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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Extremely shy cat
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Question
I recently adopted a cat from an animal shelter, and she is the most shy cat I've ever seen. She seems to be scared of everything and I'm having trouble getting her to eat. I'm getting a little concerned because shes not drinking either. Should I try to help her eat or let her go, and eventually she'll realize how hungry she is on her own?
Brian,
It's usually best to adopt 2 cats at the time. They provide security, companionship, and comfort for each other.
Your cat is scared. She was suddenly put in a totally new world with nothing familiar, new people, new routine, and she is probably grieving for her friends or littermates. Give her time to acclimate and get to know you and her new home. Be patient and understanding. Plus you don't know what traumas and experiences she went through before you got her.
It's best to keep a cat in one room for about a week with a litter box, food, and water. A whole house at once can be overwhelming. She will come out as she feels comfortable. Don't try to rush her. Spend time in a room with her talking to her gently, but not trying to pet her or touch her. Let her learn to trust you.
She may have had a feral parent. Ferals are not like domesticated house cats and will not behave like one. To learn more about the behavior and how to deal with ferals, in the search box on this site type Tabbi Ferals for information.
It will work out with patience and time. Don't try to force her. It may take a month or more for her to come out of her shell.
Tabbi
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Answers by Expert:
Dear Tabbi
Expertise
My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience
Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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