New Cat Owner

Hi Everyone,

I'm a new cat owner. Actually, I've been a dog owner my entire life, so I don't really speak "cat". I adopted a cat a week ago, after months of thought. I decided the time was right to get a cat. Admittedly, I feel a little bad, because I got a cat for companionship and to help improve my mental health. I suffer from post traumatic stress disorder and experience a lot of anxiety when at home on my own. Though it's only been a week, but my new cat Montana has been helping make my mornings and evenings less anxiety laden.

Montana is a 14 month old spayed black domestic medium haired cat. I've only had her for one week today, but she's been quite quick to warm up to myself and my older brother whom I live with. She still knicks off and hides when someone comes in the front door or anything like that. But I try to just let her do her own thing. I've been lurking on these boards for a little while and it's been helpful.

I do actually have a question though. I live in a flat with full length windows. Montana loves to sit on the window sills and sunbathe and watch what's happening outside. Today two different cats came up to the window and freaked Montana out. I don't want her to get stressed. Is there anything I can do to help her relax and not freak out? She's not spraying or anything so far, which is good. But I really don't want her to start either! Any advice?

Thanks!

Hi @kurayami   and welcome to the site.

Congratulations on adopting Montana, feel free to share pix of her.

As to the outside kitty visits, you may not need to do anything, time will tell. lf she's a laid-back and mellow cat, she'll get used to the outside visitors and will "visit" with them through the glass as mine do when they have company over 

lf it turns out after enough time to get used to these cats that she instead seems anxious about them, you could either limit her time at the window, give her an elevated perch at the window so she doesn't feel threatened - like a tall cat-tree, or try Feliway diffusers to calm her nerves.

Good luck, let us know how she's coming along 

If a tall cat tree in front of the window is a possibility, that's what I would suggest, too. My concern would be that Montana's fear could turn into redirected aggression.

As far as the outside cats go, I've never tried Ssscat before but have read in other threads that it's an effective and harmless way to get rid of unwanted visitors.

So neat that she has warmed up to you so quickly and is helping with your anxiety!

Hi, we had a cat that did exactly the same when we first adopted him. He would throw himself at the window and it was really quite scary to watch but eventually after a week or so and not getting any reaction from the outside cats he calmed down. As for the Feliway, I think it's fab. Every time we have adopted a new cat It's what we have used.

Thanks for responding, everyone.

Montana hasn't had any freaking out episodes so far today. At the moment she's asleep on my bed. I'm sitting in between her and the window while I work on an assignment. She was a little flighty when she met my Mum earlier, but that's pretty normal, I think.

Admittedly, because the size and length of my windows, it's difficult to limit the time she spends sitting in the window. But I'll get her a cat tree and perhaps some fellow at when I can afford to. Being a student, it can be hard to find $100 to spend per item!

Here's a photo of Montana for you guys to see:

Wow! Your Montana looks just like my Amber. She's beautiful!!

Hi kurayami! I often say that pet adoption should be government - sponsored because of the many benefits to our health. All the best to you and Montana.