You are here:

Cats/kitten afraid of owners

Advertisement

Expert: - 1/12/2008


Question
I have three cats at home (one cat gave birth to the other two). The youngest one was born about five months ago. She is still afraid of us. She gets along with the other two cats. I know that we need to be patient and wait for her to come to us, but it's been five months. What should we do?

Answer
Hi Steven,

Some cats take a long time to come around and when they do it's still very cautious. I have one cat that for a year I couldn't get near her. Now she will stay still and let me scratch her ears but if I go to pick her up she bolts. I have another who hides behind a dresser all day and will only come out to be scratched when I am in the bathroom. Such is cats. Sometimes you get that one who just doesn't want to be part of the family.

That being said try some deli chicken. This is a great treat to tempt her. And only have one person to try to calm her. It may be too many around her and she can't adjust.  You can also try a product called Feliway Comfort Zone. It mimics cat's happy pheromones. It may be what she needs to calm down.  Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.