Skittish and Nervous F6 SBT

[Patti]

Other than letting him out of the safe room too soon, which you've already recognized as an error, you are doing all the right things. Kittens (not just Savannahs) all have different personalities - some pop out of their carrier and immediately adopt you as their new best friend, others are more cautious and overwhelmed by the move so need more time and patience.

I think if you can get Dexter back into the safe room you need to continue what you are doing - sit on the floor with him, read aloud to him, play with him using a wand toy. Don't leave food in the safe room for him to graze on, but bring it in, give him time to eat it, then remove it after a period of time, e.g. an hour - this way he learns that you are the provider of his food, which will make you more important to him. Try finding his favorite treat (freeze dried chicken is very popular with kitties) and see if that will encourage him to come to you. I'm convinced he will eventually come around, but it will be in his own time frame, so patience is paramount.

 

[WitchyWoman]

Do you have a crate or cat carrier? If so, put his food in there near where he's hiding and if/when he goes in to eat, close the door and carry him back to his room. If he likes to play with a feather wand or has a different favorite toy, drag it on the floor towards the room and see if you can get him in there that way. If all else fails, drop a large towel over him, pick him up and put him in the room.

 

[moondiamond]

WitchyWoman that is a great idea with the carrier, I think that will work! Seems the obvious choice to get him in there, not sure why I didn't think of that! Definitely will do that when I get home.

Patti thank you for your advice as well! We have the freeze dried chicken and another type of treat that Dexter seems to like. I've been using them after we play and was able to entice him out from under the bed using them yesterday.

Thanks all for your input. Will continue to be patient with Dexter and will keep you updated on his progress. Any other tips would be much appreciated!!!

 

[DumaLove]

Also try to block off under the bed in the safe room. Block any larger places he can hide under that you can't easily reach him. You can leave the carrier or a few small boxes in the room for a safe hiding place that you can still easily reach him if needed.

 

[moondiamond]

Thanks DumaLove! We have his carrier and also a little soft kitty igloo with toys in it in the safe room for him to go into.

An update on his progress as well - after work today, Dex was still hiding out in his couch spot. I couldn't coax him out with food or toys. I took a chance and held a handful of treats out to him from under the couch. I stuck my arm right into the underneath of it and he ate them from my hand! He also headbutted my hand and allowed me to scratch behind his ears and pat him on his sides! He poked his head out from under the couch as well so we were very close face to face and he did not seem to mind at all. I slow blinked at him. I thought this was great progress so hopefully we will have these small victories each day!

 

[Carykd7kau]

That is GREAT news. Start giving him treats and pull them out SLOOWWWLY. Try to get him into the cage or carrier and then take him to the quarantine room. THEN let him go at his own pace.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Good luck persuading him to get in the carrier to move to the safe room... it really still is the better choice even if there is some progress with the treats under the couch. But I think you are right to feel hopeful at that positive sign

 

[moondiamond]

Thanks everyone! We made some more great progress with Dex last night! We were just sitting in the living room on the floor hanging out, and the little guy came out of his hiding place completely of his own volition and starting headbutting and nudging us like crazy! Was in a very playful mood and was just running around everywhere in the living room. He rolled around on the carpet and we even gave him belly rubs which he loved! He has turned out to be an absolute purring machine also, haha. He's still a little timid if you make a sudden movement or loud noise, but he spent the entire rest of the evening coming to us and playing with us! And I'm so happy that he seemed to really enjoy the love and petting I think he finally feels a bit more safe with us and hopefully we just see more and more interaction from him. Thanks everyone for all of your tips!

 

[Patti]

Ha - the little stinker! He was just playing hard to get
I'm glad he's finally decided that you are okay now and is starting to settle in.
I think it's time for some pictures...

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

That's so positive! I'm pretty sure that if you just follow that up with some quiet sitting on the living room floor sessions he's going to really respond and within no time all will be well. Thank goodness he finally worked it out!