How do I encourage my cat to explore?

Post by **fiomet** » Fri Jan 23, 2015 8:10 pm

I rehomed a cat three weeks ago. She's a really friendly cat, really placid but she only ever goes in the 'safe room', the lounge and the kitchen (when she knows it's food time). I really want her to go upstairs into other rooms in the house and eventually let her outside. It seems that when she does sheepishly venture upstairs or towards the back door, she sees me or someone else and darts back to the lounge again.

Does anyone know how I can encourage her to explore? Or is it just a waiting game?

Post by **Walesgang** » Fri Jan 23, 2015 8:24 pm

Hello and welcome.

Well done on adopting your kitty. Looking forward to hearing more about her.

Three weeks is not very long for a timid girl. I would let her explore at her own pace. Talk to her and sit in the same room as her - try to encourage gentle interaction, such as taking treats from you, maybe a gentle game with a feather on a stick.

She will settle in time.

Keep us posted

Val and Gang

Post by **lilynmitz** » Sat Jan 24, 2015 3:03 pm

I agree, the best possible thing is to let her do this all in her own time. And certainly don't force her outside - I know you just want her to get the most from her new life, but it's all very frightening and confusing to her at the moment, and pushing her along will only make her feel more anxious. Some cats are more confident than others, and your girl sounds like what she needs most is to feel safe and secure.

Just give her time, her confidence will build, and she will thank you all the more for it. Just gentle reassurance and somewhere she feels safe is all she needs right now.

Post by **Crewella** » Sat Jan 24, 2015 3:09 pm

I agree, it's very early days still. Just be patient and I'm sure she'll gain confidence in her own good time.

Wishing you a long and happy life together.

Post by **Kay** » Sat Jan 24, 2015 3:46 pm

when spring comes and you go out more yourself into the garden, it's very likely she will start to follow you outside

her reluctance to go upstairs may be because she's heard people moving around up there, and that has made her nervous - you could try encouraging her to follow you up when you are alone with her in the house

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How do I encourage my cat to explore?

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