I was hoping some of you all could offer some advice for my wee little kitten Suzie. Some background: In late September/October she was found living outside in the bushes at my co-workers condo with her brother, Cookie. They were fed by the neighborhood, and after 2-3 weeks caught by her and brought to my house. I just found out that at one point, they were chased by a dog. They came to my house, and lived in my computer room for about a month or so. They were about 13 weeks old. Cookie was always more outgoing, and Suzie was skittish. They get along well with the 2 older cats. By the time they were given free reign of the house, she would tolerrate some pets, had stopped hissing when approached by us, and would even purr when pet, and would let you pet her when she was eating. A few weeks ago she even jumped on my bed and cuddled with Rocky, her favorite boy cat.
For the last month, she has become even less sociable. She spends most of her time in the basement. I don't blame her that much b/c its warm down there. She runs when approached by humans, and hid under the dresser last night and hissed at me. When the other cats are playing, or being sociable with us humans, she hangs on the outskirts, but will run if threatened. I can't even talk her into playing with the teaser. She will chase the laser pointer if it's far enough away. She will even run away from her dinner dish when I clear out the old plates from the other cats. The dinner location has changed to where the other cats eat. She has started mewing sometimes at the other cats.. I almost think she might be having a heat, but haven't seen any posturing. She is getting spayed next week. Does anyone think that this will help with her human friendliness? Is she intimidated living with 3 male cats? She is also very tiny compared to her brother. No other behaviour problems, she eats well, is healthy, eliminates appropriately, etc.
For the last month, she has become even less sociable. She spends most of her time in the basement. I don't blame her that much b/c its warm down there. She runs when approached by humans, and hid under the dresser last night and hissed at me. When the other cats are playing, or being sociable with us humans, she hangs on the outskirts, but will run if threatened. I can't even talk her into playing with the teaser. She will chase the laser pointer if it's far enough away. She will even run away from her dinner dish when I clear out the old plates from the other cats. The dinner location has changed to where the other cats eat. She has started mewing sometimes at the other cats.. I almost think she might be having a heat, but haven't seen any posturing. She is getting spayed next week. Does anyone think that this will help with her human friendliness? Is she intimidated living with 3 male cats? She is also very tiny compared to her brother. No other behaviour problems, she eats well, is healthy, eliminates appropriately, etc.