Topic: Introducing new very timid cat!! (Read 39239 times)

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #34 on:** September 19, 2012, 22:17:51 PM »

So sorry you didnt see the posts first and vets are not very good a cat behaviour

And a virtual stroke for Snoflake

I am so pleased he is back under the bed and yes he still may be there at Christmas but as long as he is eating and using the tray, what the hell

He needs to be allowed to take his own time to do things, please dont force him and if you can make some more hiding places in your bedroom for him that would be good......those cardboard boxes maybe.

So now its take a deep breath, have a cup of tea or something and go and watch tv and then bed and tomorrow is a new day and Snoflake can take his time doing what he feels is right for him.

So pleased he is safe and has decided that he feels safe under the bed

caledonia · « **Reply #33 on:** September 19, 2012, 19:20:38 PM »

Ladies I can't even bring myself to tell you how bad it got.... Firstly I shall assure you he is back under the bed and frankly he can stay there until Christmas as long as he eats and pees!!

So yep never put a cat in a room with no where to hide... That thought struck me 5 mins after he went in the bathroom! However by then he had discovered a hole into the boxed in pipes I didn't know existed! Let's just say 30 mins later I was still in tears, my poor neighbour had called her joiner friend and he started to remove the wood at which point snowflake backed himself out and I took him back to the bedroom.

What an emotional roller coaster and the poor boy must be really terrified now! I'm going to just leave him - my concern was just the feeding - he has did that so I'll feed him under the bed for as long as it takes. I love my vet but next time I'll trust my gut!

I'm unsure what to call him now.... Houdini???

jezebel · « **Reply #32 on:** September 19, 2012, 18:49:48 PM »

I agree with Gill, don't put him somewhere he can't hide. I tried this once with Bass and she was so scared she cried pitifully so I had to let her back into the bedroom where she could hide under the wardrobe.

It's only been a couple of days for your boy, and he's now using his tray and eating so he's making huge progress.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #31 on:** September 19, 2012, 18:06:34 PM »

Thats really good news and he knew you were gone LOL

Please dont put him in a room with no place to hide, he must have a hiding place or two, even if just cardboard boxes with a hole in ior he will just be totally freeked.

Sounds like Nina and him may be friends before he does people

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #30 on:** September 19, 2012, 17:21:48 PM »

Pleased he's eaten and done the necessary in the tray!

Sounds like he's a very shy boy but that will make it all the more rewarding when he comes out of his shell - I bet in a few weeks when he's settled in you'll look back at this and wonder if it was a different cat!

caledonia · « **Reply #29 on:** September 19, 2012, 17:15:21 PM »

Well I've came home and he has used the litter tray and ate the food put under the bed. Yay finally!! He might also have used scratching frame as big paw prints all over the plush carpet on it! Ive set up a box at side of the bed... I'm going to try and coax him into it as I think bathroom might be better for him - no where to hide. I've just held nina into room.... She is purring and squeaking at him and he didn't hiss. However I can't let them meet under the bed- that would be a total disaster!

Thanks for all the advice everyone! Really appreciated.... Xxx

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #28 on:** September 19, 2012, 15:32:07 PM »

I think the idea of a cage is a good one and also trying Nina with him.

He is obviously very very scared and dont think him hearing a cat crying is helping when he cant see her.

You say that he hissed when he saw her before and at least that is a reaction!

Also maybe being in the same room as you is not helping.

My brother had a Maine Coon from a kitten and it was always a scaredy cat unless oiutside playing with the neighjbourhood cats but he really didnt do people very well.

I dont think he is going to come round soon so get yourself prepared for a long journey with him

My Misa who is just a giant moggie only does me but the doorbell sends him scampering to hide

caledonia · « **Reply #27 on:** September 19, 2012, 15:20:44 PM »

Thanks Jezebel. I spoke to my vets who are just lovely. They have said its not a concern either but they have suggested I try and get him out from under the bed and either in the bathroom or in his carrier.... Somewhere where he will have to deal with me and see me rather than just hiding.

It makes sense - my lovely boyf also checked with his vets who said the same!

