Hello Fellow Savannites

[John Campbell]

Poor, poor Elsa. Just look at all those cameras in the bathroom. The expression she is wearing on that video says it all! Posting potty pictures of your little girl on the net....so embarassing!

And btw.....do any of your human friends wonder why you have all these cameras in the bathroom?!

No... They never ask... they know I have more cameras than sense..

 

[Becki]

Welcome! I have been where you are, listen to witchywoman. Her demon under the bed was just what we needed! My shy girl is currently draped over my husband snoring after rolling around in the shower. He asked why we can't have normal cats, why does he have to be the guy with the soaking wet one laying on him? So be careful what you wish for, when they come out of their shell they take over with a vengeance, or at least use you as a towel/ bed combo.

 

[Carykd7kau]

I am still even more happy folks.
I went in to Azidi's room a few min ago and got down on the floor next to the bed. I guess the treats spoke to her. She looked at me, then looked away in that kitty body language that says " I guess you can be somewhat trusted, so I will look away." And this after only 2 helpings of treats. That stuff is like kitty crack. More than a baby step. more like a toddler step.

 

[Carykd7kau]

I am WAY OK with that Becki. I really love my girls. It is all about making them happy.

 

[Becki]

I am WAY OK with that Becki. I really love my girls. It is all about making them happy.

We use the freeze dried chicken, too. When I ask either of mine if they want a Scooby Snack they go nuts and fly to the pantry where we keep them.

 

[Carykd7kau]

It sure is nice to have other SV lovers confirm my inner feelings about my SVs. Thanks ALL

 

[Tort518]

One thing that may help is just lay down close to the bed on the floor... Actually, get a pillow and take a nap... (I know it is not comfortable there) Give her a chance to come out on her own... Never know, when you wake up, she may be beside or even on top of you...

This is a bonding technique I have put to good use. While I sometimes take a nap on the floor, if there is a bed in the safe room, I prefer that for adult cats or capable kittens since I have a bad back, and it makes them go to a slight bit of effort coming to me.

You'll also see lots of suggestions on the forum to read a book aloud, in a calm voice while spending time in the room with the new cat. Or read one quietly to yourself ignoring the cat. The less direct attention they get from the new human in the strange new environment, the less threatened or vulnerable they feel.

 

[Patti]

Yay, I'm glad to hear about the baby steps, because those baby steps really add up over time into milestones! I agree with Deborah (Witchy Woman), you need to use the kitty crack, er freeze dried chicken treats to your advantage. If Azidi gets accustomed to you bringing them in and leaving them, it will simply turn into a waiting game for her until you leave each time.

Also, I thought we had talked about this before but in case we didn't, you should not be leaving food in the room all the time. Bring the food into the room when you go in, take it out when you're leaving, or leave just enough for a single meal. This way she will learn to associate you with her food and realize that good things happen when you come into the room.

Same thing with a wand toy. Each time you go in, spend a few minutes trying to engage her in play. Eventually she will not be able to resist. In spite of their seemingly bohemian nature, cats really do like, and respond to routine, so you should try to go into the room the same times each day, offer the chicken treats, play with the wand toy, and engage in whatever other routines you have established each time you go in, and in the same order. Once she recognizes and understands the routine she will gain more confidence in her environment, and in you.

 

[Carykd7kau]

Ok Patti. I will try to be a little more "scheduled" And I will use the "kitty crack". LOL SHe was up and about today at 3:30 am when I got up and she slowly went under the bed when I walked in NOT darting like usual.

 

[SV Dad]

Welcome Cary! and Congratulations on your new kitty!
Beware of all the enablers on this board! Just a matter of time before they talk you into another one...
Look what they did already. They got the kitty hooked on kitty crack!
Next thing you know, you'll be taking pictures of a cat in the litter box!