Expert: Norman Auspitz - 11/28/2009

Question
Hi

Ive been looking all over the place for information on my new cat and cant seem to find any... she is a ragdoll mix with a manxx i have read that they are suppose to be very easy to pick up but mine wont allow me to she scratches and jumps out of my arms when i try. she is also very scared of everything any little sound she runs off and hides.. do you know by any chance where i can learn a bit more on her kind of breed? she has been with us for 2 days now she likes to be pet she sleeps on the couch with me but when i am not around or i go to bed she ends up hidding under the couch again so any tips would help actually

thank you

Answer
Julie,

A Ragdoll X Manx mix????????? That is, indeed, a bit unusual, to say the least.

However, on to your question.  It does not matter the breed, this cat or kitten (you did not tell me the age) seems to be a bit overwhelmed.  After all, you have had her for only two days which is hardly enough time for her to adjust to her new abode!?!?!?!?!

It would be helpful to know her age and background (e.g. was she house raised or cage raised?, does she have all her claws?, etc.).  Is she healthy?  Have you had her checked out by your vet? Is she eating properly and using the litter pan properly?

OK, so what to do.  I would ignore her.  Let her come to you on her terms. Do not go to pick her up. Do not approach her. Make pretend she does not exist.  When she comes to you for affection, give it freely, but do not contain her, do not pick her up, just pet her.  Do not make direct eye contact, in fact it is good to blink at her (cats look at this kind of blinking as a gesture of submission). When she is more comfortable with you, she will allow more interaction. Cats always do better if they think something is their idea and not yours. Things will go much better with a more indirect approach to this kitty. Once she comes out of her shell and warms up to you, things will go better.

One more item. If you are playing with her and she begins biting/scratching beahvior, the game must stop immediately and you walk away.  This behavior is not to be tolerated nor encouraged (e.g. rough housing with her).  Odten cats must be socialized to interacting with people. Cats have very, very tough skin and it is natural for them to engage in biting/scratching when they play with each other. They must learn that we soft skinned humans cannot be played with in that manner.

If you are still interested in learning the characterisitcs of each breed, please follow up.

Best regards... Norm.