Rescued Adult Cat Question

[Carnochan]

A week ago I rescued a 3 year old cat from outside as it is getting extrememly cold. I had him fixed and thought he would adjust to my other 4 cats. When he was outside, he would let me pat him and would even roll over to rub his belly. Now that he is inside, however, he won't let me touch him and sits at the window all day and cries. I feel I did the right thing by rescuing him but don't know how to solve this one. Don't know if this is just something that time will take care of. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. Many thanks.

[Karen]

His whole life has just changed, and he's still adjusting to things. It will take some time and patience, but he probably will make the transition to a happy kitty indoors. And of course you did the right thing, he is far safer indoors, and "fixed," though he may not know it yet!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Ditto to what Karen said. You did the right thing and he will adjust in time. Right now he is probably not trusting you as much, but I'm sure with your continued love and support he will soon realize the rewards of being an inside only cat. Just hang tough and don't give in to his wanting out. :) And thank you for caring about him enough to take him in. :)

[kimlovescats]

You absolutely did the right thing! THANK YOU for doing so! Just give him some time and before you know it, he'll be a happy member of your family! ;)

[kb2yjx]

Double Ditto to ALL the above comments!! Let him adjust at his own rate. What will you name him? What colour??

[Carnochan]

He's a beautiful long-haired orange and white boy and we have been calling him Ginger. I am truly hoping that one day he will integrate comfortably into our family and learn to trust us. I thank everyone for their support and encouragement. :)

[Killer Kitten]

As long as he keeps eating, he'll be fine. Spend time with him, talking to him and offering special treats, and let him come to you.
Once he relaxes, he will.

[catmandu]

Tubby 2 gets a bit uptight,and wants out too,as John Hancock,and Michael pick on him sometimes.
When that happens I put him in the basement,so he may bond with the Moose.

[Lizzie]

Cats are really thrown for a loop when they are in a new environment, even one that we know is better for them. I think it's generally accepted that a cat will be far more happy at home with a once a day visit by someone to give them food while their human is on vacation than they would be in the most luxurious kennel with frequent attention. Although he definitely needed to be rescued, the outside was you cat's home and the place where he felt most comfortable. As others have said, time will change his attitude.

I went through what you are going through about a year ago; my rescue was an abandoned young tom cat and he was also more friendly towards me outside than he was for several months inside. I just kept sitting on the floor talking to him and focusing on him until he really, really wanted to be close to me. Now he loves to have his special time on my lap and today he licked my hand for the first time. I don't think he'd had much attention in his previous "home" and so had to make several adjustments.