Skittish Kitty

[Moo's Mama]

I am a first time cat owner and i have had my cat all of 24 hours. he spent his first few months living outside but was just dying to be an inside cat.
since he was starting a new life here, we decided he would need to start out inside and getting used to the area. we had a long ride with the kitty (6 months old) and he was a dream. he sat in my lap the whole way- 8 hours- and as sooon as we introduced him to the litter box he knew what to do with it!! we are very proud of him and just love him. i want to say that we knew him for a while before we brought him home with us so we knew his temperment- he is sweet and not at all snooty like some cats can be. he is always happy to be around people and loves to crawl up into laps and follow you around the house. he LOVES being held and playing and purrs non-stop- our first night we got in the bed room and he was waiting on us in the bed!!

now to the problem. he sat under my feet all day while i worked lounged- rubbed against my feet and licked my legs. he is wonderful. every once in a while he would pop up and snugglew down into my lap while i typed. after about 6 hours, i decided to take a break and picked him up. as i was sitting down he totally freaked out- claws everywhere and loud shriek. he then cowered in a corner and i couldnt go near him. since then he has been tiptoeing around and crouching really low to the ground. he is looking at all the corners and under the sofa and chairs and bed like something is hiding under them. he wont even take treats from us. i tried to hold him once and he clawed me, freaked out and jumped from my arms. his once really realxed demeanor is totally on edge and his eyes are wide open scared- but he is totally exhausted and yawning. he wont even jump from the bed and i think it is because he is scared of what is under it. i dont know what to do and am worried somethign is wrong with him. what should i do?? HELP

[Guest]

i am writing more about my kitty. i have just noticed that he seems to be TERRIFIED about throw rugs and blankets and such. he wont walk ON the rugs and if i pull a blanket onto my lap he FREAKS and runs away. a few minutes ago my husband and i were watching him and it was like a movie- he literally jumped straight up in the air!!! about a FOOT and his feet were still tucked under him when he jumped- i have never seen anything like it! it is odd because he still doesnt like to be left alone- he still follows us around and moves from room to room, but he keeps a very safe distance and watches us like he thinks we are going to hit him. he is terrified of the toys he loved earlier today. earlier today i couldnt get him out of my lap and now he wont even go near us. i am so worried. he has also started "coughing??" it sounds to me like he is trying to expell a hairball (this is a guess) and his whole body starts wheezing with it. he is the most wonderful baby and for the past 3 months we have so been looking forward to having him move in with us. but he is a whole different cat in just the past few hours and i am so worried that he is unhappy and i cant figure out what to do to help!!! please, someone help me!

[Traci]

Try not to fret, it takes time for him to acclimate himself to his new surroundings and his new environment. Since most of your last 24 hours were spent in a rather quiet and relaxed atmosphere, any sudden movement or expectation from him was truly asking for too much. Even the littlest things can set off a scardy-cat attack when they are just newly getting accustomed to their new environment. When he freaks out at the littlest things, the best thing to do is remain calm, let him tip-toe across the entire house if he feels the need, it's the only way he is going to learn he is truly safe and secure....he will soon learn that you are not a threat to him. Remember, he has lived his 6 months of life outdoors, and this new home is different to him. Just talk to him calmly and softly, let him explore on his own at his own convenience and in time, you'll find each day brings a more daring, adventurous, michievous kitten. Since he's only 6 months old, he's going to be naturally skittish and jumpy anyway, but do instigate play with him (with toys, etc), just be calm about your approach and don't force it with him.

Try setting up an area near where you are most likely to be most times. Put a kitty bed there, or scratching post or kitty perch/condo, a favorite toy, stuffed animal, blanket, anything that he feels secure with. Make the area fairly secured and private and not in a heavy traffic area. He may choose this area in which to retreat when scared, or to nap, or to feel most secure until he is comfortable enough with the rest of his environment.

As for the coughing, I strongly suggest a vet check right away...your vet can tell you his general health status, can set up a neuter appointment, discuss vaccinations, etc.

[Guest]

thank you so much traci- i really cannot say that enough. He was wonderful last night. we turned out the lights to go to sleep and he crawled into bed- he was purring again around midnight. a little skittish again this morning but i am going to just let him figure it out like you said. i figure if i keep talking to him he will get to know me better. for some odd reason he has decided that his scratch mat is his safe place and will crawl and sit on it and fall asleep. i guess i will put that in the area like you said. as for the vet, Moo has had his shots and his "operation" a few months back. i will get a vet to tlook at the coughing. thank you thank you. THANK YOU- you have put this first time cat-owner a little more at ease.