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Cats/Tulip

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Expert: - 9/21/2008


Question
I have an eight year old cat, Tulip, that I adopted from a shelter. She was at
the shelter for five years in a large room with other cats.  Previous to that she
had belonged to an elderly woman who had passed away.  I have had Tulip for
almost six months now.  She has become accustomed to our seven other cats
just fine, but she won't have anything to do with the rest of our family.  She
hides most of the time.  When we do get to see her, if we approach her she
runs away immediately.  When we adopted her we did not change her name
because we felt she was used to it.  We call her by name but she will not
come.  I would like to be able to hold her and pay some attention to her,
especially so I can keep tabs on her health.  How can I socialize her with our
family, especially me?

Answer
Hi Barb,

She sounds like she has reverted back to more of a semi feral cat. To resocialize her again will take time and patience. Here's one good link for info on the subject; http://www.aspenpet.com/articleDetail.cfm?article=20

When you start your socialization you will need to have her in a room by herself. Don't traumatize her by catching her to put her in a room. You will need to get the others out. Find a really good treat that she likes. Deli chicken works great. Drop it near where she is. Talk to her quietly. As she gets used to you , move the treat closer to you. Eventually she should be taking it right next to you. You can then try to pet her. If she is accepting after a while try to tempt her to take the treat from your lap. She may not be a lap cat. If she isn't she will at least come to you for some loving.

You should be the only one to do this first. One on one contact is the best. Since she was someone's close pet she should become close again. She is just very leery right now. 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.

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

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