Scared Cat!!!

[Trish]

The breeder spayed her and she has had her 2 shots before 6 months . And I was there when she was put into my carrier. I picked her because the breeder stressed that she wAs friendly, just like her mother. We have had her for 2 months now and baby steps. Sometimes she will hide again and start baby steps again. I just find it strange that if she was friendly and social with the breeder, then why the change with us. And I have to say that all her other cats seemed really friendly. I could even pet them . Just feeling a bit sad, and frustrated.

 

[dice]

When it comes right down to it, think the cats train us more then we train them, just a language barrier sometimes. But I usually figure it out.

 

[Kristin]

Hi Trish,

I am in Ontario as well...what breeder is she from? What is your kitty's name?

Sometimes bonding can take a little more time...just let her be who she is and accept her for it. It might just take her a little longer to come around

 

[Trish]

Her name is Aries. She is from exotic tails. Do you think it would be a big deal if I forget about the rabies shot for now?

 

[dice]

Would definitely wait on the rabies, Not a fun shot, especially for one still adapting. I didn't give either rabies till we were actively outdoors often, and Spots tenacity for chasing anything furry that moved kicked in. Yep, after she started stalking a raccoon, decided to give her the shot.

With an indoor cat, it's not mandatory, though still recommended. But would definitely wait till circumstances were more ideal, and Aries was better adjusted.

Many cats can go through panic disorder when relocated with new family. My breeder sent a mild sedative to be used if needed. Also, can supplement with vitamins, one of the B's I think, which has a mood calming effect.

Know with my boy, who can be finicky, often have to go and prove my love to him, or he'll stay upstairs and pout, even if I call him, he'll pretend not to hear me till I go and find him. fraking cats.

Me domestic is the same way, when she feels I haven't given her enough of my time, she'll sleep upstairs in her queen chair. And only when I go up and give some love, will she come and sleep with us.

Just keep at it, be consistent, loving and calm. Figuring out what she's trying to tell ya is half the battle, being able to respond to her demands, can be difficult at times. But wouldn't trade my Pride for a million dollars.

 

[Rafiki]

Hi Trish. We did not give our kittens the rabies shot until they were 1 year old. I live in Los Angeles county and the shot is required if you live in the county but outside the city. The only reason we gave them the shot was that County went door to door to make sure all the dogs in the neighborhood had paid the license fee (knock on door, hear bark, look at paperwork to see that no license is issued to the house and issue fine - great $ maker!). I had a sticker on my window informing the fire department that I have 2 cats and to deliver them to my vet if they were not able to get a hold of me. My cats only go outside on walking jackets or in the safety of their catio so I felt the risk was minimum. Basically the risk is that a rabid bat will get into the house....

Regarding personality: Jammu (male pixiebob) was ultra friendly as a kitten. We flew up to Seattle to get him. He was so terrified tha I had to keep my hand on him for the entire flight home. In the car, he fell asleep curled up in my lap. During quarantine, he would come running the second he heard us. He was a total love bug and would approach anyone. Rafiki (F3C SV female) was a bit more of a challenge. She chomped on my finger and drew blood when I tried to comfort her on the way home. She also made the most god awful noises the entire way. Once home, she immediately hid. I had to lure her out with toys every time I entered the room for the first week. Fast-forward to today - they are now 23 and 21 months old. Jammu is very shy around strangers - it takes a special person (like my pet sitter) to be able to approach him and touch him in the first hour. He frequently flinches if we pet him on the head - back and belly are fine but he lets us know if he wants head pets. Rafiki, on the other hand, is very social. She is not agressive in the least but will walk right up to strange people or dogs or whatever. She is extremely demanding when it comes to pets and has to be next to me the entire time I am home. The personality of your kitten now does not necessarily reflect what she will be like a year from now!

 

[WitchyWoman]

I just find it strange that if she was friendly and social with the breeder, then why the change with us. And I have to say that all her other cats seemed really friendly. I could even pet them . Just feeling a bit sad, and frustrated.

She was in the only home she had known with the breeder and with people and other cats she trusted. She has some trust in you already if she's sleeping with you and your daughter. To establish more trust you have to work for it. I gave you a link earlier to a document with tips in it. One of those tips is hand feeding. If she has a treat or a particular food that she really likes, put it in the palm of your hand and let her take it from you without you trying to touch her. When you play with her, use a feather wand and run the wand down her back. After a few days "accidentally" touch her on her back with a finger. Gradually increase the physical contact. She may not like being petted or approached from above so try approaching her and petting her chin or the side of her face/neck.

I have 4 SVs. Three are love bugs. The other did not like me from the moment we met. It took me 3 yrs to gain his trust and to be able to pet him. He tolerates petting from us. Maybe once a year I can get him to purr for me. He never seeks us out for affection. The only way I made progress with him was when he watched the other cats interact with me. He watched them approach me, watched me pet them and then he started to relax. But still to this day -- he is now 5 yrs old -- he will occasionally twitch when he knows I'm going to pet him or he'll run away. That's just the way it is with some cats. We live life with them on their terms.

 

[Trish]

I did look at the website. Thank you so much for the info . I have been feeding her wet food from my hand but she does it sort if stretched out right now. Hopefully with time she will come closer. She likes her treats but runs away with them and comes back for more. I really appreciate all the advice and encouragement

 

[WitchyWoman]

I did look at the website. Thank you so much for the info . I have been feeding her wet food from my hand but she does it sort if stretched out right now. Hopefully with time she will come closer. She likes her treats but runs away with them and comes back for more. I really appreciate all the advice and encouragement

What you described above is progress although I understand perfectly why it may not seem like it from your perspective. We need physical contact with our fur kids. They flaunt their cuteness in front of us and our fingers twitch to rub bellies and chins and plant kisses on their cute little faces. They're brats is what they are and we are their slaves.

Every now and then I'll kiss Maliik on his head and it really pisses him off but I don't care. In return I usually get a face full of spit as he graces me with a return hiss. I'm supplying the food and toys, take him for walks 2-3 times a day and I clean out the litter boxes. For that, I should at least be able to give an occasional kiss without getting a facefull of spit.

 

[Patti]

I agree with the above - a kitten can seem like the friendliest critter in the breeder's home, but placed into a new and scary environment will revert to fearful behavior. If you live near the breeder it might help the transition if the breeder was willing to come over and spend some time with her - I have seen that work in the past.

BTW, I have also seen a shy kitten at the breeder's house blossom into a loving, friendly cat once there are fewer cats and people to overwhelm them - you just never can tell...