adopted potentially partially feral one year old

Hello I semi recently adopted a cat from a family that didn't want him and I belive he was neglected to the point of becoming partially feral all he does is hide around the house he will come out if practically forced he barely eats and I noticed that when I got him he was fairly skinny and seemed to not like people very much he seems box trained and has the respect for humans as to not hurt them however he prefers full and complete solitary also if he is pet he will purr but then runs back to a hiding place if he isn't allowed to get to a hiding place he will cry awful and seeming to be painful cries I also have a 7 week kitten that he gets along with but that's about it....I have had jumpy cats and cats that prefer to be alone I have even raised fully wild cats however this one is different I'm not sure how to explain it I hope someone understands what I am trying to say and has some advice to making this cat slightly more sociable and at least able to eat and become healthy if Noone can help I might be stuck in the very bad situation of trying to find another home for this beautiful cat to someone who has better luck

Until someone with more experience jumps in here are my thoughts.

First, good on you for taking him in from a poor situation. I'm sure it is frustrating that he has not recognized how improved his life has become. Patience is the game you must play.

Rehoming him again will only make him more nervous and timid. One big change after another, not good. Cats like routine.

Can you confine him in a small room. Bathroom is ideal.  Litter pan, food dish, water bowl, a couple of toys. Give him a cardboard box with a doorway cut out and a towel inside for a comfy hidey hole.

Offer irresistible treat food - chicken or turkey food for human babies is very popular. Just make sure it is meat only, no onion, garlic, cornstarch. What was he fed before you rescued him?

Play soft music. Some TCS members suggest harp music as very soothing.

Let his little friend in for visits. Play with the kitten so he can watch and see how much the kitten enjoys it.

Plug in a Feliway - works sometimes, sometimes not.

Talk quietly when you visit him. Sit down so you don't loom over him.

Give him several days to decompress, adjust to his new home, new people, new circumstances.

And then gradually introduce him to the household.

Good luck. Please update and tell us how things go. We want to know, and want to help.

tnewton12313 said:

Hello I semi recently adopted a cat from a family that didn't want him and I belive he was neglected to the point of becoming partially feral all he does is hide around the house he will come out if practically forced he barely eats and I noticed that when I got him he was fairly skinny and seemed to not like people very much he seems box trained and has the respect for humans as to not hurt them however he prefers full and complete solitary also if he is pet he will purr but then runs back to a hiding place if he isn't allowed to get to a hiding place he will cry awful and seeming to be painful cries I also have a 7 week kitten that he gets along with but that's about it....I have had jumpy cats and cats that prefer to be alone I have even raised fully wild cats however this one is different I'm not sure how to explain it I hope someone understands what I am trying to say and has some advice to making this cat slightly more sociable and at least able to eat and become healthy if Noone can help I might be stuck in the very bad situation of trying to find another home for this beautiful cat to someone who has better luck

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I agree with Catapault.  YOU are this cats only real chance.  Its not very probable there are others who has experience with shy cats, and the willingness to put love, effort and time...

My guess is he was abused, that is why he seems not only shy, but odd too, although your experiences with other shy cats.

Your work with him will be essentially along the lines of work with an adopted shy, semiferal cat.

Give him security and safety, and work on along several different traces. 

His own safety zone corner, with a little hide in.   Feliway diffuser, relaxing music - or even purring sound from youtube.

Use this little kitten as ambassadeur.

Come to him with nice, enticing food.  Often.   And also somy dry food being there disponible for him.  You can put in your used t-shirt under the bowl with dry food.

Dont look directly in his eyes - threatening if they arent used to it.  Look at the neck or ear instead.

Blink slowly with your eyelids,  stretch yourself standing on all four, forwards and backwards.  Yawn.  all this is friendly sings by cat pals.

Talk a lot in a friendly, soft voice.  Make friendly noises...   It too is done be cats who wants to be friends.

And never ever threaten him or raise your voice in anger.  As he was apparrently abused.   Lift him off the table if its the problem.  Or say calmly: go down now...  He will obey for also a very mild orders.  No lifted up hands either, by the same reason.

Good luck!