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Original poster

Picked up nan's cat today & he doesn't seem happy

61 replies

Pinkchampagne · 31/07/2007 14:39

The poor little thing seems scared & keeps hiding. He was a rescue cat before nan got him, so is very timid & doesn't seem to like being picked up & he is also missing my nan.

I am planning on keeping him inside for now incase he runs off, but not sure how long I should keep him in, as up until now he has spent a lot of time outside.

I am very new to this pet thing, so any advice would be appreciated!

OP posts:
Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 31/07/2007 14:51

bump!

OP posts:
GibbonInARibbon · 31/07/2007 14:53

He will soon get over his fear - it's a big change for him is all.
I would play it by ear tbh, keep him for a couple of weeks, till he seems more confident.

Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 31/07/2007 15:10

Thanks, Gibbon. He seems a bit calmer now & is lying down washing himself.
So it is best I keep him in for a couple of weeks to start?

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Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 31/07/2007 16:28

Now the boys are home, the cat is hiding under the bed & won't come out! Poor little thing seems really scared.

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Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 31/07/2007 17:17

He is still under the bed! He hasn't moved for the last hour

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peggotty · 31/07/2007 17:21

Hi Pinkchampagne, definately keep him in for at least 2 weeks, maybe longer if he's timid. At first it would be best just to keep him in 1 quiet room, and put all the things he needs in there with him - food, litter tray and anything familiar to him (old bed?). He should come round, but might take a while, esp if he's timid anyway.

NAB3 · 31/07/2007 17:35

I wouldn't plan how long to keep him in, just go with the flow. The poor mite has been through a lot and he will be scared for a while. Just take everything slowly and gently and see how he goes.

How are you doing?

KITTENSOCKS · 31/07/2007 17:44

This all sounds very familiar behaviour for a cat in new surroundings, confused and anxious. Keep him in and go to sit with him, talking gently and not touching or trying to get him to come to you. Put a few cat treats a little way away and see if he is tempted from under the bed. If you keep doing this each day he will associate you with good things and start to trust you, coming to sniff you and may head-butt and rub against you. His little world has been turned upside down too. But you can comfort each other and in time will be great friends.

NAB3 · 31/07/2007 17:48

Also, put your hand out for him to smell rather than stroking him as he may think you are going to hurt him if you go above his head.

MellowMa · 31/07/2007 17:52

Message withdrawn

Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 31/07/2007 20:25

We seem to have made progress in that he finally came out from under the bed & settled on the sofa, allowing me to stroke him. He is still cautious around the boys & easily startled, so it is going to take a little time to settle him.

I have always been quite reluctant to get any pets, but know that my nan would like me to take care of her cat now that she is unable to, and I look at it as one last thing I can do for her. I know it is quite a responsibility though, and it may take a while before he feels secure with us.
I hope he does settle down & feel happier soon.

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peggotty · 31/07/2007 20:27

Actually, that's brilliant progress. Good luck!

Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 31/07/2007 20:29

Will pick up some cat treats tomorrow.

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Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 31/07/2007 20:34

Thanks, peggotty, I hope he soon feels a little happier.

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Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 31/07/2007 20:41

Poor little thing is desperate to get outside

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peggotty · 31/07/2007 20:45

Oh dear. BEst to keep him in, at the very least for tonight. Have you tried putting him into his litter tray in case he needs to use that?

Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 31/07/2007 20:48

Haven't actually put him in it, but have put him beside it. I have also put out food & milk for him, which he hasn't really shown an interest in as of yet.
Will try putting him in his litter tray now.

OP posts:
oops · 31/07/2007 20:57

Message withdrawn

Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 31/07/2007 21:36

Thanks, oops, I will look into getting some of that, I had never heard of it before.

The little cat has been sitting on my lap for quite a while this evening, but you have to be careful as he can quickly turn. He has hissed & bitten me for trying to pick him up tonight.
I really hope he settles down soon.

OP posts:
MellowMa · 01/08/2007 08:51

Message withdrawn

Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 01/08/2007 09:34

Think I am definitely going to try & get hold of some. The cat is hiding under my kitchen units this morning & won't come out. He is ultra wary around the children, but then I don't blame him for that!
I guess it is going to take some time before he feels relaxed around us.

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Original poster
Pinkchampagne · 01/08/2007 09:35

He doesn't have a name yet (Nan just used to call him puss puss!), but DS2 is keen to call him Underground Ernie!!

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KITTENSOCKS · 01/08/2007 09:45

Pink, was it special cat milk you put out or cows milk? Cows causes diarrhoea in some cats because they can't digest it properly. Don't worry about the non-eating, it will happen in time. You could try putting a few scaps of cooked chicken or prawns in the dish as a bribe.
Your Cat magazine is a fantastic source of information, and your dss will love the readers pics of their cats doing funny things!

Whooosh · 01/08/2007 09:55

If he really won't eat-try tinned pilchards-seems to work every time-even when one of mine were at deaths door,it was pilchard (in tomato sauce) which got him eating again.

It will take him a good while to settle and with the dc's around due to holidays ,probably even longer.

Feliway is brilliant-definitely call local vet and see if they have any.

You are doing a great job and your Nan would be very happy to know that puss puss was being looked after so well.

MellowMa · 01/08/2007 10:01

Message withdrawn

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