Expert: Norman Auspitz - 1/27/2011

Question
Hi! I have a cat (about 10 years old now) who is effectively feral. That is, although she is a purebred Chartreux, the breeder seems never to have socialized her to humans. She will stay in the same room with us, but it's impossible to pick her up or touch her for more than a second.

When we moved from one house to another a year ago, my daughter managed to grab her and pop her in a carrier. Of course, that made her even more skittish. Also, after we moved, she stopped grooming for a period and is now matted. (Her coat is short, but quite thick.)

I'm sure she is uncomfortable, but I have no idea how to catch her, let alone how a groomer could handle her. Do you have any suggestions? My vet suggested I dose her food with benedryl, but I haven't tried it yet.

Answer
Shira,

I think your vet may have a plan.  See if the Benadryl works.  Also, many vets offer a grooming service, so, your cat may have to be tranquilized to get the mats out.  Usually, if the fur is badly matted, the best solution is to "shave the cat down" using animal clippers.  Not to worry as the coat will grow back.

A couple of things you can do to try to help socialize your cat are covered in:

http://www.abyssinian-rescue.com/advice.htm

Even thought this was written fro Abyssinian cats, the techniques should work on any cats. Note that almost no breed of domestic cat is as high strung as Abyssinians tend to be (including Chartreaux), with the possible exception of Cornish Rex or Egyptian Maus.

Another thing I would do with your cat is to totally ignore her except to feed, water and do litter pans. make pretend she does not exist. Let her come to you on her own terms.  Do not try to pick her up or approach her.  If she approaches you, it is her idea, and she may let you pet her.  Cats respond best when they are doing something they think is their idea.  Also, make sure you have special treats around so that when she does something "social" she gets rewarded.

Please let me know how things go.

Best regards... Norm.