What do I do?

loki_kharma

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Hi all.. first time posting here, but then again this marks the first problem I've had with my little cat, so... yeah.

I've got a little black baby who I've dubbed Kharma. I was feeding her as part of the neighborhood strays for some time, and I came home one day back in the fall to find her in the house, lounging on the back of my couch. I have NO idea how she got in, as all the doors and windows were locked... what with it being winter and all, nothing was open. Anyhow, she's was spayed/neutered/whatchamacallit last week.. and now all she does is dive under the couch when I come home. She's terrified of me!
Any hints on how to get her to warm up to me again? She used to insist on being near or on me all the time.

Help!
 

katiemae1277

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give her some time, she's probably just a little freaked out from gonig to the vet, she'll warm back up to soon. in the meantime, ignore her, there's nothing a cat hates more than being ignored
Don't try to grab her, that'll just scare her even more, she'll come to you in her own time, I give it a week more, tops
and congrats on getting your baby!
 
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loki_kharma

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Thanks for the tips... I *HATE* having to ignore her (she comes out to look at me, and as soon as I move she dives under the couch again!) but I'll do it. I'll post later as to the results.

Thanks though, muches. ^_^
 

renny

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just try and get into a routinue that she can begin to predict. I.e. when you'll get home, when you'll put down food and water, etc. And stick to it. Then the noises you are making will start being expected, and sometimes come with some treats attached to them that she likes. Perhaps leaving some music/radio on when you are out to get her accustomed to noises/voices etc.
 

white cat lover

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Cats are creatures of habit. When you get home, maybe leave a few treats for her somewhere. Always use the same "treat place". Like Katie, said, ignore he. She definately sounds like she needs some time to adjust. Another thing to consider is that she does not yet feel safe in your home after going to the vet.
 

ldg

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Katie's right - the quickest way to socialize a feral is to ignore it.

Cats are territory oriented, not people-oriented, like pet dogs. Your rescued kitty is in a "new" environment and was just totally "accosted" by "mean" people in a VERY scary situation (the vet/spay).

Routine is right - that helps too.

Just be in the same room with her, but don't try to interact. Read out loud. Sing. When she starts coming out, IGNORE HER. IF you look at her or look in her direction, look over her head or at her forehead. Looking into cats' eyes is a sign of aggression.

Go jogging or bike riding and get a t-shirt or sweatshirt very sweaty. Leave treats for her out on this - but time it so you won't be around. She'll feel safe to come out to get the treats - and having treats with your smell will reinforce that you're associated with good things.


Once she starts venturing out, then - without looking at her - maybe try engaging her in play with a wand toy. Something interactive but that requires no contact is good.

But mostly just let her get used to the new territory in her own time. Once she realizes she's safe, she'll make it hers, and things will move pretty rapidly from there. Right now, her territory is under the bed. She will slowly enlarge this to your whole home - but there's just no way to force it. And the more patient you are, the closer your bond with her will be when she ultimately comes out of her shell.

All of our kitties are feral rescues. They were all kittens when socialized - and all of them were inside except Tuxedo. We didn't do the ignoring thing - and they love us and four years later love to be brushed and petted &etc. But the only one that is head-bumping cuddly loving is the kitty that we "followed the instructions" with. We made no attempt to touch Tuxedo until he made the first move by head-bumping my hubby. Once that happened, all barriers came down and he is our biggest love bug. That was at a little under a year old. All the others have taken ages to want to be touched and petted and loved on. My point is - even if it seems like it's taking forever, it's worth the wait.


And when you get frustrated - we're here to listen!!!!!


Thank you for rescuing this kitty!


Laurie
 

jcribbs

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Go jogging or bike riding and get a t-shirt or sweatshirt very sweaty. Leave treats for her out on this - but time it so you won't be around. She'll feel safe to come out to get the treats - and having treats with your smell will reinforce that you're associated with good things
I never thought of that......... wonderful idea!
 

mooficat

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Well you had lots of great advice
Hopefully you´ll get into a routine that Kharma is used to.
its just a 'time' thing and a lot of patience, which will be very much worth in when shes buddying up to ya


Keep us posted ............oh and............ummm..........love to see some pics
 

lsulover

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I hope this finds Kharma warming up to you, just keep being patient and showing her that you love her, she will come around.
 
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