Aa
Have adopted older cat, have 3 others
G'day all;
My wife and I have taken in a 10 year old kitty (Teah) whose people have lost their house due to foreclosure. We got her yesterday (6/2/09) afternoon and she is currently hiding in the corner of our master bath, behind the stool.
We know its a scary thing for her; losing the only family she's known and having been a lone kitty.
We have 3 other cats, Kessie (9), Hildie (8) and Chessie (7), who are curious, but not forceful in confronting new kitty.
How long before we should be concerned that she may not be eating or drinking?
I know that less than a full day isn't do long, but we're softies for kitties ,-)
Thanks in advance!
My wife and I have taken in a 10 year old kitty (Teah) whose people have lost their house due to foreclosure. We got her yesterday (6/2/09) afternoon and she is currently hiding in the corner of our master bath, behind the stool.
We know its a scary thing for her; losing the only family she's known and having been a lone kitty.
We have 3 other cats, Kessie (9), Hildie (8) and Chessie (7), who are curious, but not forceful in confronting new kitty.
How long before we should be concerned that she may not be eating or drinking?
I know that less than a full day isn't do long, but we're softies for kitties ,-)
Thanks in advance!
Good morning all;
Woke up early today (3:30 instead of 4:30) and found my wife sleeping on the floor in Teia's room.
I looked under the bed and kitty was almost at the foot, instead of bunkered under the head board. I reached under to let her sniff my fingers, which is how I've been letting her initiate contact. Almost immediately, she crawled out and came around to where I was laying.
She did not back off when I sat up and we had a nice "pet me, I'm pretty" session; came this " " close to a little lap time. She let me pet her past the shoulders for the first time, and just shifted away instead of hissing when I went a bit too far down her back, then cam back and rubbed against my leg. We'll take that, contact on her terms ,-)
I think I now know why my wife has been feeling better lately. She's a disabled vet, and a local kennel started up a program to rehab vets by training them to rehab rescued dogs for adoption. As my wife has participated, she has come out of her shell quite a bit (PTSD-depression plus physical injuries, which left her with chronic aches).
It's such a good feeling when you have been able to build up trust with a little being that knew you not and had only fear; to see her gaining some "happy-catness."
I've never felt this before with an animal I've taken in, never had to in my previous 52 years. All other fur-pers we've had (and have) have been either kittens or (in the case of Cerridwen) sweet and trusting from the get go.
Good way to start the day!!!
Woke up early today (3:30 instead of 4:30) and found my wife sleeping on the floor in Teia's room.
I looked under the bed and kitty was almost at the foot, instead of bunkered under the head board. I reached under to let her sniff my fingers, which is how I've been letting her initiate contact. Almost immediately, she crawled out and came around to where I was laying.
She did not back off when I sat up and we had a nice "pet me, I'm pretty" session; came this " " close to a little lap time. She let me pet her past the shoulders for the first time, and just shifted away instead of hissing when I went a bit too far down her back, then cam back and rubbed against my leg. We'll take that, contact on her terms ,-)
I think I now know why my wife has been feeling better lately. She's a disabled vet, and a local kennel started up a program to rehab vets by training them to rehab rescued dogs for adoption. As my wife has participated, she has come out of her shell quite a bit (PTSD-depression plus physical injuries, which left her with chronic aches).
It's such a good feeling when you have been able to build up trust with a little being that knew you not and had only fear; to see her gaining some "happy-catness."
I've never felt this before with an animal I've taken in, never had to in my previous 52 years. All other fur-pers we've had (and have) have been either kittens or (in the case of Cerridwen) sweet and trusting from the get go.
Good way to start the day!!!
It sounds like she is starting to come around! That is great. Her rubbing up against you is a GREAT sign!! It is another sign that she is starting to trust you and her new environment!
I am sorry to hear about your wife, but tell her that we are grateful for her service. I hope she continues to make progress.
