- Joined
- Apr 19, 2014
- Messages
- 22
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I just got my fourth cat---a maine coon from a pretty reputed breeder about 4 months old. CFA registered and with all vet shots up to date.
I have had cats all my life, and feel I have some idea with introducing them to new homes and resident critters etc. However, I guess there is always more to learn.
The issue is this, and I am getting a bit upset with it all. The newcomer has been hiding under the bed pretty much all the time. He has a room to himself where I go to work. He does not eat, drink or poop when anyone is there and just darts back inside the bed if he hears any sort of noise. And to date I have probably heard just a couple meows. And there is a ton of hissing and spitting if anyone goes near him. I have toys, the feliway diffuser on all the time. I have tried to entice him with delicacies and laser pointers. However, there isn't any change. Now, I know that patience is the key often but this has been going on for over a month. Introductions to other pets are of course ruled out for now. If he sees so much as a peep of another animal, he works himself into a fit (once he darted out and hurt himself on the closet mirror when my buddies dog---a rather laid back bulldog mix--- just had a peek at him).
Now all my previous cats and kittens have been naturally curious, and even if shy at first, have usually broken out of their shell within days. I had also worked at a no-kill shelter for a few months a while ago, and I recall one who was just always shy and timid. It was in her nature and she never quite got out of it. Then she was adopted out after 6 months and brought back by the owners a year later (they did keep her finally which was great!) saying that the cat was still very shy and never seemed to warm up at all. I am rather afraid that this may be the case with my new one as well.
There was a long waitlist and I thought that I had carefully chosen my breeder and was very eager to at last get him. The breeder was ready to meet halfway which worked out well. I am beginning to think that perhaps I should have gone to the cattery and seen first hand how he interacts. I have never given up on any of my pets but somehow I feel a bit disappointed, especially since I also had to pay a decent amount to get him in the first place.
Would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.
I have had cats all my life, and feel I have some idea with introducing them to new homes and resident critters etc. However, I guess there is always more to learn.
The issue is this, and I am getting a bit upset with it all. The newcomer has been hiding under the bed pretty much all the time. He has a room to himself where I go to work. He does not eat, drink or poop when anyone is there and just darts back inside the bed if he hears any sort of noise. And to date I have probably heard just a couple meows. And there is a ton of hissing and spitting if anyone goes near him. I have toys, the feliway diffuser on all the time. I have tried to entice him with delicacies and laser pointers. However, there isn't any change. Now, I know that patience is the key often but this has been going on for over a month. Introductions to other pets are of course ruled out for now. If he sees so much as a peep of another animal, he works himself into a fit (once he darted out and hurt himself on the closet mirror when my buddies dog---a rather laid back bulldog mix--- just had a peek at him).
Now all my previous cats and kittens have been naturally curious, and even if shy at first, have usually broken out of their shell within days. I had also worked at a no-kill shelter for a few months a while ago, and I recall one who was just always shy and timid. It was in her nature and she never quite got out of it. Then she was adopted out after 6 months and brought back by the owners a year later (they did keep her finally which was great!) saying that the cat was still very shy and never seemed to warm up at all. I am rather afraid that this may be the case with my new one as well.
There was a long waitlist and I thought that I had carefully chosen my breeder and was very eager to at last get him. The breeder was ready to meet halfway which worked out well. I am beginning to think that perhaps I should have gone to the cattery and seen first hand how he interacts. I have never given up on any of my pets but somehow I feel a bit disappointed, especially since I also had to pay a decent amount to get him in the first place.
Would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.