New, Adopted Cat - Constant Hissing

I recently adopted a cat/kitten from a no-kill shelter in my state. I found her picture on PetFinder.com and instantly fell in love with the little girl even though she only had one eye (due to a bad eye infection). She's in an awkward adolescent stage between kitten and cathood at 11 months of age and is an 8 lb. Torti. At the adoption day in PetSmart, she absolutely hated the place (can you blame her?) but when I held her in a quieter area, she was pleasant and a bit like a baby. She seemed to take to me!

Took her home; she was fine on the way home, but when I let her in ... she just was like NOPE and hid. I've had her for four days now. I know a lot of people recommend keeping a new cat in a very small room like a bathroom, but I cannot since I have a one bedroom apartment and my only bathroom is small to begin with (I need to use the bathroom too! lol). She's been in my bedroom, hiding under the bed and hissing at me if I happen to come near for the most basic of things (to refill her dishes, etc...). She's been using her box and eating. I'd say she has a decent appetite. 

When she catches sight of me, however, she just freezes like a deer in the headlights and slowly slinks back under the bed OR repeatedly hisses. I leave her alone for the most part (especially since I work during the day), and only am "bothering" her when I need to refill her dishes, scoop the litter, check on her before I leave to go to work, or when I climb into bed at night. Otherwise, I know she is pretty active since she wakes me up at night playing with her toys and running like a nut across the room. But when she sees that I see her ... Instant freeze and/or hiss and back under the bed she goes. 

Granted, I know I've only had her for four days and I know not to expect miracles; these things take time. It is just a bit frustrating when I mean no harm and am taking care of her but she is having none of it. I did purchase some Feliway spray to see if that helps her at all. 

Are there any recommendations anyone can offer me? Am I doing her right so far? 

Thank you for your help!

UPDATE (6/26/14): I spent a least two hours lying on the floor in my bedroom, just existing in the same space as her. She came out to eat when I was sitting there on my laptop and ate for a little. She noticed I was there, froze a bit, but actually kept eating and then slunk back under the bed. Then I read to her a while (and she fell asleep!) and while I then was talking on the phone to a friend (I was lying on the floor on my side about an arm's length from  her food dishes), she crept out and ate. Then kind looked like she thought "What is THAT lying on the floor?" and cautiously approached. She was less than a foot away before she then turned around and went under the bed. No hissing, no rapid retreat to the bed, etc... PROGRESS! She seemed more relaxed throughout the night. I'm going to try that again tonight to see if we can repeat the scenario.

Yes, you ARE doing right by her and I will assure you that soon she will begin to trust you day by day. Take away the clock for now - no days, no hours. Just be patience. When we adopt/rescue, we have no clue about their history. Poor baby was quite sick since having to have her eye enucleated. :shame: Just spend loads of time with her sitting on the floor by the bed if she is under there. Get a few wand toys (BUT PUT THEM AWAY WHEN DONE!!!!!!! strings = problem if they eat them...) and play with those near the edge of the bed. Toss her a few yummy treats like Temptations. Feed her special canned food - like Fancy Feast pate which most cats LOVE. I really think that there is no need to "put her in a small room" because she is already in your bedroom anyway. :lol3: Good sign that she is playing at night while you are sleeping. Soon - she will want to investigate you in bed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't move. :lol3: Just let her nose around. This is very typical behavior of an older kitten who has been through so much and is completely unsure IF this is for real AND if she will be safe and secure. Days don't matter right now. Just loads and loads of love and patience on your part. You WILL be rewarded VERY SOON, too. :nod:

p.s. OH - also, if you look under the bed at her. Try slow blinks. Lay your head down and shut your eyes and take deep calming breaths. She will respond to this and it will help her to trust you. :bigwink:

Great advice above

The hissing is not aggression but her way of telling you she has been through alot, her former life and eye trauma, then shelter life, now with you, so allow her all the time she needs and before you know it she will be an excellent companion to you, just takes a little time for her to recoop

2nding everything Feralvr said    The one exception is that I've used foodstuff that isn't terribly healthy, along the same lines as Fancy Feast, an an enticement to get skittish kittens closer to me.  I reserve stuff like that exclusively for when I'm pushing kittens out of their comfort zone. Gerber 2nd Foods Chicken & Gravy (or Turkey & Gravy) is like crack for kittens!  I put it on a plate that I continually inched closer to me, then onto a spoon that was slooowly maneuvered over my lap.  And really amp up the submissive displays when she approaches: stay perfectly still, lower your head and/or close your eyes.  Never, ever stare at her: that's an overtly threatening behavior in cat language.  

