Confused over cat's behaviour

Fire_Fox

Lilith1980 wrote: »

Thanks Firefox, I agree, I think we are expecting too much too soon.

I will tell hubby next time to just leave him - problem is that hubby takes things like this personally and I've said that the cat needs to be left to do things in his own time.

By the end of last night he was leant up against me on the sofa having a snooze so I don't think he's unhappy necessarily, maybe we just need to be more mindful of the fact he's only been with us just over a week and is still settling in.

And yes, we are very caring - we are like proud parents lol! We're not planning on having children so Charlie is our "baby" So we just want to make sure he is ok, but he just needs time.

Thanks

I think it's great you keep asking questions, says a lot about you both.

Could hubby perhaps research on the net about cat behaviour? Many men like to become knowledgeable about a subject. If he absolutely must approach Charlie, then picking up is the worst way as it leaves Charlie with no control and no escape route. Bear in mind how huge a human is in their eyes, go down to their level and approach slowly from one side. Some cats never like being picked up and held, even really friendly ones, they prefer to come to you.

Lilith1980

Thanks for the advice on Feliway - that sounds like something to use when we go to the vets as he hated being put in his carrier

Hubby has been doing research on the web, we both have. I come on here and hubby scours everywhere else so we are learning all the time which I guess is never a bad thing

picklepick

re the carrier thing..

I leave my cat carriers out at all times. theres a comfy blanket in there and my two use theirs as a little bed to sleep in. Then when vet time comes, they're usually already in their carriers having a nap and i just have to close the door. They also feel safe and secure in it

I also second a feliway plug in. They are well worth the expense and our vet even recommended it for our cats. They really do work wonders.

mellymeep

My new 8 month old kitten was brought home 3 days ago, and she was very nervous at first. I went to the pet shop and got a Feliway plug in, and its completely changed her! its magic stuff I tell you, she's so cuddly and affectionate now.. follows me all round my flat during the day, and jumps up onto my knee at every opportunity for cuddles and fussing. I would totally recommend it, I know its expensive but it was worth every penny to make Lily feel more comfortable.

Fuzzy_Duck

Sounds to me like Charlie's just timid, he'll get over it eventually He might just be getting used to his new surroundings. Try and keep sound levels down low, as cats hear things a lot louder than us humans. And as odd as it sounds, try to blink when looking at him. Cats see staring as a threat- mine used to run a mile when I didn't blink enough for his liking!!

I agree about the tasty treats, appeal to his better nature Boiled fish is a good choice, as it's healthy too (and the best medicine if your cat's suffering from diarrhea- best advice I ever got from the vet!) A little bribery goes a long way if you're struggling to get him to come to you. Now it's getting chillier you'll probably find he wants to snuggle up to you more anyway

The trip to the vet probably did spook him but he'll improve when he's been a few times. It must be scary not knowing where you're going and then being prodded by a stranger but he will adjust in time.

Lilith1980

Thanks for all your replies - looks like Feliway could be a winner so I think it's time to go shopping