Cat determined not to like us :(

[Freedom]

As Jessika said, this is a huge change for Phinehas. She has lost the only human she ever knew, along with her home, routines, and so on. Lots of grieving as well a a shock - hey, no one asked HER if she wanted this change! She may not realize she CAN trust humans in general. So that trust needs to build and develop.

I also agree with using the Feliway, though others on here have found the diffuser is a waste, you need the pheronomes to be confined more. One room, and work to getting her a collar with a sleeve and spraying on the sleeve (never directly spray the cat) so the calming sense is always around her.

You can also try sitting with some really yummy treats to share with her and other cats. Salmon is a great one. Let her see the other cats interacting with you in a positive way, with no 'hurt' happening.

[Jessika]

I also agree with using the Feliway, though others on here have found the diffuser is a waste, you need the pheronomes to be confined more. One room, and work to getting her a collar with a sleeve and spraying on the sleeve (never directly spray the cat) so the calming sense is always around her.

The diffusers are not meant for a large area, certainly not for the whole house, hence why I suggested to use it in the room she is being confined in.

[wolflady]

Thanks for all the points of view and experiences. I sure hope she does warm up to us. We do have the diffuser in the room where we initially had her when we brought her home. After we hadn't made any progress after about a month, I finally opened the door to the "cat room" to the rest of the house. This seems to be better because I have actually seen her a few times now and I even snuck in a quick petting this morning when I found her sitting on a chair. She tolerated it for a few seconds and then took off, but that was some progress! She still pretty much just runs and hides when anybody gets near her, but hopefully she'll warm up. She and Phinehas seem perfectly fine together, but she's not quite the "kitty buddy" that I was looking for for Phinehas. Maybe her personality will come out a little more as she (hopefully) warms up to us and becomes part of our family!

[Karen]

Good to hear! Progress is nice to hear, and it will surely get better as time goes on!

[phesina]

That's progress! Great news! It sounds like she is taking little steps here. Sometimes it can take a very long time, but it will be so worth it, time so well spent.

Keep on keeping on, all! (What is the new kitty's name, by the way?)

Love and good wishes. God bless.

[Catty1]

Pat I believe her name is Freya. She is a stunning girl!

Progress is great!

One thing you might try - if you have a wand or string toy, get Phineas playing with it. Freya may not join in but she will sure be curious, I bet!

[wolflady]

I agree, small steps are progress...so hopefully she'll eventually one-day open up to us and not be so scared as to run away every time someone gets near. I was able to pet her again this morning when she was sitting in the same chair. It seems when it's just me and it's quiet, I'm able to get close and sneak a petting in before she runs off. I have seen her out and about a lot though...so hopefully she's just getting used to the territory, sounds and people.

I discovered she is a jumper. Phinehas is such a good cat, he doesn't get up on anything but our washer/dryer (I have cat beds there) and the couch and our bed. Freya, on the other hand...is a jumper. I've seen her jump up on our entertainment center (good thing hubster didn't see that! ), up onto dressers, high tables...even the shelf near the ceiling in the laundry room!

I'm definitely trying to tempt her with treats and toys. Phinehas doesn't mind the extra treats and toy time, I'm sure!

I was able to capture a picture of Freya today on the couch like the princess she is!