Expert: Brandy - 1/19/2007

Question
I have 2 male cats, both are rescues.  One is 9 and the newest is about 2.  The 2 year old came to live with me about a year ago.  He was an outside stray at my office, but warmed up to me quickly, so I brought him home. He sleeps most of the day under my bed.  He is comfortable with my mother and I, she lives with me.  But when other people, such as my brother or sister come to visit, he runs and hides.  If I walk in the room, sometimes he runs and hides.  Occasionally, he will allow my brother to pet him and then will suddenly run away.  He is such a sweet and nice cat, I would like to make him more comfortable and more social.  Is there anything I can do, or is this just his personality?  

Thanks for your help.

Answer
Most of me wants to say to continue to be patient with this cat. He is actually acting pretty normal; he sees you and your mother most, if not all of the time, and therefore he has become extremely comfortable with the two of you. The fact that he will at times allow your brother to pet him is good...he is sssllloooowwwwllllyyy warming up to your brother (just don't let your brother chase after the cat, tempting as it might be).

He reminds me of my mother's monster cat (23 pounds and not one ounce of fat). Jess loves my mother, follows her everywhere, but the second my nieces and nephews come to visit - right under the bed. And it's not because the children are mean or loud, it's just that Jess likes the quiet, and well, children aren't. Yet when it's just me, hubby, and Mom, Jess will come out of hiding, STARE at the two of us, then sit quietly by Mom. Sometimes he'll approach my husband for a scratch behind the ears (he is still wary of me, since every time we visit, I get to trim Jess' nails). And like your cat, he's the sweetest thing.

Sometimes I think that some cats are one to two-people cats, and while they are not afraid of other people, it takes a while for them to be at ease. As hard as it might be, just ignoring him might also let him approach your brother and sister on his own terms, too.

Good luck with your kitty. He's fortunate that you are giving him a safe comfortable home.