How to transition an anxious/scared kitty

**wolflady** · 01-12-2007, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by AbbyMom

Congratulations!
...(Did a miss a naming thread somewhere?

)

Actually, yes!

It can be found here: http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthre...iental+express

Thanks for the advice everyone. I agree, taking is slow and keeping him isolated for now is probably the best way to go. When I get home, I'll start trying to bribe him with treats and toys

**hugs**

**KittyGurl** · 01-12-2007, 04:12 PM

When I got Angel from a breeder all she did was hide. So it's not just your cat. Cats get scared when they move from one place to another. It may take awhile for your kitty to become comfortable.
Maybe you should leave your cat alone for awhile so she would get use to her surrondings. But try to stay around her. Try to give her treats and try to play with her. Soon, your new kitty will learn that your nice and she shouldn't be afriad.

Good Luck!!

**Freedom** · 01-12-2007, 07:49 PM

Let him adapt at him own pace. If he feels rushed, he feels threatened.

Work on him adapting to you first; leave intros to other pets for later.

Food is your friend. Feeding times should be routine. After a few feedings, show up a little bit late; maybe 10 minutes. Try offering food from your hand.

Toys and play time are good too. I liked the idea of a soft toy for him to cuddle with. And maybe a towel or such with your scent on it.

He HAS lived in a home, just not yours. So the transition won't be a long or difficult as for a feral. Good Luck!

**krazyaboutkatz** · 01-12-2007, 10:59 PM

Wow!!! I didn't know that you got him already. Congrats!!!

I don't know what to add because you've already been given very good advice. Good luck.

**Edwina's Secretary** · 01-13-2007, 12:23 PM

When Eddie first came to us he hid. Don and I would go to the basement (where he was living) and just sit. We would read the paper or a book and talk to Eddie. We made no attempt to grab him or force him out. We just wanted him to get comfortable with our presence.

After a while he began to come out. He would run if we moved too fast...but slowly he adjusted!

**Freckles** · 01-18-2007, 04:22 PM

Is he doing better now?

**wolflady** · 02-06-2007, 12:11 PM

Thanks for all of the helpful advice everyone! Phinehas is doing just great! For the first couple of days, I sat in the bathroom with him and read a book. He came out of his kitty tent and started sitting in my lap, so that was really good progress! The more I went into the bathroom, the more comfortable he became.

Now, the trouble is keeping him IN the bathroom! Does anyone else have kitties that can open doors?

**hugs**