We got a female cat over the holidays. It is fairly young, probably less than year old, and still has its claws. It will tolerate it if you pet or scratch it for a little while, but does not like to be handled. It hides from us and only comes out to eat, drink, and use the litter pan when we are not around. The former owners let it outside during the day but kept it inside at night.
We are keeping it locked in an attached garage right now. Eventually, we want it to be able to go outside during the day but sleep in the garage at night for protection from coyotes. I don't think I want to let it out until it will come back in when I want it to, which means come when called. Food will only be available in the garage.
Any suggestions on how to tame it? We are currently scratching its head and petting it several times a day but not picking it up and such. Should we be handling it more? Maybe fooling with it less? Experiences, advice, stories, and suggestions welcome.
We are keeping it locked in an attached garage right now. Eventually, we want it to be able to go outside during the day but sleep in the garage at night for protection from coyotes. I don't think I want to let it out until it will come back in when I want it to, which means come when called. Food will only be available in the garage.
Any suggestions on how to tame it? We are currently scratching its head and petting it several times a day but not picking it up and such. Should we be handling it more? Maybe fooling with it less? Experiences, advice, stories, and suggestions welcome.