My husband and I adopted a three-legged, terribly shy cat many years ago. When we got her home from the shelter, she streaked out of the carrier and fled to the attic, where she took up residence behind some book shelves.

My husband would go up there every night and sit next to the shelves, reading out loud from whatever book he was currently enjoying. He would also periodically toss her some tasty cat treats.

After a couple months of this, Tripod was completely 'his' cat. She would appear as soon as he got home from work, squeezing into his chair with him or sitting at his feet gazing at him adoringly.

Not one to horn in on a partnership, I gladly played 'bad guy', being the one to do nail trimmings and capture her for vet visits when he wasn't home. She lived with us for 18 years, and was his girl the whole time.

I'd guess patience, gentleness and a ready supply of treats is your answer. Also having somebody else to do the evil stuff, like vet visits and grooming, so they don't associate you with negative experiences.

They're beautiful cats, best of luck with them.