Crikey am I prepared for how timid this little boy is!!!

jezebel · « **Reply #26 on:** September 19, 2012, 15:06:19 PM »

If it's any help, someone I know is fostering a mother cat + kittens and when they first arrived, the mother cat didn't use the litter tray for three days! (And apparently when she finally did, the results were pretty impressive!

)

caledonia · « **Reply #25 on:** September 19, 2012, 11:59:31 AM »

I've put some wet food under the bed next to him today - its his fluid intake im worried about.

He came from a house with another cat and a dog so used to animals. Just been on the phone to my friend who has a household of 4 Persians and she has suggested letting my tiny cat into the room. I'm not sure. It goes against all the advice but it's how she has managed in the past. Nina isn't aggressive and is used to other cats.

I just worry her crying for me when I leave her locked in the living room is panicking him more! Maybe if he sees she is half his size!!!

I just don't know :-(

Mymblesdaughter · « **Reply #24 on:** September 19, 2012, 11:49:03 AM »

Have you tried putting his food under the bed next to him? I don't know how much room you've got under there but that's what I've done with my scaredy cats.

Just a thought, other people will know better than me but would it be worth borrowing a cage and putting him in that for a couple of days with his food and tray? It's also a good way for them to get used to other cats.

caledonia · « **Reply #23 on:** September 19, 2012, 08:19:15 AM »

Oh dear - 36 hrs in and still nothing! Not ventured out at all. I'm obviously sleeping in the bedroom at night which might make him worse, but he def didn't venture out all night cos I barely slept a wink :-(

If we get to the end of today and nothing then I'll really be panicking! I'm starting to feel like a cat novice :-(

caledonia · « **Reply #22 on:** September 18, 2012, 23:14:45 PM »

Quote from: Gill (sneakiefeline) on September 18, 2012, 22:58:44 PM

She must come first cos its her house

Oh I know I know - I just hope little snowflake/rio/Branco will settle and feel at home too at some point lol :-)

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #21 on:** September 18, 2012, 22:58:44 PM »

She must come first cos its her house

caledonia · « **Reply #20 on:** September 18, 2012, 22:42:28 PM »

Oh dear what hope do I have of getting to know the little fella in the bedroom if little miss thing won't even leave me in peace to have a bubble bath... Her on the mat on my towel next to the bath! *sigh* lol

caledonia · « **Reply #19 on:** September 18, 2012, 19:39:06 PM »

Sam thank you so so much for those links.... Really put my mind at ease!

No need to panic just yet. Nina isn't phased other than when I leave the room but def going to ensure she doesn't run in their again until the boy is feeling better :-)

Sam (Fussy_Furball) · « **Reply #18 on:** September 18, 2012, 19:16:10 PM »

So pleased you have a newbie ... the following might provide some useful information

http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,4789.0.html

http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,22273.0.html

http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,4793.0.html

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #17 on:** September 18, 2012, 19:14:07 PM »

Such a hard thing often introducing a new cat especially when they have history and even when they dont like Lupin!

caledonia · « **Reply #16 on:** September 18, 2012, 19:06:23 PM »

Jezebel I'm glad to hear your girls were the same - you can't help not panic though! Maybe cats coming from a noisy home are just waiting for the noise to kick off again! :-/

caledonia · « **Reply #15 on:** September 18, 2012, 19:05:12 PM »

Gill I did wonder about that - with Nina - he has came from a house with another cat and a dog.

Last night she actually jumped into the room and I didn't straight away grab her- I just thought I'd see what happened! Well the little bimbo had a wee wander about and jumped on the bed not even realising he was under it! Then she trotted past the bottom of the bed and cocked her head and had a wee sniff... She then went to get under the bed so I grabbed her just as he hissed!

So hmmm not sure! I don't want him to feel so terrified but don't want to set him back further letting Nina in!

His last meowy said she didn't separate them and he was fine!!!

