My Cat is a Loner !!! :(

[gonzorogers]

My husband and I got a cat from the pound. This cat, as we were told, was abused, and been a stray for probably a while. This cat when it was picked up by the pound was pregnant. She had the kittens in the pound and was spayed. She spent about 6 months in the pound. Ever since we got her, she spends all of her time in the basement(the litter box, food, and water) are down there. We really need some suggestions what to do to make her feel apart of the family. We also have another cat and 2 shih tzu's, which would never harm a hair on her head. Can someone help us??

We have had her for 5 months. I'm sorry I didn't include this when I wrote it.

Thanks again for your replies thus far.

[This message has been edited by gonzorogers (edited May 03, 2001).]

***Someone told me about Tellington Touch for animals, especially cats who have behavioural problems. Does anyone know much about it? I only found 1 website about it, but it wasn't detailed.

[This message has been edited by gonzorogers (edited May 07, 2001).]

[Karen]

How long has it been since you brought her home?

[margaret]

Yes, how long have you had this *loner* kitty? I think if you haven't had her long, then time and patience is the answer. Continue to show her as much love and attention as you can (as much as she's willing to accept!) and I believe she will warm up to you and the family. It sounds like this poor kitty has had quite a difficult time of it, before being adopted by you (thank you for doing so! ). She probably just wants to take some time to adjust. You might want to spend time with her down in the basement, playing with her, petting her (does she let you?), talking to her. It seems to be where she's most comfortable at the moment, but I think in time she will always want to be where you are. I really hope this sweet kitty will bond with you soon and you can all be one big happy family again! Please keep us updated and let us know how things are going! !!

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~Margaret

[Logan]

I would just give her time to adjust. But you also should take time during the day and evening to go to the basement and play with her and love her. Get her some special toys and maybe a nice basket or kitty bed, plus a scratching post. She'll adjust. It just takes time.

And I wanted to say "thank you' for taking that sweet girl from the pound. I can't believe she was there for six months. No wonder she's scared. Can you imagine being in a cage for six months? At least that beats the alternative.

Good luck to you and your new kitty.

Logan

[thelmalu99]

Aw, I'm sure she'll warm up eventually. Poor kitty, she's been through a lot and she probably needs time to realize that she can trust you. I know it's probably frustrating because you just want her to be happy. I agree that it's best to let her stay where she's most comfortable for now and just go down and visit her...talk to her, pet her, etc. to let her know that she's safe and she can trust you. It's wonderful that you adopted her and I'm sure that very soon she will come upstairs and join the rest of the family! Good luck!

[4 feline house]

Force her to come out. She has no reason to come out now, with all her necessities right there in the basement with her. I once tamed some ferals by preventing them from hiding anywhere - all the closet doors were kept closed, the beds were barricaded, the stove was blocked, etc. They had "open hiding places" under high furniture like end tables and such. Don't force attention on her, but don't let her hide, either. If possible, move her food somewhere else so she'll have to come out and eat. You may have to move it a few feet at a time until it's where you want to move it to. You will not want to risk that with the litter box. Talk to her, and occasionally try to stroke her when she's out, and give her a few really tasty treats. Make her come out for short periods everyday, and gradually increase her out times. She will eventually realize she's safe and welcome in the rest of the house.

And bless you for taking in this poor kitty who has already had a harder life than she's deserved. Good luck with her, I hope she learns to trust and love again.

[This message has been edited by 4 feline house (edited May 03, 2001).]

[Ben E Gas]

great advice!

[Maylo]

um....no offense...to 4 Feline House...but....is that the best advice?
cuz the cat will feel really uncomfertable and will somehow find a way to hide..... ...I mean it's pretty good advice other then the forcing it out of the basement thing...

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~Maylo~

[This message has been edited by Maylo (edited June 01, 2001).]

[4 feline house]

Maylo-
No offense taken! I guess I should have included Spencer's advice - gently being a key component! Not every method works for every household or every cat, but I have used this technique on more than one occasion and stand by it. I do realize, though, that it may not work for everyone for whatever reason.