Having just gone through through this with four feral kittens that pretty much hated my guts when I brought them inside nearly a month ago (now they're lounging in my lap and pushing each other out of the way to get the lion's share of affection from me  ), here's some of the best advice I can offer:

• Spend as much time as possible on the floor with her. Talk to her, read aloud to her, get her accustomed to your voice.  Lie on your side with your back to her so she can examine you and get familiar with your scent in a non-threatening way.  If you have long hair, let it hang loose since that's where your scent is most potent.  
• Cat tree, get one.  I quickly discovered that their security level increased exponentially when they were perched on platforms either at eye level or above my head.  That's where we began the socialization process with brief, light stroking (don't go over her head, start with lightly touching the sides and back).   Another fabulous cat tree activity is feeding them by hand.  Your hand is approaching from beneath her, not over or directly at her, so she'll be more amenable to taking food from you.  Mine go nuts for freeze-dried chicken.  I  started this process by getting as close to them as possible before they got antsy and placing the chicken on the tree.  It didn't take long at all before they were taking it from my fingers.  I promise she'll warm up to you faster if she can observe your behavior from a high perch: this is how cats prefer to familiarize themselves with strange environments and/or creatures (like us!).  
• Stay with her during feeding times.  Sit at a comfortable distance (for her, of course), turn to the side and ignore her.  You can read or watch TV or whatever, you can even glance her way occasionally, but don't let her think your attention is focused on her.
• Use wand toys (like Feralvr mentioned) to bring her out of her shell and start building a bond with her.  If you get her to think of you as the playtime and food dispenser, it's going to go a long way in winning her over.  Da Bird is my kittens' favorite.
• Always speak in a soft voice and use slow, fluid movements.  You can gradually speak and move like your usual self as she gets more comfortable with you.

Most importantly: don't get discouraged!  Their suspicious nature is what keeps them alive in the scary big world, so it takes a little time to learn a new way of co-existing with people.  

Best wishes!

P.S.  If she's your only pet, I would let her out of the bedroom.  It's an apartment, not a big house, so I think the usual rules don't apply here.  The more time you spend with her, the more opportunity she has to observe you, the better. Just be super-cautious around the door.  A timid, semi-feral cat will try to escape.

Feralvr said:

Yes, you ARE doing right by her and I will assure you that soon she will begin to trust you day by day. Take away the clock for now - no days, no hours. Just be patience. When we adopt/rescue, we have no clue about their history. Poor baby was quite sick since having to have her eye enucleated.

Just spend loads of time with her sitting on the floor by the bed if she is under there. Get a few wand toys (BUT PUT THEM AWAY WHEN DONE!!!!!!! strings = problem if they eat them...) and play with those near the edge of the bed. Toss her a few yummy treats like Temptations. Feed her special canned food - like Fancy Feast pate which most cats LOVE. I really think that there is no need to "put her in a small room" because she is already in your bedroom anyway.

Good sign that she is playing at night while you are sleeping. Soon - she will want to investigate you in bed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't move.

Just let her nose around. This is very typical behavior of an older kitten who has been through so much and is completely unsure IF this is for real AND if she will be safe and secure. Days don't matter right now. Just loads and loads of love and patience on your part. You WILL be rewarded VERY SOON, too.

p.s. OH - also, if you look under the bed at her. Try slow blinks. Lay your head down and shut your eyes and take deep calming breaths. She will respond to this and it will help her to trust you.

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Thank you so much for responding! I have her on Fancy Feast at the moment and she's been very good at eating up. She did try to investigate me, I believe, last night but the slight dip near my feet made me skyrocket awake and I think we both scared each other.

catwoman707 said:

 
Great advice above

The hissing is not aggression but her way of telling you she has been through alot, her former life and eye trauma, then shelter life, now with you, so allow her all the time she needs and before you know it she will be an excellent companion to you, just takes a little time for her to recoop

Click to expand...

Thank you for responding as well! I hope she does come around eventually!

the3rdname said:

 
2nding everything Feralvr said 

  The one exception is that I've used foodstuff that isn't terribly healthy, along the same lines as Fancy Feast, an an enticement to get skittish kittens closer to me.  I reserve stuff like that exclusively for when I'm pushing kittens out of their comfort zone. Gerber 2nd Foods Chicken & Gravy (or Turkey & Gravy) is like crack for kittens!  I put it on a plate that I continually inched closer to me, then onto a spoon that was slooowly maneuvered over my lap.  And really amp up the submissive displays when she approaches: stay perfectly still, lower your head and/or close your eyes.  Never, ever stare at her: that's an overtly threatening behavior in cat language.  

