Hi all. I brought home a six-month old Turkish Angora kitten yesterday morning, and I realise that of all the cats I've owned over the years, I haven't had a kitten since I was a child. He's a shy critter who was a bit bullied by his more assertive brothers, and now he's the only pet in a much quieter house. He's spending most of his time hiding behind the sofa and only came out for a while last night while I was watching TV to play, purr and slash up my hands with his needle teeth and claws (just playing, I hope). He's afraid of me when I'm up and about.
Question: should I just be patient and let him get settled in his own way? Or should I keep seeking him out and bugging him to try to get him used to me?
Everything I read about this breed says that they settle in right away, so I'm a bit concerned about him.
Shy kitten
Re: Shy kitten
You've only had him for a day, so expect this to take some time for him to get acclimated and adjusted to his new environment. Has he been examined by your own vet, dewormed, tested for FELV/FIV, had his first vaccination boosters? If not, make an appointment with your vet promptly.
You can try getting on the floor at his level several times a day, talk calmly and softly to him, but don't force him to be held or handled, he will come to you at his own convenience, you have to earn his trust. The short playtime activity last night is a good indication that he is curious and he will warm up to you eventually. Just keep things calm and quiet, and talk softly to him. Allow him to investigate his new environment at his own leisure, he will become more curious each day with his surroundings, and you.
Please kitten-proof your home, just as you would a small child. No electrical cords exposed, no drapery/miniblind cords exposed, no plants, keep top/bottom cupboard doors closed and secured, no breakables on tables, etc.
You can try getting on the floor at his level several times a day, talk calmly and softly to him, but don't force him to be held or handled, he will come to you at his own convenience, you have to earn his trust. The short playtime activity last night is a good indication that he is curious and he will warm up to you eventually. Just keep things calm and quiet, and talk softly to him. Allow him to investigate his new environment at his own leisure, he will become more curious each day with his surroundings, and you.
Please kitten-proof your home, just as you would a small child. No electrical cords exposed, no drapery/miniblind cords exposed, no plants, keep top/bottom cupboard doors closed and secured, no breakables on tables, etc.
..........Traci
Re: Shy kitten
Thanks, Traci. I didn't want him to feel abandoned, but I'll give him more time to settle in.
He's six months old and I have his vet record -- full shots, neutering, etc.
He's six months old and I have his vet record -- full shots, neutering, etc.