Animals have long been companions because of you just said, they help us heal. And in return all they ask is for some love, food and water :) . It makes my heart happy to hear that she is participating in a program such is that. Not only does it seem to be helping her, but she is also helping the dogs. They have a common link together, and the dogs know that. I swear animals are much more intelligent than humans!
I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts.
Blessings.
I am sorry to hear about your wife, but tell her that we are grateful for her service. I hope she continues to make progress.
Animals have long been companions because of you just said, they help us heal. And in return all they ask is for some love, food and water :) . It makes my heart happy to hear that she is participating in a program such is that. Not only does it seem to be helping her, but she is also helping the dogs. They have a common link together, and the dogs know that. I swear animals are much more intelligent than humans!
I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts.
Blessings.
A new thing!
Teia is starting to eat wet food. I put a plate in "her room" this morning with a couple of heaping teaspoons of the Friskies salmon I had served the other girls at breakfast. Did the same this evening with the chicken dinner; she gobbled that up in about 2 minutes.
Also, she is spending more time out from under the bed, with both my wife and me in the room. She purrs (very softly) and is meowing as a warning instead of hissing.
Still has a couple of "no go" places for petting; got Anita's hand on Sunday.
Seems very aware that Hildie wants to visit, doesn't seem anxious, but is wary when Hildie sits in the doorway
...and, 3 weeks today!
Teia is starting to eat wet food. I put a plate in "her room" this morning with a couple of heaping teaspoons of the Friskies salmon I had served the other girls at breakfast. Did the same this evening with the chicken dinner; she gobbled that up in about 2 minutes.
Also, she is spending more time out from under the bed, with both my wife and me in the room. She purrs (very softly) and is meowing as a warning instead of hissing.
Still has a couple of "no go" places for petting; got Anita's hand on Sunday.
Seems very aware that Hildie wants to visit, doesn't seem anxious, but is wary when Hildie sits in the doorway
...and, 3 weeks today!
It has been 3 weeks now? Now is the time to close the bathroom door, and not let her in. She has had her 'safe place' for long enough. Eating with the others does not seem to be a hostile action. It is not time to force her to get to know the others. There are plenty of places she can hide if she doesn't feel safe. But she has to get to know your other cats. If you don't force her to do so at this point, she will continue to be hiding in the bathroom.
Close that door, She will handle meeting the other cats just fine. You have to stop 'babying her' at this point. She will hold her own as long as she knows that you and your wife will be ther for her. Don't be surprised if she jumps up on your bed. But at the same time don't 'coddle' her. You other cats will become jealous. Then you are going to have a real problem on you hands.
Time to let her meet them all and let her hold her ground. They will all get along as long as she is not the 'Favorite one" anymore.
Close that door, She will handle meeting the other cats just fine. You have to stop 'babying her' at this point. She will hold her own as long as she knows that you and your wife will be ther for her. Don't be surprised if she jumps up on your bed. But at the same time don't 'coddle' her. You other cats will become jealous. Then you are going to have a real problem on you hands.
Time to let her meet them all and let her hold her ground. They will all get along as long as she is not the 'Favorite one" anymore.
Teia has been out of the bathroom and in our guest bedroom for about a week and a half. We now just shut the door when it's our bed time or when both my wife and I are out of the house.
The previous owner said Teia was "beat up" pretty bad as a young cat...so, for now, we'd like to be there to supervise.
So far, Teia will eyeball Hildie, who will just sit in the doorway and trade stares. Kessie and Chessie know there's another kitty in the house, but don't seem the least bit interested.
I think Hildie is trying to see Teia, but seems to have an instinct about personal space.
Will keep y'all posted.
be well - Pip
The previous owner said Teia was "beat up" pretty bad as a young cat...so, for now, we'd like to be there to supervise.
So far, Teia will eyeball Hildie, who will just sit in the doorway and trade stares. Kessie and Chessie know there's another kitty in the house, but don't seem the least bit interested.
I think Hildie is trying to see Teia, but seems to have an instinct about personal space.
Will keep y'all posted.
be well - Pip
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