Very nervous cat!!

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KGustavson
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Very nervous cat!!

Post by KGustavson »

Hi all,
I recently adopted two adults cats, nearly two weeks ago, a male and a female (around 6 years old) from a charity. They were a bonded pair and unfortunately due to their owner dying suddenly they had been in 3 different foster homes before they came to my husband and I.
The boy, Leo, is absolutly fine and totally adorable, he's always meowing and can't get enough of face rubs, he's always on our laps neading away and purring like mad! He was pretty much like this after a couple of days!
The girl, Tiggy, is a completely different cat! She constantly hides when we are around, behind the sofa under the radiator (it's very enclosed and warm so I guess she feels very safe!) I think she only comes out when we go to bed! Sometimes she'll venture out and eat some food or go and sit under the dining table but if we approach her she usually runs off! During the weekends when we are home she doesn't venture out from her hiding place all day!
I know the simple answer is to give her time, but should I start to block off her hiding place and encorouge her out. They have a nice big cat tree which has a hiding hole/box at the bottom so she could go in there instead???
Also, they have had some scraps. I think it's just that Leo wants to play and she really isn't interested!
Many thanks for any advice!
Kirsty :D :D :D
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Crewella
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Re: Very nervous cat!!

Post by Crewella »

She's been through a lot recently, so if she's found a place that she feels safe in, I'd do the 'give her time' thing and let her come out when she feels ready. She will, and seeing you fussing Leo will help her to trust you.

I adopted two older cats in similar circumstances as couple of years back - it took Merrick at least two weeks to venture out at all from under the furniture, but he's settled in fine now.

Congrats, by the way! :)
Meandmymunki
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Re: Very nervous cat!!

Post by Meandmymunki »

Hi yes time is the answer, I had a pair of sisters come into my rescue a few months back, they were just how you describe with one your best friend, the other in hiding, they have been in their new home 6 weeks now and the more nervous one is only just beginning to come out of her shell. Blocking hidey holes will make her panic, I find cold meat quite useful in winning their trust, just every evening sit on the floor and throw a few bits to her. Good luck, she will come round in time.
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Re: Very nervous cat!!

Post by emmab »

Well done on what you are doing. We have adopted lots of cats in our time, and had one particular cat who was quite nervous and defensive, although this didn't stop us adopting her. I believe all cats have a chance in life, and we may of only had her for 4 months before she was taken from us, but she had a happy life for the time she was with us.
Time and her own space is what cats need sometimes, and lots of love. Good luck and keep us in touch with how things go.
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lilynmitz
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Re: Very nervous cat!!

Post by lilynmitz »

I agree with the others, this poor lass has been through an awful lot, and is very confused and frightened. If she has found somewhere in your house that helps her feel safe, don't block it off, as you'll only stress her more. Let her do things at her own pace - she needs time to learn that you are her new safe home, and very gentle and patient handling from yourselves. It will help her to see how well you are interacting with her brother, but spend some quiet one to one time with her, sitting in the room with her and reading, talking quietly to her, play gently with her with feather toys on the end of sticks, bits of string etc, so you're not getting too close. it may take her a while, or the penny may suddenly drop. But you can't force these things. Just be patient with her, and help her to learn that she's safe.
KGustavson
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Re: Very nervous cat!!

Post by KGustavson »

Thanks all for your help and advice, it's much appreciated.
I agree time and patience is key, I wouldn't want to stress her out in anyway, it would only make her withdraw even more!
She hid over the weekend but came out late in the evening to eat and sit under dining table! They had a couple of little scraps again, but nothing major, I think maybe Leo is asserting his dominence over her or just trying to play, I'm not sure! It's nothing bad really, he just chases her and she might have a go, it's better then it was, at least she's not growling and hissing at him now, just running off!
She was out this morning when we got up for work, which is a major improvement as she's NEVER out early in the morning!
Last night I was playing with Leo's favourite feather toy which dangles from the end of a fishing type rod, he goes mad for it and she was watching very intently, so she was interested which is good.
One other question, It'll be 3 weeks this Sunday since I've had them, can I start letting them out in the garden, well Leo at least, or best to wait 4 weeks or until Tiggy is ready too?
Many Thanks,
Kirsty
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Crewella
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Re: Very nervous cat!!

Post by Crewella »

Personally, as things seem to be settling down nicely I'd leave it at least another week before changing anything, especially if Leo isn't desperate to go out. Glad she seems happier. :)
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lilynmitz
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Re: Very nervous cat!!

Post by lilynmitz »

No, she's still got a long way to go before letting her out. Definitely keep her in for at least another 2-3 weeks, and even then review it and keep her in a bit longer if necessary. You need to know she feels completely safe in the house, and established relationships with you and your other puss, to be sure that this is where she will want to return to and not just run off and/or hide.
KGustavson
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Re: Very nervous cat!!

Post by KGustavson »

Ok thanks. So does that mean I should keep Leo in too, until Tiggy is ready or can I start letting him out say in a week or two whilse I keep her in for longer?
Thanks!
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lilynmitz
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Re: Very nervous cat!!

Post by lilynmitz »

I'd be inclined to keep them both in for a while longer. It won't do Leo any harm, and will avoid the risk of accidental escapes. You need to be really confident that Tiggy is quite settled before you do this, and make sure you give her carefully escorted walks for the first week or two before you let her out unsupervised. If in doubt, keep her in longer.
KGustavson
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Re: Very nervous cat!!

Post by KGustavson »

You're right, I will keep Leo in for another couple of weeks and watch Tiggy's progress.

We had a major breakthrough last night! Tiggy actually joined in with some play time! We have this fantastic toy called Da Bird from Amazon that a friend recommended, it's basically a fishing rod with a feather 'bird' on the end and they go mad for it! It was lovely to see her playing, she has also let my husband stroke her a couple of times while she's eating, I haven't managed it yet (I think maybe she prefers men, lol!)

I have had Feliway on in the living room (where she hides) for a week now so I'm wondering if it actually works and that is what is helping her. They are still having some scraps though which is worrying as she often hisses and growls at him, but friends with other cats have said it's pretty normal behaviour?! Hopefully it will pass!!
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Crewella
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Re: Very nervous cat!!

Post by Crewella »

Of my six, two still hiss and growl occasionally at each other, and Merrick will swipe anybody that gets too close to him. Some cats just don't much like other cats, or another cat in particular, but as long as there's no real fighting I wouldn't worry. I'm glad she seems to be settling. :)
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greenkitty
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Re: Very nervous cat!!

Post by greenkitty »

I have four cats, one of which likes nothing more than pouncing on one of the others, consequently anytime he's near her there's lots of hissing and growling going on. As long as it doesn't escalate I leave them to it.
KGustavson
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Re: Very nervous cat!!

Post by KGustavson »

Hi Greenkitty, that's exactly what's happening with my two! Basically, she'll be minding her own business and Leo will just pounce on her and chase her, sometimes there's a bit of a scuffle but it's mostly hissing and growling and then he pounces and chases her away!! On the Cats Protection site it said they were a bonded pair and had to be rehomed together, that's why I'm finding the behaviour a bit surprising! But after speaking to various people it seems quite common, I guess cats tend to have a love/hate relationship with each other!
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