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New Kitten very mean

post #1 of 6
6/8/11 at 9:01pm
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I just got a kitten. She is 4months old. When I brought her home she started acting very odd. If you get near her she will start hissing and growling. I Wrapped my hand up in a shirt and grabbed her safely for myself without hurting her and I got her to calm down by petting her. Then out of no where she starts hissing and turned frantic on me. I have been around enough new cats when I was younger and never experienced this before. Please help me. I got her from a home that had a dog and a toddler. I have 2 dogs that haven't even been introduced to her yet and a 3yr old and 8month old. I don't want her to attack my children. Will someone please help me with this. I don't find it normal for her to be calm in my arms one second and with no change around us just freak out.
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post #2 of 6
6/8/11 at 10:38pm
You say that you just got her. She's terrified. She's been yanked from her real Mommy and taken to a place that is different with different smells and noises.

You can't force yourself on a cat. Let her chill in a space of her own with her own water and food dishes, toys and a litter box. A separate room or bathroom where she can be undisturbed is best.

Then you need to go in and spend time with her. Don't chase her and pick her up and try and calm her down. Just go in and sit on the floor and talk to her (reading a book out loud works too). Bring in some interactive toys like a wand toy and play with her gently all the while talking in a soothing voice. She needs to get used to your sound and smell. Give her some treats. Throw them away from you and as she gets used to you (it could be a few days), bring the treats closer and closer. Don't make any motion to grab her. Hold out your hand so that she can sniff it. If she head butts your hand, rub her chin or cheek just a little bit, but not in a grabby fashion.

Gaining the trust of a cat/kitten takes time. By chasing after her and picking her up with towels and stuff, all you are doing is making her more afraid. The introduction to you and your family and other animals needs to go at her pace, not yours.
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post #3 of 6
6/9/11 at 4:27am
Like Linda has said she needs time to adjust to you and your new home. Buy a Feliway plug in because that should help her destress. But just sit in a room with her and talk and play with her, even if it's for 20 minutes every hour or two. Then after a couple of days start bringing your children in to do the same, but again, don't force the kitten to do anything.

She has to get used to the sound of your voices, and the softer they are the more she'll come around.
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post #4 of 6
6/11/11 at 5:19pm
"I Wrapped my hand up in a shirt and grabbed her safely for myself without hurting her and I got her to calm down by petting her"

Or, you stunned her into a state of panic and she froze. Cats don't really process affection like humans do - the most affectionate thing you can do right now is give her space. She isn't mean, she's terrified. Put yourself in her shoes and try to be patient with her. Soft voices, gentle invitations of play (play is a great way to make bonds), and backing off if she isn't comfortable are all helpful in befriending your cat.
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post #5 of 6
6/11/11 at 6:44pm
All great advise above. Let your kitty decide when she is comfortable. It takes some time. My latest addition stayed in a room by herself for two full weeks. I went in and sat with her many times during the day. Soon enough she was on my lap. She is the sweetest cat I've ever seen. She came from a shelter so she was very scared at first. Give your new kitty some time to adjust. She will be fine, and so will you.
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post #6 of 6
6/11/11 at 7:12pm
Cats come for attention. If you grab and pet they will just want to go as quickly as possible. She's terrified. If you have her carrier you brought her in, set it up as a safe spot.
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