Rescue Cat Behavior

[Whiskey609]

ive owned a rescue (Jameson) since he was a kitten. I first started at an apartment with him for a year. He was always out and playful when I came home, even when I had a roommate.

My lease ended and while I was looking for a permanent home, I was living with my parents and they have two older Maine coon cats. Since it was a bigger house for him and even though I eased him into the transition, he started to get very skittish and would hide all day until he heard me come home at night. Even when I tried to get him to stay in my room he’d always scratch and claw to get out.

Now I’m in a house with my fiancé for a couple weeks, he still hides all day and runs away to every sound he doesn’t recognize. He comes out at night and howls at us when we’re sleeping (like every cat I’ve known), but I’m worried that he’s just bored and depressed.

My suggestion was to get another cat, preferably a rescue kitten, that would make him more comfortable and give him someone to play with. My fiancé is animate about getting a puppy later in the year (she’s always wanted one). Any suggestions? How can I make him feel more comfortable to hanging around the house as opposed to hiding?

 

[ArtNJ]

Adding another animal before he is comfortable won't help and might hurt.

What will help is having quiet time (phone time for example) near but not in his comfort place so that he will come out and gradually expand his safe area. Once he is out, you can give him treats and pet him if he wants. Be very careful not to force anything on him...a scared cat will regard being picked up negatively and hold it against you. If you must do something like vacuum, escort him back to his safe room first and give treats there.

A couple of weeks is not long. If your patient, he will get used to a new home eventually and you can read up on introducing a puppy. I believe there is an article you can get to from the link bar at the top of this page.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

He's had a lot of upheaval in his little life, and really doesn't need any more just now. Hold off on adding another animal, either kitten or puppy, until he has adjusted! As A ArtNJ very wisely said, two weeks is not that long. With so many changes it may take a couple of months before he begins to feel really secure again.

 

[rubysmama]

Whiskey609 : I agree, don't do anything until you are settled in your permanent home. And then decide if you want another cat or a puppy.

Here are some TCS articles with more info:

How To Move With Your Cat To A New Home In A Safe Way

Your Second Cat: How To Choose The Best Friend For Kitty
Introducing Cats To Cats

Best And Worst Dog Breeds To Live With Cats
Caring For Cats And Dogs
Introducing Cats To Dogs

 

[Hellenww]

Everybody has given great advise. Playing is one of the best ways to build confidence and also tire him out before bed. Let him know that he is the hunter not the hunted in his new home.

Does he like sitting/sleeping with you? Take him when you go to bed and tell him it's time to sleep and if he calls in the night tell him to come sleep. If that doesn't work or makes him worse then completely ignore him during the night.

Do you have cat trees or some places he can get up high to observe his surroundings? How about putting some bird feeders outside the window.

Once he gets used to all the new sounds and smells he'll better be able to tell what's everyday sounds and when he should take cover. Best of luck to you.