my cat is depressed

[susanswatlin518]

HI-I AGREE THAT CATS DEFINITELY NEED TIME TO ADJUST-AND IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE BEEN SWEET TO HER SO IT WILL SINK IN THAT SHE IS SAFE AND IN A HOME OF HER OWN- AWAY FROM THE SHELTER. SHELTER CATS ARE GREAT-SAMMY MY TUXEDO WAS MY PICK WHEN I WENT IN LOOKING FOR A NEW CAT. I DON'T KNOW FOR SURE OF COURSE-BUT PROBABLY YOUR NEW CAT WAS CHECKED OUT AND GIVEN SHOTS ETC BEFORE SHE WAS ADOPTED, GIVE HER TIME AND SHE WILL LEARN THAT YOU WON'T LEAVE HER HUNGRY OR IN THE COLD SO SHE WILL FEEL MORE RELAXED. I BET SHE IS ADORABLE!IF YOU HAVE OTHER CATS-BE SURE TO HAVE TIME SET ASIDE WHERE IT'S JUST YOU AND HER. GOOD LUCK! SUSANSWATLIN518

[susanswatlin518]

Oops- i read your story again and you got her from a store, she may need a check up then. I had the wrong impression. Hmm-extra tender loving care should be used. I worry about pets in stores-but she has you now and that's great. Hey-have you ever seen the catnip toy mice that have some kind of chip inside which makes a squeeky sound even if you lightly touch the mouse! They think it's real. Again-i wish you and the new addition all the best sue

[mamaducky]

I'm going to say more of what everyone else is saying -- if she is eating, peeing & pooping regularly, then you're fine. All cats are different, but I've noticed that the really bright, sensitive ones seem to take a little longer to get used to their new environment.

When I met my buddy Zorro at the Humane Society, he was friendly to me and sociable with his soon-to-be foster brother Einstein -- but once I got them home, Zorro hid in spots I didn't even realize existed (like, inside the frame of the recliner!) for the better part of a week. But it didn't last more than the first week or so, and he is now the most affectionate and well-adjusted guy you'd ever want to know.

My guess is that your new friend is probably more "freaked out" than actually depressed -- and it sounds like you are doing just exactly the right things to help her become acclimated to her new home. Bless you for getting her out of that store -- and now you'll need to tell us her name & post some photos!

BTW, welcome to Pet Talk -- looking forward to hearing more from you!

All the best,
Diana