Having just gone through through this with four feral kittens that pretty much hated my guts when I brought them inside nearly a month ago (now they're lounging in my lap and pushing each other out of the way to get the lion's share of affection from me 

), here's some of the best advice I can offer:

• Spend as much time as possible on the floor with her. Talk to her, read aloud to her, get her accustomed to your voice.  Lie on your side with your back to her so she can examine you and get familiar with your scent in a non-threatening way.  If you have long hair, let it hang loose since that's where your scent is most potent.  
• Cat tree, get one.  I quickly discovered that their security level increased exponentially when they were perched on platforms either at eye level or above my head.  That's where we began the socialization process with brief, light stroking (don't go over her head, start with lightly touching the sides and back).   Another fabulous cat tree activity is feeding them by hand.  Your hand is approaching from beneath her, not over or directly at her, so she'll be more amenable to taking food from you.  Mine go nuts for freeze-dried chicken.  I  started this process by getting as close to them as possible before they got antsy and placing the chicken on the tree.  It didn't take long at all before they were taking it from my fingers.  I promise she'll warm up to you faster if she can observe your behavior from a high perch: this is how cats prefer to familiarize themselves with strange environments and/or creatures (like us!).  
• Stay with her during feeding times.  Sit at a comfortable distance (for her, of course), turn to the side and ignore her.  You can read or watch TV or whatever, you can even glance her way occasionally, but don't let her think your attention is focused on her.
• Use wand toys (like Feralvr mentioned) to bring her out of her shell and start building a bond with her.  If you get her to think of you as the playtime and food dispenser, it's going to go a long way in winning her over.  Da Bird is my kittens' favorite.
• Always speak in a soft voice and use slow, fluid movements.  You can gradually speak and move like your usual self as she gets more comfortable with you.

Most importantly: don't get discouraged!  Their suspicious nature is what keeps them alive in the scary big world, so it takes a little time to learn a new way of co-existing with people.  

Best wishes!

P.S.  If she's your only pet, I would let her out of the bedroom.  It's an apartment, not a big house, so I think the usual rules don't apply here.  The more time you spend with her, the more opportunity she has to observe you, the better. Just be super-cautious around the door.  A timid, semi-feral cat will try to escape.

Click to expand...

Thank you so much for responding and your long, but very thoughtful, post!

I've heard many, many people recommend spending time with them by sitting on the floor either just by existing in the same space as them or talking/reading to them. I've just started to try to do that. I'm actually sitting in the room with her now at the moment at my desk with my back turned to the area she's at (including her newly filled food dish).

At this point, I think what I am struggling with is not getting discouraged. I came from raising a cat (he's technically mine but since my mother loves him so, I let him stay with my parents) who was dumped by his previous owners but had the biggest, doofiest personality that allowed me to really work with him right from the get go. I miss that simplicity! But I know he was probably a very rare situation and September is more typical (and especially given her needs). I totally get that this all is very normal (the rescue I got her from said that it could take her upwards of three weeks), but I must be honest and say it is frustrating (especially after she let me pet her when I got her home ... thought we were making progress ... and BAM, she was done with petting and bit me so that I had to go get antibiotics). I'm not giving up on her and am not nasty to her at all, but I have to be honest and say that I am discouraged at times. I will do my best to not let it get to me!

timbertember said:

 
Thank you so much for responding and your long, but very thoughtful, post!

I've heard many, many people recommend spending time with them by sitting on the floor either just by existing in the same space as them or talking/reading to them. I've just started to try to do that. I'm actually sitting in the room with her now at the moment at my desk with my back turned to the area she's at (including her newly filled food dish).

At this point, I think what I am struggling with is not getting discouraged. I came from raising a cat (he's technically mine but since my mother loves him so, I let him stay with my parents) who was dumped by his previous owners but had the biggest, doofiest personality that allowed me to really work with him right from the get go. I miss that simplicity!

But I know he was probably a very rare situation and September is more typical (and especially given her needs). I totally get that this all is very normal (the rescue I got her from said that it could take her upwards of three weeks), but I must be honest and say it is frustrating (especially after she let me pet her when I got her home ... thought we were making progress ... and BAM, she was done with petting and bit me so that I had to go get antibiotics). I'm not giving up on her and am not nasty to her at all, but I have to be honest and say that I am discouraged at times.

