F5 Warming up to new home

[Andrew Wit]

Okay thank you I will get that instead.

He just came out while I was watching tv with the other cat, he began rolling around on the floor making his yowling noises. He is too funny.

 

[Andrew Wit]

Had to move it to wednesday due to unexpected work issues arising at 6 this morning. I am really hoping he comes around this morning he was peaking out from under the bed meowing at me, I slowly approached making petting motions with my hands and as soon as I got close he jumped away. It is so hard! I just want him to be comfortable around me.

 

[Pam Flachs]

Had to move it to wednesday due to unexpected work issues arising at 6 this morning. I am really hoping he comes around this morning he was peaking out from under the bed meowing at me, I slowly approached making petting motions with my hands and as soon as I got close he jumped away. It is so hard! I just want him to be comfortable around me.

Andrew, under the bed is your cat's safe place. Have you tried just hanging out near the bed when he is under it, sitting on the floor with a laptop, reading out loud, watching TV, cleaning, etc? Just your frequent presence will help him feel more comfortable with you even if he is not responding yet as you would like him to. You can also try swishing a wand toy slowly back and forth occasionally to see if he will play with it while you are sitting near the bed, or try treats you know he likes. You could even try putting a bowl of his favorite food near you, too. Try not to force him to come too close at first. Talk to him...a lot. He probably sees you as a threat and scary when you are standing....at least up taller than him, and your hand coming down towards him in a petting motion is perceived as threatening to him, so don't use your hands for now Take it slowwwww.....he will come around in time, but may not ever be a lap cat but he should learn with time and patience that you are a good person to be around

 

[Pam and Will]

I found this on youtube the other night, cat body language;

The 'slow blink' was pretty neat. He'll eventually come around.

 

[Andrew Wit]

Really great video! I have been blinking at him but it is most likely too fast. He had his surgery wednesday and is doing great. He seems back to his normal self. I will update in a few weeks when I can get a feel for his behavior. I am giving him his space for now.

 

[Pam and Will]

Hope all goes well, not that I have experience in such matters, but maybe it'll take a few days for the hormones to balance out again! LOL

I'll be starting up a thread when we pickup our boy Sunday! He's just over 15 months, but in a loving home at 'The Kasbah'.. Cynthia is great and cannot wait to pick him up!

 

[Tort518]

It sounds to me as if giving him his space and going about your business is going to be the thing to allow him to gain his confidence. I don't want to call it ignoring behavior, more a brief acknowledgement of each other and then just watch tv, read, play a computer or other video game, take a nap. Avoid more interaction beyond feeding and keeping up with litter for a couple days or until he decides to come to where you are and makes it obvious he wants attention. You may also want to sing quietly to yourself, even nonsense lyrics work, to show you are in a relaxed mood.

Best wishes, and I suspect it won't be long before he sees you as his best buddy.

 

[Andrew Wit]

So last night randomly he started coming out, he got on top of his kitty condo and jumped onto the bed with me. I gave him the slow blink and he immediately came to me and let me pet him. Then he started purring and rolling over. He actually loves belly rubs. He also brought me a toy to play with him. He is still a little bit skittish when I move fast but he is moving along.

 

[admin]

So last night randomly he started coming out, he got on top of his kitty condo and jumped onto the bed with me. I gave him the slow blink and he immediately came to me and let me pet him. Then he started purring and rolling over. He actually loves belly rubs. He also brought me a toy to play with him. He is still a little bit skittish when I move fast but he is moving along.

Sounds like he is really warming up - they just need time and space sometimes

 

[Tort518]

That's great to hear Andrew. Shouldn't take long now for him start following you around to see where you are.