Expert: Jessica - 3/3/2010

Question
I adopted a brother and sister (both 6 years old cats). I have had them for a little over a month now. The brother is out about and ruling the house (I have 5 other cats). The sister is STILL under my bed and wont come out, I know shes using the litter box I set up for her right outside my bed and I keep a supply of food and water under the bed for her. I know shes not fighting with the other cats and they all seem to be leaving her alone. Ive tried taking her out and just giving her attention and she just become pertified with fear. Her brother used to go under the bed with ehr but he seems to not really care anymore. The previous owners said she was a bit skiddish. I'm not sure what to do at this point. She has a clean bill of health, I was also a vet tech for a couple years and have seen no sign of illness.

Answer
Hi Jessica.  I think you've given this kitty plenty of time to get used to her new surroundings.  Since she's not making much progress on her own as far as the social scene goes, it's time to give her a strong nudge.  It will be a lot like getting a child to eat her vegetables.  Most of the resistance comes from the fact that they’ve never really given vegetables (or in this case, interaction) a chance, but once they’ve been made to try it a few times, they find they like it.

Cats who are skittish almost never become "unskittish" by their own choice.  As long as there’s a hiding spot, they’ll stay there.  Although we feel we are providing them with some security, in actuality, the worst thing we can do is to provide hideouts for skittish cats, because we are allowing them to continue on in their reclusive behavior.  

The first place to start is to move the kitty to an area where there are no hiding spots.  No furniture that she can squeeze under or behind, no closets to conceal herself in, etc.  Allow her to have a cardboard box, open on the top, for security.  With my especially skittish cats, I keep them in a kitty playpen for a few weeks so I can work with them intensely.  Some shelters will rent these or dog crates out to you on a weekly basis.  But you can use a small room such as a bathroom or small bedroom, as long as you will have easy access to her.

At first, she will be very tense and petrified when you hold or pet her, like you mentioned.  Although you may feel like the bad guy, you have to get through this stage before she starts to improve.  I’ve had cats who were so terrified they’ve defecated when I approached to pet them, and they now nuzzle under my neck at night.  They would still be hiding if we didn’t go through that uncomfortable period.

To build a bond between you and the cat, try hand feeding her extra special treats.  Boiled chicken breast works great.  I also will hold cats on my lap with a dollop of chicken baby food on a saucer.  If she won’t take it directly from your hand at first, let her see you put it down for her, and then back away.  Nothing builds trust more quickly than the association of you with food!  Once she comes to see you as her provider, you will have a special bond, although she will likely remain skittish around other people.  Try your best to expose her to different situations while in your presence to help her acclimate to other people, animals and places.

One last thing you may want to try is a flower essence to help calm her.  I trust a line called Spirit Essences (www.spiritessencs.com) because they were formulated by a well-known holistic vet and an animal behaviorist.  Although this cat isn’t necessarily feral, I think the Feral Cat Rehabilitation formula would be very appropriate for her since she has obviously missed out on some socialization.  Scaredy Cat might also be very helpful.  

Good luck!

Jessica