Need advice on scared kitty please

[aggiegrl]

Hi,I hope someone can help me.I have a female cat.She is 2 years old,and the best kitty ever.I found her and her 4 brothers when they were about 2 weeks old.I nursed them all with bottles.I kept them all,but my problem now is with the female.She is neutered and up to date on shots(as are all the cats).Anyway(sorry so long ) My daughter recently moved in with me after my husband died.My female cat is scared out of her mind.She won't come in the house,and the couple of times I did get her in she tried to go through the glass windows to get away. She has always been afraid of people,but it wasn't an issue,as when the visitors left,the cat was OK.Now,my daughter is living here,so I don't know what to do.I love this cat so much. I have tried everything I know to calm her,to no avail.My daughter is a cat person,and all the others love her.Does any one have any idea of what I can do?Thanks for reading,and for any advice you can offer.

[Traci]

I would suggest, first, not to let her outdoors, she would be at risk of running away or getting lost, amoung other potential outdoor hazards.

Next, I would ask your daughter to get highly involved with slowly introducing herself to your kitty. Your kitty has been the 'alpha female' of her environment, and with the new presense, she is confused and slightly stressed. Ask your daughter to introduce new kitty toys, play with her, get involved with feeding, grooming, etc. The more involved, the more kitty is likely to adjust and perhaps form a bond. Just take it slow.

I wish I could think of more for you...

[aggiegrl]

Thank You for answering.We have tried all you mentioned,even her favorite sliced turkey.I can't get her to come out from where she goes to hide,and when she does,and I try to hold her for anything she fights,and then runs for the windows,and throws herself against the glass. I can't even get her in the same room with anyone.Well again,thanks for trying to help.I am open to any suggestions if anyone has any.I just wanted to add that the cat has always been like this with people,it is just that now the visitor does not leave.Thanks again

[MA]

Since she is outside, for now leave her there. Ask your daughter to take over feeding her.Have her feed her at scheduled times every day, put the food in the same place every time. If she comes out while your daughter is there, tell your daughter NOT to look into the cat's eyes, just look over the cat. Keep this up with the two of them. Eventually have your daughter start sitting down in the yard when the bowl is there, so the cat can get used to her. Have her sit on the ground and bring a book and just read. Keep this up and keep moving closer to the food bowl until she is right next to it. Have her read out loud softly as the cat eats.

Also, take an old shirt of you daughter's and have her do a full workout in it, just get in saturated with her scent. Put the shirt down on the ground and feed the cat on the shirt, not in a bowl, directly on the shirt. You want the cat to associate the alien smell of your daughter with good stuff (food)

When the two gain their trust to each other, you daughter will be able to just open the door and call the cat indoors, and there will be very little stress left to deal with.

[Traci]

I have to disagree with allowing her outside. With the stress she is enduring, you can't predict what she is likely to do if spooked, scared, frightened, confused or agitated.

Other than that, your post is right on, MA.

[MA]

Well-

As I have one that acts like that every time he is inside, I can understand her angst. Cleo will bounce off the walls, try to go through the windows (closed) and shred the walls. He will be 13 years old soon and he has been outside every day of this life and to the vet twice. He was part of a feral litter and never could adjust to inside life, so I let him out. He would literally hurl himself at the door and he meow is the loudest of any that I have ever heard in my life.

It was either, force him to live in a room for awhile and pray he did not knock himself out causing brain damage, or let him outside and work with him there.

Since I work with just the ferals, my cats are indoors/outdoors, except him. He is strictly outside, his choice. Until you have a cat like that it is hard to imagine or understand when someone posts as this one woman has, but I do understand what she is dealing with, and it is fixable. You just can't fix it inside with some cats.

[aggiegrl]

Thank You everyone for your replys.I will try the suggestions offered by Ma. It really is a scary thing to see this beautiful kitty in such a state.Thanks again