So yesterday I brought home my new kitty from the shelter. I set him up in his new room, food, litter all that. I come in every now and then, read out loud, use the bathroom....
But he's started camping beside the door. Now everytime I get to the door, he hisses.... I wait a little bit before I open the door. The. i open the door real slow, and just enough to get in. All the while he's hissing at me....
The thing I'm concerned about, is am I encroaching on his personal space? Again, the issue is he's literally chilling right by the door.
Also, during the day, should I leave the lights on in my bathroom? (I did today), because if the lights are off, it's pitch black.
But he's started camping beside the door. Now everytime I get to the door, he hisses.... I wait a little bit before I open the door. The. i open the door real slow, and just enough to get in. All the while he's hissing at me....
The thing I'm concerned about, is am I encroaching on his personal space? Again, the issue is he's literally chilling right by the door.
Also, during the day, should I leave the lights on in my bathroom? (I did today), because if the lights are off, it's pitch black.
The way to a kitty's heart is through his stomach! Even if you're not actually going into the room, but just walking by, flick a treat under the door. When you do go in to visit, clean, or use the facilities, bring treats or a little bit of wet food with you. Give him a reward for calm behavior. If he is upset you may have to wait him out a little bit, but you don't want to reward him for hissing at you, so just chill and give him a chance to relax, then give the treat. Eventually he will start associating you with good things and the distance-enhancing (hissing) behavior should stop. I wish you the best of luck with your new baby and THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for getting a cat from a shelter!
