Elderly neighbour has gone into hospital, I have agreed to look after their cat. Problem is cat is totally terrified, I don't know how long I'll need to care for her and I am worried she will become more withdrawn and anxious if I don't make the effort to befriend her properly.
Cat is female, less than 10 years old. Has been with current owner since she was a kitten and she has never been outdoors. She has apparently always been very timid, but worse since one of the couple passed recently, as they were her favourite apparently!
She hides and seems very scared whenever I go in. I've been going in two or three times a day, I always look for her but sometimes she hides herself so well I can't find her in the house. On the occasions I do find her I spend a few minutes talking to her and trying to get closer, if she hisses or growls I leave her alone. On two occasions she has purred and come to me to let me stroke her. I always leave some dreamies for her and once a day I leave a pouch of wet food out, when I go back she has always eaten it all. She has access to dried food all day too and obviously I change her water daily / clean out litter tray.
I see her sitting looking out the window when nobody is there, but as soon as she hears the key in the lock she runs and hides.
How can I help her become less anxious and more comfortable with me? Clearly she is traumatised by recent events and I just want to do the best for her. I'm a cat novice so any tips gratefully received! Thank you