Need advice for a very scared cat

[chrissynemetz]

I have a bit of a problem. I have an elderly neighbor who recently passed away, and left an incredibly shy 10 year old female cat. Kitty is an indoor cat, and has never been outside of her owner's home. I want to adopt her, but I would like to make it as stress free as possible. She is currently still in her house while the family are there taking care of things. This poor cat is very scared at the moment and stays hidden under her owner's bed. If anyone has any advice on how to make the move to my house easier on this little girl it would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Poultry Place]

I have a bit of a problem. I have an elderly neighbor who recently passed away, and left an incredibly shy 10 year old female cat. Kitty is an indoor cat, and has never been outside of her owner's home. I want to adopt her, but I would like to make it as stress free as possible. She is currently still in her house while the family are there taking care of things. This poor cat is very scared at the moment and stays hidden under her owner's bed. If anyone has any advice on how to make the move to my house easier on this little girl it would be greatly appreciated!!

I would try to coax her into a dark covered cage with some food. Then take her home and set the cage in a quiet room and allow her to come out when she is ready.

 

[CatWhisperer]

Set her up in your bedroom with as many of her familiar things as possible- litter box, food and water bowls, toys, familiar smelling blanket or couple of shirts. Try to find out what food and kitty litter she is accustomed to. Expect her to spend a lot of time hiding and allow it. Try to only be in the room to sleep so she can observe you when it’s safe. Don’t do anything loud or sudden nearby while she adjusts. She may not eat and drink well at first due to depression. Stress can also make cats stop using the litter box so 2 boxes in separate safe quiet locations would be best. If the family know anything about her try to find out as much as you can, including what veterinarian she went to so you can find out her health history.. Give her all the time she needs to become familiar with her new home in a comfortable way. After a few days you might try sitting on the floor , chair or on the bed reading. Don’t let her out of the room in less than a week, it all depends on how long she takes to adjust. Do you have any other pets in your home?

 

[pennyJo1960]

I agree with @CatWhisperer on this one

 

[Kusanar]

I agree with the previous comments. Basically, ignore her, pretend that she isn't there. Try to keep things quiet, but DO NOT sneak around, you are a predator and predators that are sneaking may just want to make a snack out of a cat. Put her food and water where she doesn't have to come out to get to it.

Also, cats LOVE laying in the sun, if possible, have a window set up to cast a nice sunny spot on the floor where she can sneak out and relax some.

 

[chrissynemetz]

@CatWhisperer We have several small dogs, and one indoor tom cat. But thankfully I can keep everyone separate from her as long as necessary, because of the way my house is designed.

 

[chrissynemetz]

The cat is familiar with me, but I've honestly never seen her this terrified before.
I really like the idea of having something that smells like 'home' to her. I hadn't thought of that but I'll definitely try it.

 

[PioneerChicks]

I haven't proved this, but I trust the book I found it in. I heard that friendly cats approach each other from the side, and aggressive cats from the front. Just keep that in mind...
Good luck.

 

[CatWhisperer]

When you say indoor Tom cat I hope you are using incorrect terminology and you cat is actually neutered. In the past when I had a roommate with dogs and cats we installed screen doors so our animals could become accustomed to one another without contact. I have also used this when introducing new cats into my home flock of cats. I would give the new cat at least a week alone to adjust, 2 is probably better. Install a screen door so animals can meet without touching. Once everyone is comfortable with that take new kitty out of that room and put everyone else in there-trading places. You will have to use your own judgement as to how to progress. Good luck. You might try purchasing some Feliway, a cat pheromone, to use in the bedroom to help ease her transition.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Oh thankyou!! I'll grab some Feliway!
And yes, he's neutered.