Hmmm I might try some supervision again later - just don't want to do the wrong thing!

jezebel · « **Reply #14 on:** September 18, 2012, 18:41:43 PM »

Apparently our two girls didn't eat or use their tray for a couple of days before we got them. They'd been homed for a few days somewhere with kids who upset them, then they were rescued and we got them two days later so they'd been all over the place and were really unsettled, to say the least.

Feliway takes two or three days to work, I think.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #13 on:** September 18, 2012, 18:36:12 PM »

I dont know if I am being daft but wonder if Nina would help him? If you can hear her so can he. Maybe he likes cats better than people.

Obviously under supervision, dont let her get under the bed.

Dont panic yet, start after 48 hrs

caledonia · « **Reply #12 on:** September 18, 2012, 18:00:11 PM »

Well I'm home and he must have remained under the bed all day :-(

Water, food and litter untouched! I had placed a treat stick right next to him under bed- half of it is gone! I'm really worried about lack of water and litter use. Currently at about 22 hrs at mine so I will start panicking soon :-(

Doesn't feliway take a couple of weeks to work? There is at pets at home v near me - just conscious it might not help just now!

Small progress being I lay next to bed on floor and he didn't move - just looked at me. I tried the slow blinking then looked away. Nothing and then all
I can hear is little miss squeaky nina crying like a banshee two rooms away!

Oh this is going to turn me grey lol

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #11 on:** September 18, 2012, 17:53:40 PM »

Poor baby sounds very frightened

Once he realises he's 'safe' I bet he'll come out from his shell (and hopefully from under the bed too!). Coming from such a busy household I bet he'll be over the moon to 'only' have Nina to contend with

I am also a big Feliway plug in fan and reckon it will help him relax and settle in to his new home if you get one

Looking forward to pics once he's settled in

I like both Rio and Branco, both waaaaaaay better than Snowflake

caledonia · « **Reply #10 on:** September 18, 2012, 16:51:23 PM »

Thanks everyone! Blinking got held up at work so now waiting on next train.... Home soon though... It's only an 8 min journey lol!

He is currently called snowflake and I never ever change a cats name... Ever! However he is only 2 and well I'm thinking of maybe Rio (after my love for the place and it's pretty) or Branco (which is Portuguese for white).

I haven't spoken to him too much... More just announce when I go into the Room. I might lie on the bed and read later... I'll see how his room is looking!

This is total contrast to my Raggie Edgar who strolled out the carrier looked about and plonked himself on the couch lol

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #9 on:** September 18, 2012, 15:34:35 PM »

I think its just a matter of time and he will be able to hear Nina too.

It will take hime time to adjust to a nice quiet house and everything must be very scarey for him.

Purrrrrrrrsonally I would stop talking to him at moment cos it maybe freeking him out and wait for him to emerge and eat and stuff and to get his legs, then start again.

Misa hid under the recliner for weeks and would only come out to eat, how such a big cat got through the gap I dont know but used to have his food , water and litter tray behind.

He liked strokes but as soon as he had eaten he pulled himself back through the gap.

Hope he settles in fairly quickly but be prepared for a long haul.......whats his name?

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #8 on:** September 18, 2012, 15:19:32 PM »

It sounds like you're doing just fine. Fingers crossed the treats will have been eaten. Bet you can't wait to get home.

caledonia · « **Reply #7 on:** September 18, 2012, 15:13:21 PM »

I will have a wee think about the Feliway - I have used it before and had the spray too but it didn't ever seem to help but I know every ct reacts to it differently. I will be home in the next 90mins so just hoping the treats at least have been eater

jezebel · « **Reply #6 on:** September 18, 2012, 15:07:51 PM »

Ah, sounds like he has everything he needs then!

I think it really is just a matter of time. But I know how you're feeling, I was worried about Bass for ages and I just wanted her to chill and make herself at home. (BTW, Bass is a now a total cuddlebum: sits on my lap, sleeps on the bed with us every night and a couple of weeks ago chased the neighbourhood tom out of the garden, so they do change!)

