, not us), and she allowed us to pet her if we were sick, crying, or if SHE deigned it to be okay. She'll rub up against your hand when she decides she wants petted. If he settles down or even comes to you, then definitely encourage him! 3. Don't worry we also hate spam just like you. Milk causes upset stomach and diarrhea. The dog was on my lap and the kitten joined us, they got along great. In fact, a cat that has been abused (including neglected) may become feral because of its lack of socialization. By bringing him inside, you will kill two birds with one stone by making sure he's around you for the human interaction and also by keeping him out of harm's way of other strays. If she jumps or is startled, chances are she doesn't like what you're doing. Because we have 2 dogs, we put them in the guest bedroom the first day, and closed the door. Help. XD When I leave, he’ll look sleepily at me and mew and then close his eyes again. Jennifer Kessner (author) from Pennsylvania on September 27, 2011: @carcro: I can't imagine ever abusing an animal either. Try a couple different positions, i.e. His first nignt, we had him in a cage, no litter box, he made a mess. Life and freedom ! Whatever the case, just keep doing what you're doing and let him sleep when he needs it, and love him! Or is it whenever the door is opened/shut? My Poor Prince Fredward and I just moved this past October. It sounds as if you still gave her a good life. We've had him for about 3 years now, and he's never been like this... Jennifer Kessner (author) from Pennsylvania on June 12, 2018: It sounds like your kitty has gone through a LOT of changes in its short life! This is not an easy fix, but it can be turned around! Being fixed is a very traumatizing experience! I'm interested to know how she's doing now! If he's only been at your mom's house a day or two, then he hasn't had time to check out the rest of the house. Aside from cleaning him and feeding him I try to let him be by himself as he is very attached to his sister, but whenever he sees us he either hides or remains petrified in one place. She was extremely skinny and skittish, yet has slept with me from day one. Over night for some reason he is scared of the garage. 6. It was only the head, ears, and her back if she was in a good mood. Put up signs and an ad in the newspaper if you need to; this cat's owners may be looking for her! If they never got along, your pet may have done things like scratch furniture or meow or spray (urinate) just to annoy your friend, and it doesn't sound like your friend reacted well. They live in a calm, kind, well-provided for environment 24/7. He also has "accidents" all over our house when people are over and he is too scared to go to the litter box. Slowly I introduced him to outside with his siblings...His brother who he was attached to was friendly and accepting which it was a good match. And if he's too uncomfortable with it, let it go for a day or two and then try again. It sounds in that case that your friend was physically abusive. Dust and other buildup under the bed can cause respiratory problems, so you’ll want to make sure you clean often beneath the bed (if you are okay with her continuing, but we’ll get to that). But she will get more comfortable as time goes by. She was about 8 weeks old when she appeared to me. It's always sad to hear about them being abandoned or abused. I don't dare pet him he swats and hisses even to my roomate..what can I do with this changed behavior? If she's still comfortable, and you're willing to do the cleaning up, then that's one thing. One that follows me around like + with a dog that I only pet when I'm leaving it (so as to reward it, I like the company). Again, hope you find a solution. 2 were friendly and outgoing like their dad and 1 was aggressive. Keep the cage nearby so he has somewhere to run when he wants to feel safe. Some experts suggest a cage or crate so that your cat can slowly get used to what goes on in his home. - basically normal for the first week. Izzy is 2, my daughter brought him home from the streets. After that, he started to hide around the house - in closets, behind doors, between boxes, even just laying in his litter box. Most owners are tempted to give their cats raw meat thinking wild cats eat raw meat. Again, thanks for commenting, and have a good one! If the wild cat approaches easily and comes to you when called, she may already have an owner or may not have been on her own for long. I was actually babysitting recently, a 20-month-old. And he's been with me for 6 years! I have been here for about 2 weeks. Our cat, Oliver, instantly explored when we let him out and was sociable, loveable, waking us up, etc. This past week I needed to take her to the vet and I had to corner her and grab her and she scratched the living hell out of me. DOES ANYONE have advice on how to make this transaction easy for him? Cats are confused and/or disturbed by men with beards that are incomplete (e.g., Bork) and to a lesser degree by men whose beards have missing parts (e.g., Crafts). =). If you're really that fed up with her, though, I suggest rehoming her. If your cat was neglected or ignored at their previous home, they will expect the same treatment from you.