I will do my best to not let it get to me!

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I feel ya!  I have a five year old semi-feral who was my bestie 24 hours after rescuing her from the streets.  I thought surely enough love and attention could turn any feral kitten around in no time flat...so, of course, fate was out to knock that arrogance right out of me with a surprise litter of seriously people-averse feral kittens    Their hissing, hiding and swatting (if I dared get too close) actually put me into a little depressive funk at first.  It's not easy to give so much love, time and precious energy to something that continually rejects you (and maybe even hurts you!).  It starts to feel a bit like an abusive relationship, and like you're doing this all day long --> 

You honestly sound like a real trouper who's got the patience and determination to build a relationship with your new little girl, and I would bet anything that she'll start warming up to you before you know it.  And when she becomes your bestie and the real fun starts, you'll not only have the satisfaction that comes from reaping the fruits of your labor, you'll get to feel good about the fact that you saved a life    

Keep us updated!  Good news to follow shortly, I'm sure of it.

Edit:  Geez, I'm blinder than September!  I didn't even notice her picture up there...and, good word, she's adorable!  If she's like my tortie, she knows she's hot stuff and will make sure everyone acknowledges her natural awesomeness 

timbertember said:

 
Thank you for responding as well!

I hope she does come around eventually!

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You're very welcome, and I am completely confident she will come around, it's all new to her, and it's a bit traumatic to be so unsettled, but soon enough she will become much more curious and trusting.

I wouldn't consider her feral at all, not even semi feral really, likely hasn't had quite enough socialization during her life, so it causes some cats to have a shyer, less trusting way about them, but how she was with you at the shelter is an excellent indicator of how she will be with you soon enough.

Probably even more so

the3rdname said:

 
I feel ya!  I have a five year old semi-feral who was my bestie 24 hours after rescuing her from the streets.  I thought surely enough love and attention could turn any feral kitten around in no time flat...so, of course, fate was out to knock that arrogance right out of me with a surprise litter of seriously people-averse feral kittens 

  Their hissing, hiding and swatting (if I dared get too close) actually put me into a little depressive funk at first.  It's not easy to give so much love, time and precious energy to something that continually rejects you (and maybe even hurts you!).  It starts to feel a bit like an abusive relationship, and like you're doing this all day long --> 

You honestly sound like a real trouper who's got the patience and determination to build a relationship with your new little girl, and I would bet anything that she'll start warming up to you before you know it.  And when she becomes your bestie and the real fun starts, you'll not only have the satisfaction that comes from reaping the fruits of your labor, you'll get to feel good about the fact that you saved a life 

  

Keep us updated!  Good news to follow shortly, I'm sure of it.

Edit:  Geez, I'm blinder than September!  I didn't even notice her picture up there...and, good word, she's adorable!  If she's like my tortie, she knows she's hot stuff and will make sure everyone acknowledges her natural awesomeness 

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It does feel like that! Especially when you are catering to their every need and whim and then the little things just are like NO DO NOT WANT. Siiiiigh.

I will definitely keep this thread updated with anything new or revelatory! Everyone has been very kind, especially you, so becoming a member of this site was a great choice! Thank you very much.

It's okay! I know -- now you know why I fell in love with the little madam! She has such a sweet face and very large ears. I've been told that torties naturally have larger than life personalities so hopefully she doesn't give me too much of a run for my money!

catwoman707 said:

 
You're very welcome, and I am completely confident she will come around, it's all new to her, and it's a bit traumatic to be so unsettled, but soon enough she will become much more curious and trusting.

I wouldn't consider her feral at all, not even semi feral really, likely hasn't had quite enough socialization during her life, so it causes some cats to have a shyer, less trusting way about them, but how she was with you at the shelter is an excellent indicator of how she will be with you soon enough.

Probably even more so

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She wasn't feral for long, I believe, before she was trapped (along with her siblings) by a volunteer. She was, however, kept away from other cats because of her eye condition while they were attempting to save it so she hasn't been very socialized among other cats. She was with a foster mom whom she did definitely love. When I went to pick her up at their adoption day at PetSmart, September hid until her foster mom came over and then she was like MOMMY and came out. I know she has it in her so hopefully I can become just as loved as her foster mom.

