Expert: Dear Tabbi - 2/15/2009

Question
Hi.. I have a female cat she is 1 year and 8 months old and i have her for like 1 and half years, she is a kind of cats who like to play a lot but don't like to be pitted.
she is afraid of every one she doesn't know, and if we have a visitors, she always stayed under the couch.
I tried like 3 times to take her out of home...coz i guessed she got to be bored for being at home all the way... when i get her out of home she started mewing, and trying to get out of my hands so she can get back home and her hair started to fell and she was really afraid, and she allowed any one to hold her but while she is shaking...since that time i didnt repeat that experience ... what do you think should i take her to a visits so she can get knowing new people or i shouldn't since it makes her too much afraid.
Thanks

Answer
Rawd,

No, don't EVER take her out to try to get used to people! It won't work and you will only frighten her and stress her out by taking her from her 'safe haven' in your home. Plus, you are taking a chance on losing her permanently if she gets away from you. She is not the type of cat that you can do that with.

She was a feral kitten by your description of her. Ferals are not like domesticated house cats. The have an inbred distrust of people and they almost always stay that way. They usually only bond with one person...the person that takes care of them. Other people scare them. That is normal. Accept that that is the way she is and don't try to force her to be friendly, that will make her more scared.

Ferals can be very loving, playful, follow you around, and sleep next to you BUT they DO NOT like to be held or petted for very long.
When you pet them, do it only briefly. They do not like it for very long. Watch their tails and ears. If their tails wag or ears go back stop NOW.

I have some feral "kittens" I have had since birth. Even at almost 2 years old, if they hear strange noises, or see a person (even me until they hear my voice) they are gone! One runs under the bed and hides for an hour or more! They are VERY loving, but I still can't hold them for more than two minutes before they squirm away.

I hope this answers your question. Your home is where your cat feels safe...so I would suggest you keep her there.

Tabbi