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Cats/Skiddish Kitten

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Expert: - 1/28/2008


Question
Hello,

Tonight I just adopted a new kitten from a woman who said her Father had found her and two others in a box abandoned. She seemed really sweet with the woman and she was holding her when she gave her over to me, and she was cuddly with me in the car ride home. When I got home I placed her on the floor to go and explore. I showed her her litter box which she used and fed her. The problem that I am now having is that she now wont let me pick her up or pet her. She runs away from me. I have her in my bedroom right now so she can get used to me and she seems to be confused and looking for something. She mews a lot. I really want her to be a social cat and not afraid of people but I also don't want to push her....any advice?

Answer
Hi Michelle,

Right now she is afraid and is lost. She misses her littermates too. You need to give her some time. Get some deli chicken and use this to make friends with her. Talk to her quietly. When you pick her up and she wants down don't hold her. She needs to trust you. Put her down while still petting her and talking gently. It will take a little time but she will get over her fear and begin to bond with you. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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