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Cats/Cat won't come out from under the bed!
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Question
I got a new cat about a day and a half ago. She is about 2 yrs old. Since I brought her home she won't come out. I know in her last home she was abused, so I guess she is scared. She won't come out to eat, and bribing her with treats won't work. What do I do?!
Hi Mary,
Place her food, water and litter box in the room, next to the bed. Let her be for few days. She needs to get used to strange smells and sounds of her new home. When and if you see her talk to her quietly and gently. After a few days move her things closer to the door. You want to coax her out into the house by moving her stuff slowly out of the room. When it's outside the bedroom you can then try to tempt her with treats. Deli chicken works great. By this time she should be more receptive of meeting and greeting you.
It will take a little time but be patient. She is going to be more skittish than most because of the past abuse. But she will come around. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | thank you! That was a much better response than my vet, friends, or other pet lovers gave. I guess I was looking for a quick answer, but your r ight, patience is what it takes. Thank you so much!\ ] | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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.
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