- Joined
- Aug 6, 2018
- Messages
- 7
- Purraise
- 1
Hi all!
Glad to be a new member and am trying to gain some guidance on newly adopted rescue cat. I got this cute girl last week from a local rescue org and she is 7 yrs old with a lot of the characteristics of a typical shelter cat: shy, scared, low socialization with humans, and some health issues in the past (teeth removed, upper respiratory issues).
Having read all the other threads on adopted cat issues, I'm having difficulty understanding my new cat and her aloofness. When I first got her, I gave her her space, provided all the essentials, and tried many of the tips given by experts on how to connect with shy cats such as getting down to her level, trying to have her come to you, etc. She has never had any problem with the litter box, eating, scratching furniture, nor has she ever been aggressive in any way.
She allows me now to pet her, even pick her up to a point, and comes to me when I have wet food. Other than this, she is not at all interested in engaging with me in any way: I've tried play time with different toys and she does not interact. She also does not cuddle nor wants to sit on my lap. She is very aloof and spends most of her day sleeping, sitting by herself, looking out the window, etc. I can pet her and sometimes she purrs and pushes her head toward my hand and brushes up against me or kneads with her paws. But other than this engagement, I haven't been able to do anything else with her. She is pretty indifferent when I leave and when I come back to the house and it is always me "pursuing" her.
I know it hasn't been a long time since I got her but I'm worried that I will not be able to bond with her and also worried about how little activity and stimulation she is getting. She is a bit older so I understand older cats don't have as much energy but wondering if her lack of play and engagement with humans overall are more of symptoms from her stray cat/ shelter past and how best to bond and play with such a cat.
The rescue org hasn't been much of help and other than these issues, I adore her and am beating myself up on even thinking of ever returning her, but wondering what else I can do to stimulate her, bond with her, and have her be more engaging and less aloof.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Glad to be a new member and am trying to gain some guidance on newly adopted rescue cat. I got this cute girl last week from a local rescue org and she is 7 yrs old with a lot of the characteristics of a typical shelter cat: shy, scared, low socialization with humans, and some health issues in the past (teeth removed, upper respiratory issues).
Having read all the other threads on adopted cat issues, I'm having difficulty understanding my new cat and her aloofness. When I first got her, I gave her her space, provided all the essentials, and tried many of the tips given by experts on how to connect with shy cats such as getting down to her level, trying to have her come to you, etc. She has never had any problem with the litter box, eating, scratching furniture, nor has she ever been aggressive in any way.
She allows me now to pet her, even pick her up to a point, and comes to me when I have wet food. Other than this, she is not at all interested in engaging with me in any way: I've tried play time with different toys and she does not interact. She also does not cuddle nor wants to sit on my lap. She is very aloof and spends most of her day sleeping, sitting by herself, looking out the window, etc. I can pet her and sometimes she purrs and pushes her head toward my hand and brushes up against me or kneads with her paws. But other than this engagement, I haven't been able to do anything else with her. She is pretty indifferent when I leave and when I come back to the house and it is always me "pursuing" her.
I know it hasn't been a long time since I got her but I'm worried that I will not be able to bond with her and also worried about how little activity and stimulation she is getting. She is a bit older so I understand older cats don't have as much energy but wondering if her lack of play and engagement with humans overall are more of symptoms from her stray cat/ shelter past and how best to bond and play with such a cat.
The rescue org hasn't been much of help and other than these issues, I adore her and am beating myself up on even thinking of ever returning her, but wondering what else I can do to stimulate her, bond with her, and have her be more engaging and less aloof.
Thanks in advance for your help!