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Question
We got our new rescued cat 2 weeks ago, we also have a 6yr old male who is very sociable around people. We put our new cat in a all room with bed, litter tray, food and water for a few days only going in to check on him and replenish and always finding him in hiding. Over the past 2weeks he has come out of this safe room but is still very reluctant to receive any contact from humans. If we approach him to stroke him he hisses, though if you can stroke him he stops hissing and rolls over which I take as a sign that he likes it. We have not heard him purr yet and he will not allow anybody to pick him up, I tried and I'm not dong that again as I got clawed to bits. Today he met our big tomcat who sat on the table and stared at the newcomer, the newcomer meowed as though he wants to be friends so we are hoping they will get on in time. The biggest issue is that the newcomer won't let us near him without the warning hiss and strangle when we talk to him he meows constantly. He is a very vocal cat. His history is that he was rescued from a house full of cats. I get the feeling that he wants to trust us but just isn't sure yet, will this improve and is here anything we can do to help?
Melanie,
The problem with shelter cats is that you do not really know their history. For example, is the newcomer just very shy or has he been abused? Clearly he has not been socialized to humans!
It is good that he seems to be getting along with your established cat. Down the road, this will help with his socialization.
Here is what you should do:
IGNORE HIM. Do not go to pet him! Do not go to pick him up! Just wait for him to make the first move! Shy cats do better when they think it is their idea to have contact. You just need to wait. If he approaches you and wants petting, then it is OK, otherwise leave him be. Most cats eventually will come around. It is critically important that everyone in the household consistently follow this protocol.
Secondly, avoid all direct eye contact as cats take this as threat. If you look at him, blink. Blinking at the cat is a sign of submission and that you are no threat.
Again, this cat will do best if every contact is his idea and not yours!
It may take weeks for him to come around, but most cats do. This is a situation where less on your part will go a much longer way than more.
Please let me know how he does.
Best regards... Norm.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Hi Norm We have been trying to ignore him and letting him find his confidence with us for the last week and it is working to some degree, sometimes he will sit fairly close to where we are sitting and just watch us and if we say hello then he meows almost constantly. He is very vocal, I think this is because he wants to trust because is saying 'hang on a minute, I don't want you to hurt me, can I trust you'. I really wish I knew cat language. Our existing cat is staying out of the main living rooms now and probably sulking, no fights as they haven't got close enough since the half hour staring session last week, but I'm hoping this will get better with time. Many, many thanks for your helpful advice. Melanie | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Norman Auspitz
Expertise
I can answer most non-veterinary questions about cats. My particular expertise is pedigree cats, breeding and showing. However, I am versed in feline behavior, cat breeds and their characteristics, general feline husbandry, and the like.
Experience
I judged for the Canadian Cat Association from 1975 until 1982. I am currently an approved allbreed judge for the Cat Fanciers'' Association (the world''s largets cat registry), and have been judging for them since 1991. I have been breeding pedigreed cats since 1971 and have been exhibiting pedigreed cats in shows since 1970. I obtained my first pedigreed cat in 1970 and have never looked back. In 1971, I obtained my first Abyssinian which has become my primary breed. In addition, I have bred Manx and Persians. Currently, besides the Abyssinians, I am also breeding Maine Coons.
Organizations
Cat Fanciers'' Association, inc. (CFA) and the Manx, Maine Coon, and Abyssinian breed councils. I am currently Abyssinian breed council secretary.
Publications
Cat Fancy Magazine, The Abyssinian Chapter in The Cat Fanciers'' Association Complete Cat Book, and Articles for various editions of The Cat Fanciers'' Association Yearbook
Education/Credentials
I received a B.S. from Drexel University in 1968, a M.Math from University of Waterloo, in 1970, a Ph.D. from University of Waterloo in 1975, and a MBA from McMaster University in 1980. I received my approved allbreed judging status in the Cat Fanciers'' Association in 1999.
Awards and Honors
We have produced a number of Cat Fanciers'' Association (CFA) National winning Abyssinian and Maine Coons. We have produced a number of Abyssinian and Maine Coon Distinguished Merit females (an award for a top producing cat), including the first Distinguished Merit Abyssinian in the red (sorrel) color. I am the CFA Abyssinian breed council secretary and belong and/or hold office in a number of cat clubs. I am also a member of the CFA Judges Association.
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