Do have a think about the Feliway, though, we used it for three or four months and it really helped.

caledonia · « **Reply #5 on:** September 18, 2012, 14:02:30 PM »

Thanks for that,

His litter tray, food and water is all in my bedroom. I also have a bed in there for him and a cat tower which has a hidey hole area and also a cat a seperate tunnel for him to hide in - I didn't think of a box though and now he is under the bed lol! I actually wokoe up in the middle of the night and thought the cat tunnel was him and was talking away to it!

I did try and go into the room and lie down and talk to him, I even lay just reading a book but then I hear Nina crying from the living room and I get stressed as I imagine he does. Nina doesn't like being alone and its hard hearing her crying as she isn't using to being kept out the room!

Fingers crossed that at least the treats have been eaten when I get home

although I did expect him to creep out during then ight and he didnt!

jezebel · « **Reply #4 on:** September 18, 2012, 13:40:30 PM »

One my cats, Bass, was incredibly shy at first. She hid for the first couple of months, only coming out to eat and use her litter tray when she felt it was safe.

Could you bear to have his litter tray and food bowls in the bedroom for a few days?

A Felliway difuser really helped Bass - it won't work miracles, but it's worth a try. It takes a few days to start working and you need to put it in the room he's in most of the time.

Has your new boy got a box or something he can hide in - somewhere he can retreat to and call his own? A cardboard box turned upside down with a hole in the side, perhaps?

Talk to him, even if it's just rubbish! He'll eventually come and see you, just out of curiosity. I used to talk to Bass in a silly voice, because I was worried I sounded tense and anxious and didn't want to make her worse!

Other than that, it just takes time, especially if he's naturally a nervous cat.

Good luck!

caledonia · « **Reply #3 on:** September 18, 2012, 12:36:05 PM »

He is 2 - a maine coon so for their breed not yet fully grown. He is from the home he went to at 8 months. Looking at his paperwork I wonder whether he was maybe meant to be a stud but it didn't work out that way. I'm just reading between the lines.

He was very jumpy in his home - I visited him there twice and although he was out and about he was very jumpy when approached or spoken to. It was a very noisy house with two kids and a very barky dog.

I'm hoping he will have been out when I get home in a few hours. He came with food and records but no blanket or anything so he doesn't have anything familiar. Not ideal.

I just hope I'm doing everything right :-/ - also wish you could let them understand this is forever and they won't face all that change again bless him

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #2 on:** September 18, 2012, 12:24:27 PM »

Is he a kitten or an older cat? And was he a rescue or from his birth home? Did he seem timid when you went to collect him?

Just pondering ('cos in your position I'd be feeling the same!) and wondering if he has a naturally nervous disposition or whether its just the move has unsettled him. Would it be possible to call whoever you got the little feller from and ask what his default mode is if you don't already have that knowledge? At least that way you may be able to determine what's making him nervous or if he's just naturally reticent.

Bless Nina - sounds like she's well up for a new kitty playmate

caledonia · « **Reply #1 on:** September 18, 2012, 11:13:02 AM »

Hello all,

Well Nina and I have been joined by our new furry friend who has did nothing other than hide under the bed. I have set up my bedroom as his safe room purely because it is the quitest area. I have a huge living room come kitchen so neither of these was suitable and want to be able to have space between him and Nina who I am trying to keep in the main living area so he doesn't hear her too much!

So 12 hours in and nothing - no food taken, no litter use, just cowering under the bed. I have spoke to him, not approached him other than when I was frantically tried to figure out how I couldn't see him under the bed - until I realised he was actually moving so I couldnt see him.

I made the decision to leave Nina in the living area last night with all her stuff - which she was less than pleased about but I couldn't try to move him or indeed allow her to cry at the bedroom door.

Nina is aware he is there but she just seems to be dying to get to meet him - no reaction from her other than purring and sniffing at the door and then just about throwing herself through the bedroom door when I was in the bathroom. I had hoped last night he would come out of hiding and have a sniff but he didn't.

Totally happy for him to take his time - just worried no food or litter use yet - in my previous intros cats usually venture out when you leave them - he hasn't - to the point treats were left beside the bed.

I know he just needs time - but is there any point I should be worried?

Thanks

Author Topic: Introducing new very timid cat!! (Read 39239 times)