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Two scared 6 month old boys - how long unitl they adapt?
I brought home two, 6 month old male kitties from somone who has about 20 in
her apartment - both are not very social...one more so than than the other... from reading some of the other posts I've noticed that I should have let the very scared one come out of the carrier on his own...but, I held him thinking that he and i could potentially bond but he's been under the bed anytime that I'm around for the past couple of days...he did come out with the encouragement of his buddy but when he saw me on the couch and I said "hello", he freaked and rand under the bed again....the next place I found him was behind the stove at 4:00 AM....and his buddy with him (but I think his buddy is acutally trying to keep him company to get through this transition!) What's the best thing that I can do for them? I slept on the couch last night so that they had my room all to themselves with the door shut...I kept them in there today too when I was at work but when I came home, I opened the door and Booda came out about 1/2 hour later to check things out but then went back in....I didn't try to go near him...just let him roam. I feel a little anxious that maybe I didnt' do the right thing by brigning them home...I am used to very loving lap cats...I know people do this all the time so I just want to make sure I can help them but I also worry that they might not like me at all! Any suggestions would help. Thank you! |
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Two scared 6 month old boys - how long unitl they adapt?
Hi I run a cat rescue and have always had cats. since doing rescue I
have learned a lot about different cat personality traits and how to give them the best start in a new home. Yes the #1 thing is to always let them come out when they are ready to meet you for some the crate is the den they feel safe when surrounded on all sides. I have had some cats that did not decide it was really safe to be social till they had been with us a year so be patient, don't give up and let them have what ever time they need. #2 Also food is a great way to make friends with cats, try just sitting near them as they eat if they will let you talk to them softly and when you can offer treats to them. #3 Never grab them and hug them or hold them till they are ready. #4 Many cats don't like for you to reach for the top of the head to pet right away or ever, I always let them sniff my hand first and if they are still hear they may rub on your hand (of course just holding catnip before can't hurt either) try to scratch the cheek area or under the chin before trying for the head. If they seem to be getting upset stop and just talk to them. #5 Get down on their level sit on the floor and talk #6 Don't give them full run of the house at first a small room is best I always suggest your bedroom so a cat can get to know you when you are peaceful and asleep, make sure they have food and water and litter box of course! # 7 I try and have some places to hide for them like carriers with the door off and a blanket over it if you don't have a cat condo post that has a box to get in. If in your room they will probably choose under your bed. # 8 The plug in Feliway and the herbal Rescue Remedy in the water may help to calm them too. If I can help let me know I'm always willing to give advice! Sharla www.ragdollrescue.com |
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Two scared 6 month old boys - how long unitl they adapt?
Ollie Clark wrote:
[snip good suggestions] I'd also add that one of our cats was pretty timid when we got them. She didn't like being picked up, would hide from almost anyone and certainly wouldn't sit on your lap. It took about 6 months for her to stop hiding when someone else was around, about a year to be comfortable being picked up (even now she will only let you carry her if you hold your arms out in front of you and she can sit on them but be able to jump down whenever she wants). It's taken about 2 years for her to actually sit on someone's lap. It can take a /long/ time for them to get their confidence up. Most of the time they will come round given enough time and no pressure. Thanks a lot Ollie...hearing that makes me feel better! I'll give them time. One has made some progress already... -- Message posted via CatKB.com http://www.catkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx...escue/200602/1 |
#5
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Two scared 6 month old boys - how long unitl they adapt?
Thanks Sharla, I sent you a separate email......
wrote: Hi I run a cat rescue and have always had cats. since doing rescue I have learned a lot about different cat personality traits and how to give them the best start in a new home. Yes the #1 thing is to always let them come out when they are ready to meet you for some the crate is the den they feel safe when surrounded on all sides. I have had some cats that did not decide it was really safe to be social till they had been with us a year so be patient, don't give up and let them have what ever time they need. #2 Also food is a great way to make friends with cats, try just sitting near them as they eat if they will let you talk to them softly and when you can offer treats to them. #3 Never grab them and hug them or hold them till they are ready. #4 Many cats don't like for you to reach for the top of the head to pet right away or ever, I always let them sniff my hand first and if they are still hear they may rub on your hand (of course just holding catnip before can't hurt either) try to scratch the cheek area or under the chin before trying for the head. If they seem to be getting upset stop and just talk to them. #5 Get down on their level sit on the floor and talk #6 Don't give them full run of the house at first a small room is best I always suggest your bedroom so a cat can get to know you when you are peaceful and asleep, make sure they have food and water and litter box of course! # 7 I try and have some places to hide for them like carriers with the door off and a blanket over it if you don't have a cat condo post that has a box to get in. If in your room they will probably choose under your bed. # 8 The plug in Feliway and the herbal Rescue Remedy in the water may help to calm them too. If I can help let me know I'm always willing to give advice! Sharla www.ragdollrescue.com -- Message posted via CatKB.com http://www.catkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx...escue/200602/1 |
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