Adopted Cat advice

[Littlesunshine123]

Hello I have just adopted my Uncle's 3 year old male cat yesterday. He is very timid and shy. I just need advice on what to do regarding him getting to know us.

Up to now it's been me who has been going in to check on him every so often and put his food down etc. He has came out and sniffed me and let me give him a tiny bit of a stroke.

However when my husband went in, to put the new cat tree in the room. The cat hissed at him. I know that's normal but my question is do we both try and get him friendly with us at the same time. Or should I first let him trust me and then let my partner build the trust after that.

My previous cat was a feral kitten we rescused at 5 weeks when she abandoned in our garden. So she was friendly right from the beginning, as we hand reared her.

The cat has his own room, he's hiding under the bed and I've put cushions under there for him. Am making sure not to disturb him. We have a toddler so trying to keep things as peaceful as possible.

He hasn't ate, besides a few treats and not gone into his litter tray. Am guessing he's probably just stressed.

Hi Op, as you say he is probably very stressed at the moment. I think it would be best if it's just you that goes into his room for the first 7 days while he gets used to his surroundings as it sounds like he's a bit more comfortable with you. When he's eating and going to the toilet normally and more settled (maybe after a week or so) your husband could start going in and just sitting for short bursts of time just so dcat can get used to his presence. In a couple of weeks when he's more confident and settled with you both I would then start leaving the door open so he can venture out into the rest of the house. I would say it took a good month before our rescue cats were confident with us and around the house.

Also to add, if he doesn't start going to the toilet within the next couple of days, definitely contact vet for some advice

Peanuts advice is perfect. I had a cat that hid under the bed for three weeks.

Little and often is the best advice so the cat doesn’t get too stressed. Sometimes you just need to go in and do nothing, just sit quietly and after an initial hello sit quietly. i would just lie on the floor so the cat could see me, but I wouldn’t reach under the bed or anything.Id also say take plenty of time coming into the room. Turn the door handle then wait a bit before opening the door gently and slipping in. Try and do the same things in the same order for the first few minutes of each visit.

Your partner probably just created too much noise if he was moving in a cat tree so I’d say leave it a while before he tries again, but he should then do the same as you.

Finally, I’m sure I read that leaving things with the scent of other people in the house, helps familiarise the cat, but don’t put them under the bed. Leave them where he can smell them when he’s exploring.

You sound as if you understand what needs doing and the blip with your partner will be ok in the end. It’s a wonderful moment when the cat finally realises its ‘safe’.

I would only add to sit on the floor next to the bed and talk to him. Let him hear your voice.

Thank you everyone for your advice.
My previous cat got spooked easily and was terrible when we moved house. So I know not to invade their privacy.
I will stick with just me for now.
My husband is working in the office tomorrow to Friday anyway.

I actually done what you said anyway about opening door very slowly and taken my time going in. I have just been sitting on the floor and talking very softly to him. Throwing the occasional treat his way as well. I spent about an hour or so on the bed in there and he came and sat at the end of the bed. I've just been doing my work and letting him sniff me.

I wonder if he has perhaps gone the toilet under the bed. I don't want to spook him and go look as he is hiding under there. It's hard to smell as he sprayed last night as he isn't neutered.
I've got one of those water fountains coming today for him. My cat went crazy for it so hoping my encourage him to drink. May pick up some tuna see if that entices him.

Just wolfed down tuna so fingers crossed he goes the toilet tonight. Just bought a little camera so I can see how he is getting on without disturbing him too much.

He has used the litter tray this morning hooray

I think you are doing everything right.I did the same thing a few years ago, and it took some doing.
I would advise though to have him neutered as soon as you can.
My 2 year old hadn't been neutered but he was a homeless street cat.He was with us
for 4 days before I could get an appointment at the vets.It was horrendous, in that time he sprayed regularly all over the house and was aggressive.He's 9 now and calmed down a bit but still difficult.

Sorry typo's.Meant to say he's 9 now.

Oh yes will be getting him neutered as soon as possible. Thanks for the advice

Try tuna, or chicken. Get your husband to feed cat too. Try feliway diffuser too.

Little update he likes tuna but that's it. Won't eat chicken and tried lots of different foods and treats and he's just not into them. He's just been neutered so this may change. Neutering has made him rely on us more and he's become a lot more loving and friendly. The vet did say he was one of the most timid cats they had seen.

We have had a set back with him having to stay in the bedroom as he kept spraying everywhere and it was the most horrendous smell and near impossible to get out. Taken ages to get him neutered and most vets where saying after Christmas.

He actual prefers my husband by miles (maybe as he is use to men). Next step is getting him use to the house and then meeting our toddler. Toddler is very good with cats thankfully and is very gentle and patient.

We have bought a cat shelf hammock for him and a big cat tree. So he can get away from said toddler if he wants to.

I thought prehaps he could go outside in the spring but he's always been an indoor cat. There is a few big toms around here who come into our garden. With our cat being very timid I have a feeling he would be bullied. So I think it's best we keep him as an indoor cat. I can't cat proof the garden as it's housing association and your not allowed to put anything on the fences.

Try buying a bit of cat nip. It relaxed cats. My cats roll around in it.

Thanks, he has cat nip and toys with cat nip in it. Kong kickaroo and also a cat tunnel etc.

He has a few different toys and I play with him but he isn't a big toy cat. Am thinking he's just never been use to it or been outside to use his hunting skills.

My previous cat was mad for playing even in her old age. She was also mad for treats as well.

I've been watching a few cat videos and said to basically push him a little bit out of comfort zone and it's working with his confidence.

He went down the stairs last night and followed me into the toilet so he's being brave. He sleeps all day but probably works out well with our toddler. Even when the house is quiet and toddler is in nursery he just sleeps.

We have named him Ted the Tabby. Also after Father Ted with his grey hair.

He's already got my heart as I was crying the first night he was neutered and had to have the cone of shame on. Didn't sleep a wink worrying about him.