Timid indoor cat

[DollyParsnip]

We have 2 cats, a Mum and Son, adopted in October. The Mum was always the more timid of the 2 but gradually came out of her shell over winter. Was happy to play and also to sit with us and even ventured on to a lap or two!

Since letting them outside she's become very affectionate - but only outside. Now when indoors she prefers to sit away from us and is no longer interested in playing and seems to be a lot more timid than even when we first got her.

I appreciate that she's probably quite an aloof Cat who prefers her own company, which is fine. I just wonder whether I should try to encourage her to socialise a bit more as she seems a little forlorn sometimes! Any tips gratefully received!

Aside from this she's in fine health, I do think sometimes her very extrovert and boisterous Boy Cat might dominate a bit but she's happy to put him in his place when he goes too far!

I think from her perspective there isn't a problem, although I'm sure you would like a more cuddly cat. I have no idea why it's happened. May be now she has more stimulation outside she doesn't need it from you.

I'm just wondering though if she's feeling trapped inside when she is in and that has something to do with it. So do you have a cat flap?

Thanks so much for your reply!

I think you're right, in that she's getting all she needs from being outside - she sits and watches the World go by and is very Content. She does seem perfectly happy indoors, I guess we'll see if she fancies more human Interactions when it gets cooler!

We don't have a catflap yet, we need the back door replacing so we'll do it when we sort that out. They come and go freely through the open door until about 6pm.

My friend had a cat like this. She sits outside and looks so forlorn on her own. However after 18 moths of having her ages now becoming friendlier and he can touch her and brush her. Maybe they just need more time.