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About Kate Tilmouth
Expertise
I can answer most day to day cat problems encountered by owners. I have a good understanding of cat behaviour and problems which may arise from changes to their daily routine. I can advise on cat training including litter training and general day to day cat care issues. I am not a vet and therefore cannot answer medical questions.

Experience
I run my own cat website at http://www.our-happy-cat.com and have been a dedicated cat owner for over 20 years. I have encountered many different cat problems and situations and feel that i have a good understanding of cats and cat ownership.

Publications
I am a platinum member of Ezinearticles where i write mainly cat related articles.

Education/Credentials
Educated to High School level and have since worked for many years in a customer support based environment, gaining vocational qualifications.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Cats > Cats > traumatised cat

Cats - traumatised cat

Expert: Kate Tilmouth - 11/3/2009

Question
I adopted a two year old male part Persian cat about 10 weeks ago. He was being given away because he did not like one of the other animals at his previous home and hid every night. When I brought him home he hid and did not eat for 4 weeks. I finally cornered him and forced him to drink some water and let me stroke him for an hour or so. He then became distressed and I let him go again (always inside the house - he has never been outside in the 10 weeks). He now eats and drinks every night and uses the litter tray but only at night when we are asleep or when we are all away from home. Should I corner him again and force my attention on him or should I just leave him to be a "phantom"? I would love to give him affection and convince him there is nothing to fear. We have no other pets and my husband and I are both retired so things are fairly quiet.
I do hope you can help.
Thanks, Lyn

Answer
Hi
no you should not corner him and force him to do anything. All this will do is make his fear worse. the best thing you need to do is to gain his confidence in you at is pace and time. i know this can be frustrating and take some time but it really is the only and best option.

i have a page which will help you with this here

http://www.our-happy-cat.com/new-cat.html

best wishes Kate

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