My Kitties

[Roberta]

Blimey, that sounded a bit sharp.

He isn't 'surrounded' by anything as he's in a room by himself most of the time with a radio on to get him used to hearing people. I'm the only person he's seen today as the kids aren't allowed with him unless I'm there supervising. The other cats aren't allowed near him now for a few days as they need to get used to the scent of him til then so that when they do see him he isn't alien.

Hiding in places is what they all do when they come here. He's the 5th feral I've tamed.

[Roberta]

6th actually. I forgot Sparkle.

[Pebs]

He's ace Dawn, I don't doubt for a second he'll come round in no time at all! I remember seeing baby Aslan when he was still a scaredy cat, and Ember I think it was who was Very Very Brave!

[Roberta]

Aslan is still jumpy but he adores being cuddled by my daughter and goes all drooly and floppy when she tickles his ears.



Daft bugger.

[Haly]

Awww

[TinkerBell]

Sorry I don't think that was sharp, it is true. Fair enough you have tamed 6 stray's my comment hasn't changed though.

It is alot for him to get used to, a new home, lots of new people and 3 new cat's who are older and who have formed friendships. So it isn't suprising that he is terrified and hiding under your bed.

[Haly]

Sounded quite sharp to me but then again I know how great Roberta is with the cats She's the best person I can possibly think of to handle shy feral cats that need gentle introductions and a lot of care and understanding.

She really does a great job as I know having seen the transformation of a few of them and hopefully little Cassius too soon

[Darrin]

Hrm, I've found the best way to get a cat used to a new environment is to not change the existing environment at all. Cats are very adaptable. They can sense when everything is normal or if things are on edge.

Calmly going about your life as if they had been there all along is the quickest way to get them accustomed to a new home. Remember, I've been through that exact process 15 times now. And not one of the cats I've had has shown any problems associating with the existing family (both human and feline) after about the first 12 hours.

You want to make a cat feel at home? Show them the litter box (preferably one that is close to needing changing so they can smell what goes in it), show them the food and water dishes, and lay them down in a comfy place they are allowed to sleep in. Play with them with a length of string for a few minutes, then repeat the showing of significant places again. Do that three or four times and they'll get the idea themselves. They'll know where to do their business, where to get sustenance, where to sleep, and where to play. Their basic needs are met, they can go exploring knowing they don't have to worry about anything...

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by TinkerBell

Sorry I don't think that was sharp, it is true. Fair enough you have tamed 6 stray's my comment hasn't changed though.

It is alot for him to get used to, a new home, lots of new people and 3 new cat's who are older and who have formed friendships. So it isn't suprising that he is terrified and hiding under your bed.

Well of course it isn't. I'm not quite sure why you feel you had to point it out to me in such tone though, or even point it out to me at all to be quite frank. The reason he is in my room is exactly so he can hide when he needs to so why on earth would I be surprised he was under there?

Thanks for your comments Darrin as I know how much experience you have with cats.

[Roberta]

And thanks Jen. Hope you can come see him when you're well enough and he's not so scared.