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Expert: - 2/27/2008


Question
I just adopted a 14 month old cat from a resque center about 2 1/2 weeks ago.  I have her in a small room with food,liter box,toys,and a cubby for her. There are no children, or other animals in the house its just me. See will hiss at me a few times in an evening when I sit in the room with her. She really doesn't even come out of the cubby that much. Is this normal? She is eating and using the box and she also plays alot when I am not present. Is this something I need to be concerned about? I keep trying to tell myself I just need to have patience. Is there anything that I can do that I don't know about.  My last cat which passed on I did not have any of these problems with so that is why I am a little concerned about this. I really appreciate any help or ideas that you can offer.

Very concerned,
Debbie

Answer
Hi Debbie,

This is a young kitten who doesn't have many human social skills. You need to win her over. Sit in the room with something really special to eat. Deli chicken works great. Just place it near the spot where she hides and sit away from there. When she comes out talk to her quietly. If she runs wait to see if she comes out again. If not, leave the room. Go back every day until she is used to you being there. Then start moving the food closer to you. Eventually she will be right next to you and will investigate you. Be gentle and try to pet her. You will have success with her but it is going to take a little time. Be patient. 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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