New cat doesn't want to socialize

[Barbiecat1]

I got a second cat on June 1, Murphy. He is very affectionate with me, but since I already have a petite little Tortie at home (Nugget) who still hasn't completely accepted him (they will bump noses and even sleep on my bed together at night, on opposite sides, but then she also swats him when he comes too close), he spends most of his time under the guest bed, not even sleeping on it comfortably. Instead he plays limbo and squishes himself under the bed to sleep most of the day. He came from a loving shelter without cages, and is used to other cats, but still is very uncomfortable socializing with us out in the main part of the house. He is extremely friendly towards people.

I have closed off his room to force him out of there, and then find him laying on the bathroom floor instead of being out with us.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do next? He is a cute guy, but apparently shy. The shelter said that was his normal reaction to situations, but it's been almost a month and I can't get him to stay with us much more than when I first brought him home.

He is 3, Nugget is 4 if that makes any difference. She has only been with me since last August. He is at least twice her size. I am teaching him to become a cat (playing with toys, chasing fishing pole feathers, etc). He was found in a feral cat colony trying to survive, but acts anything BUT feral with people.

[lizbud]

Does Murphy show any interest when you play with the toys with Nugget? I'd try to get both of them involved with
play sessions or treat times, doleing out treats to both, or sharing catnip in a group session with you as" the bountiful
giver of all good things".

[krazyaboutkatz]

Does Murphy show any interest when you play with the toys with Nugget? I'd try to get both of them involved with
play sessions or treat times, doleing out treats to both, or sharing catnip in a group session with you as" the bountiful
giver of all good things".

As I was posting I guess you beat me to it. We were both thinking alike.

[lizbud]

As I was posting I guess you beat me to it. We were both thinking alike.

LOL What do they say about great minds.

[Freedom]

I would just give him time. Cats typically take time to adjust to a change of environment, and if he is shy then he needs even more time.

Does he come out of the bathroom at meal time?

Work slowly and he will come around.

[Barbiecat1]

I would just give him time. Cats typically take time to adjust to a change of environment, and if he is shy then he needs even more time.

Does he come out of the bathroom at meal time?

Work slowly and he will come around.

Thanks, he generallys wants to stay under the bed, but I do know that the sanctuary I got him from did say he took a while to become socialized with them also, so I guess I just need more patience. He does come out in the morning for food, and now sleeps with me at night. so we are making SOME progress.

[Barbiecat1]

Does Murphy show any interest when you play with the toys with Nugget? I'd try to get both of them involved with
play sessions or treat times, doleing out treats to both, or sharing catnip in a group session with you as" the bountiful
giver of all good things".

THank you for your response. Murphy was found with other cats, so the sanctuary I got him from actually had to teach him to play with toys! He is good with catnip pillows, and I have tried to get them playing at the same time, but many times he will retreat back to "his" room so the play is not very extended.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I not sure if this will help you or not but I'll give it a shot. Is he food motivated? Does he enjoy playing with a particular toy? If so then you could help him associate being out with you as a good thing by giving him a taste of wet food or a treat. If he prefers play, then find that special toy and start playing with him while he's out with you. Maybe over time he'll begin to then enjoy being out with you and your family. Good luck.

[Barbiecat1]

I not sure if this will help you or not but I'll give it a shot. Is he food motivated? Does he enjoy playing with a particular toy? If so then you could help him associate being out with you as a good thing by giving him a taste of wet food or a treat. If he prefers play, then find that special toy and start playing with him while he's out with you. Maybe over time he'll begin to then enjoy being out with you and your family. Good luck.

Thank you. He is learning to play with toys (the sanctuary actually had to teach him how to be a cat in that respect!), but LOVES wet food, so that is a good idea. Thanks.