Scaredy cat

Help! 3 weeks ago I adopted a 2 year old tortie female. Very sweet non aggressive and no hissing. But will run and hide at the site of me or my husband. She will come and sit next to me to get rubbed but then runs and hides again. I have tried holistic drops and treats to no avail. She won't be picked up either. I believe there may have been abuse. Please help!!!!!

I'd say it's way too soon to worry about this.  She is still coming to seek you out at least when you seem (to her) to be not aggressive.  In 3 weeks that's not bad really.

I have a cat that still does things like you describe sometimes, after a year and a half in our house, at age 6, even though still together with her sister (litter mates).  She's still subject to sometimes running away if we approach "wrong", sometimes sleeping under the couch for hours during the day (or under the bed at night) etc.  And many cats don't ever like to be picked up, but they may voluntarily crawl up into your lap even so.  Both of ours do this, even the sometimes scaredy one.

So, in other words, more patience, more time to let her get used to things, go easy on any changes around the house (changes in the environment, like moving the furniture and such, are stressful for cats), let her approach you, that sort of thing.  When you interact with her, get lower on the ground to be less threatening perhaps.  (I find my sometimes-scaredy cat might approach me if I'm kneeling down, whereas if I were walking towards her standing upright she might avoid me and run away.  Depends upon the specific situation.)

Have you tried a feliway diffuser?  It might help.  Also try sitting on the floor at her level so you are not looming over her.  She also may be frightened by direct eye contact so keep your gaze down or over the top of your head.  A great training treat is Gerber stage 2 baby food.  Seriously!!  It's in a small jar with a blue label.  You can try the chicken or turkey.  Just be sure that the only ingredients are chicken/turkey and water; no added spices.  Cats love it.  You can offer a bit on a plate and then try having her lick it off a spoon.  It's not a meal replacement just a training/socializing tool. 

Try to play with her.  Use something simple such as a string that you hide under a blanket and then slowly pull out.  You also can try a laser pointer. 

Try to engage with her often.  I would try to block hiding spots such as under beds or under couches to encourage her to be out and about.  Yet do have a safe hiding spot for her such as a hiding box in a cat tree or even a cardboard box with a cozy blanket. 

Composure liquid max is a calming supplement.  It might help her to feel more calm and secure.  You can mix it into her wet food 1-2x a day.  Amazon and Entirelypets.com sell it.  It also comes in treat formula, but you need to give quite a few treats for it to work and some cats don't like the treats.

You also can try offering tuna or salmon as a training treat.  Try not to force picking her up just yet.  Allow her to come to you.  Be sure to use quiet inside voices and sit on the floor at her level.  You can even just sit on the floor and read aloud to her.  Assure her that she is safe and that you will never hurt her. 

What type of holistic drops have you used?  Have you tried Spirit Essences flower essences? 

Thanks for everyone's help. I have been doing quite a few of these things and hopefully they will work. I will try Felway next as it is a bit pricey. I have tries the Jackson Galaxy Scardey cat drops. This might be her personality, who knows. I will keep and love her regardless. I think she would be doomed at the shelter. I was so used to my beloved cat who died in December. He was very sociable and lives smooches!!!!!