Probably not - you can't speed up or push this part of the process. Sit on the floor and read out loud to him, or just talk quietly to him. Play music, just be. He'll soon enough realize things are back to normal.
Aloha...I know this may sound silly to you folks...but try and apologize to him...do it in your soft loving voice you use towards him...make sure he can see your eyes and do some blinking so he knows you love him...I do this to both Duchess and Prince when they are mad and are either sulking or mad at something I've done...Duchess responds almost instantly and Prince he responds to but he still needs like 5 more minutes after apology then he's wanting a pet...it's worth a shot...I realize especially with my little girl I'm extremely blessed to have her....she is incredibly freaky smart for a cat...she's the reason I day cats know more than we give them credit for
@imjustacatmom great minds think alike...you're not being silly at all. I'VE ALREADY APOLOGIZED! More than once.
Call it guilt, if you want, I disrupted a vibrant, innocent little life, even though for his best interests...i knew I'd feel like crap going in to neutering and confining indoor. . Now that its backfired (his not responding) I AM truly sorry and told him so....and also told him we must move forward....there's so much good indoors...family, other cats , warmth, safety, food, play toys and affection. And after winter...now that roaming will no longer be an issue.....will he be happier outdoor/indoor? To be continued.....
I made a pledge to give him every opportunity...and that still holds.
Whatever it takes...even an apology is not out of the question. Not giving up...I'm trying everything you folks are suggesting, play toys, food, talking, sleeping on the floor, Feliway, apologizing, waiting, NOT badgering him, BADGERING him, even more time. Tomorrow will be the 7th day.
Tuesday I'm away for 9 days, my family taking over in my absence.
Ya know everything you're doing is par for the course...you are doing a great job...make sure to tell your family his exact routine you've had him on..and so also be prepared for him being a little miffed when you come back...did you get him microchipped by chance?...also I must stress that your family does every thing the way you've done...and make sure he has no way of escaping because he may be freaked out by your family and try to run...in fact start introducing your family to him...so he isn't freaked out...and by that I mean...one at a time using quiet inside voices...that way he'll recognize them...if he allows them...let him get a sniff...ok I'm off to bed God bless you and goodnight
Yea, just like what imjustacatmom says, get your family into the room so that he gets to meet them and get use to them for a little while. Leave your shirt behind.
Otherwise, if meeting your family people is not possible in this short notice before you leave, just stay with the routine of placing food and water and leave. He'll eat when no one's around. Just get them to make some soft sound to let Bugs know that they are entering the room. This way does not disrupt Bugs so much.
Once you're back, resume your duties. It may take a little more time than expected but Bugs will be back to normal.
Day 7....TT, I left a shirt in his cardboard "hide" box. The family members do enter and visit him time to time, he should be ok with them. The Mrs knows what to do and no to do. He's in good hands.
Though still away, I've been monitoring the Bug via cam. He has finally come out of the corner, spending time in middle of the room and not retreating from my son during feedings. There is hope for Buggy, his trauma seems to have passed.
I must admit I miss the little prince and look forward to our mutual bonding and learning process.
And today is long awaited raceday! 4 day garage access passes, incredible tech racecars.
I was thinking this trip might turn into a good thing for Buggy. About now, he's wondering where his main human is and he is probably even missing you a little. Plus, he's getting the opportunity to meet the other members of his human tribe.
I think you'll find him a little friendlier when you get back.
Can't wait to hear how Bugs does upon your return. Have had Mama inside for one week now and was just out of town for two days and then sick in bed the third. Hubby filled in with her care, but we seem to have taken several steps back. The slow and steady pace can be so hard!
Yes, now back. Came home...sat with him, talked, had coffee....Curve ball....the Bug resists any attempts in engaging in interaction or play. I'm not intimidating or being aggressive....I guess I'm moving too much too quick again. He bolts to his safe spot when engaged in any fashion.
Later in the afternoon, I laid on the floor and napped...hoping he'd come to check me out....nope. Nuthin'.
Except for my initial feedings...I just can't help but think he's got NO experience with human interaction. ZERO, NONE. I'll notch it back and see if I can simply sit on the floor and whisper to him without him retreating.
The Rolex 24 at Daytona features some exotic, very fast Factory auto tech...cost no object and the intense competition is exciting (if you are so inclined). We had a blast!