I really must agree with Sundance. Cats don't like loud noises at all. And the most scared cat CAN become a lover.

I have 12 cats; all were ferals that used to live outside. It has taken a long time for some of them to warm up at all. Some still only tolerate me after a couple years.

Each time I introduced a new cat, he/she was housed in a cage in the livingroom. This allowed the other cats to get used to him/her and vice-versa. Also, the normal noises of the household became less frightening.

In a couple of weeks I would open the cage door and let the cat decide when to come out. If he/she decided to hide, that 's OK. However, I have fixed all furniture so they can't get under the bed, sofa or dressers. I do provide carriers and open-fronted boxes for them to snuggle in.

My first suggestion would be to get Makis out of the basement. If he can't hide down there, he will adapt faster. Of course he should have a safe haven, but it should be some place where you can reach him and talk to him. Pet him if he will allow it. Eventually he will understand that no harm will come to him. Have a lot of patience.

Some cats just like to be left alone. And others don't like to be touched.

One of my ferals did a complete turnaround after I contacted Nancy Efrusy, a pet psychic. She helped me understand what the cat was thinking. It isn't expensive and can be done by e-mail. Her address is [email protected].