help with new cat
help with new cat
i have rescued a simese kitten. I don't think it has ever been handled before. it has been in my house for 2 weeks, it uses the litter box and is eating and drinking fine. however it runs away anytime you try to get close to it. it does like to be in the room with you as long as it can hide under something. she is now singing to us( at least that it what it sounds like) anyone have any sugestions on how to tame it??? it is a beauitful cat and i would love to be able to tame it
Re: help with new cat
First question, have you taken the kitten to the vet to be thoroughly examined? How old is she/he? If you haven't done this yet, you'll need to do so to determine age? Have kitten checked for fleas and worms and properly treated for that. She'll also need her first round of shots if she's of age.
As far as taming her (I'm just going to refer to kitten as her), you'll just need to be patient. What you're doing now is a good start. Provide a safe place for her to retreat if she feels threatened. Keep a litterbox and food dishes close by. If the room is one where you can close the door behind you, do that and just sit on the floor with some interactive kitty toys and let her come to you. Encourage her to come out and play assuring her it's safe and fun. Don't encourage play time with your hands or fingers as this may lead to inadvertant biting and attacking.
It can be done but will just take time and patience. One of my last rescues was a very, very timid and shy cat and the vet ruled him as feral -- even though his brother from the same litter was affectionate and could be handled. He's still not exactly a lap cat and picking him up for vet visits or nail trimming has to be a cornered effort, but he loves pets and headrubs and has come a long way. He's two and a half now.
Also, make sure your home is kitten proof and there aren't any places for her to bolt and get stuck or hurt.
Good luck & congrats!
As far as taming her (I'm just going to refer to kitten as her), you'll just need to be patient. What you're doing now is a good start. Provide a safe place for her to retreat if she feels threatened. Keep a litterbox and food dishes close by. If the room is one where you can close the door behind you, do that and just sit on the floor with some interactive kitty toys and let her come to you. Encourage her to come out and play assuring her it's safe and fun. Don't encourage play time with your hands or fingers as this may lead to inadvertant biting and attacking.
It can be done but will just take time and patience. One of my last rescues was a very, very timid and shy cat and the vet ruled him as feral -- even though his brother from the same litter was affectionate and could be handled. He's still not exactly a lap cat and picking him up for vet visits or nail trimming has to be a cornered effort, but he loves pets and headrubs and has come a long way. He's two and a half now.
Also, make sure your home is kitten proof and there aren't any places for her to bolt and get stuck or hurt.
Good luck & congrats!
Re: help with new cat
Cleo said it all 
Congratulations!!
Congratulations!!