You are doing the right thing.  Some cats just take a LONG time to adjust, but it happens.

I once adopted a feral cat that was on her own in the woods for her first three months.  From there she went to "the cat tamer", a woman with 17 cats who a a knack for taming ferals.  The kitten adjusted to her temporary home, but when I got her when she was 8 months old, she was so scared she hid under blankets!  I don't remember how long it took for her to get used to me, but it was a while.  I stayed near her and read books, and she eventually got curious and watched me. 

She ended up being one of the best cats I ever had! Very sweet and loving, but shy with strangers.  She got more and more affectionate as she got older.

Stick with it. It's frustrating when they don't return your love, but hey come around eventually. It will be worth it!

You have received great advice so far, I just wanted to add that you should not lose hope.

Amelie hissed at me every single time she saw me for months. I can't remember now, but I think that for at least three months she hissed me and my bf constantly. After that there were another couple of months when we couldn't touch her, and trying to put her in a carrier to take her to the vet was a real adventure. It's been one year and exactly one month since I brought her home and now, even if still skittish, she is the loudest purrer of the house and when she wants affection, she demands it! She comes when she is called, I can touch her, groom her, but I guess she will always be a bit skittier than the average cat. However, even if she was 4 months when I adopted her, I am sure she was abused (hit) while she was living as a feral.

So be patient with your beautiful cat (I love torties), she will learn to trust you.

LindaMc62 said:

 
You are doing the right thing.  Some cats just take a LONG time to adjust, but it happens.

I once adopted a feral cat that was on her own in the woods for her first three months.  From there she went to "the cat tamer", a woman with 17 cats who a a knack for taming ferals.  The kitten adjusted to her temporary home, but when I got her when she was 8 months old, she was so scared she hid under blankets!  I don't remember how long it took for her to get used to me, but it was a while.  I stayed near her and read books, and she eventually got curious and watched me. 

She ended up being one of the best cats I ever had! Very sweet and loving, but shy with strangers.  She got more and more affectionate as she got older.

Stick with it. It's frustrating when they don't return your love, but hey come around eventually. It will be worth it!

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While I was making the bed this morning, she half lunged at me from under the bed and now ever since this morning she's been hissing constantly no matter what I happen to do. I'm just frustrated and now, with the lunging, frightened.

IrinaSaK said:

 
You have received great advice so far, I just wanted to add that you should not lose hope.

Amelie hissed at me every single time she saw me for months. I can't remember now, but I think that for at least three months she hissed me and my bf constantly. After that there were another couple of months when we couldn't touch her, and trying to put her in a carrier to take her to the vet was a real adventure. It's been one year and exactly one month since I brought her home and now, even if still skittish, she is the loudest purrer of the house and when she wants affection, she demands it! She comes when she is called, I can touch her, groom her, but I guess she will always be a bit skittier than the average cat. However, even if she was 4 months when I adopted her, I am sure she was abused (hit) while she was living as a feral.

So be patient with your beautiful cat (I love torties), she will learn to trust you.

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I'm having a difficult time not becoming discouraged and now, frightened, since she lunged at me from under the bed this morning when all I was trying to do was make the bed. She hasn't done this before.

Try to think like a cat. Could she have perceived you as being a threat? I mean, could she have confused you to a big predator that is attacking her safe space?

timbertember said:

I know she has it in her so hopefully I can become just as loved as her foster mom. :smile2:

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Hun..... she already does. :heart3: And that is great news about her investigating you in the night and the startles with moving feet will happen. She WANTS to be close and soon enough she will know she can completely trust you. ENJOY and RELISH in this process. It is really rewarding to see it unfolding day by day.

I can't say enough about the Chicken and Gravy baby food. I swear by that and my Feliway diffuser.

From the stories I read, this cat will come around, she might always be stranger shy. She will bond to you though. It might take a little while, since she already bonded and has been uprooted, but she will surprise you.

IrinaSaK said:

Try to think like a cat. Could she have perceived you as being a threat? I mean, could she have confused you to a big predator that is attacking her safe space?

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Agreed. Probably was like, "Woah, way too close, lady!" 

I wonder....could she be picking up the scent of another animal?  She was fine with you when you met her, and only had a problem when you brought her home.  That suggests that it's something in the environment, not you, that initially upset her.  Are there outdoor cats marking around the building?  Or even dogs - I have a cat and people friendly kitten who will  hiss and spit at the mere whiff of dog. Did you have a pet before? Any toys left over?