I'm going to join the world of cat owners!!!!

martin2345uk

Well last night was quite "Derek-lite", mainly as I was at my friend's house till about 10. he appeared from the kitchen at about half past, wandered over to he litter tray, at which point I quietly got up and closed the kitchen door. He returned to the door and looked bewildered, which made me feel guilty, so when he disappeared over to the window side of the room I reopened the door. This made him climb behind the curtains up onto the windowsill out of sight.

So I went to bed.

madrhino

If he seems less nervous of you maybe it's time to start trying to make friends with him. Sit on floor/ crouch down and hold your hand out to him and see if he sniffs you. Or place some dreamies near to you and see if he'll come close. I usually find it's best to hold out your hand and let cats come to you rather than go straight in for a stroke as that can shock them.

rustyboy21

I would be frustrated by now. I would grab him as he walks past and cuddle him until he gives in.I would even have a go at dragging him out from under the TV, or tempt him out with a toy, Have you tried that yet?


Try as Madrhino says, put your arm out whilst sitting on the floor, just about the height of him palm down, then wiggle your fingers a little. Tibsey runs to my hand when I do that, nearly bites the fingers whilst rubbing her mouth on it and then goes in for the body stroke. Just don't try to rub his chest or belly yet


A quick diagram of where to stroke your cat or not.
http://themetapicture.com/petting-chart-for-your-cat-and-dog/


And if that works, you may end up like this !
http://themetapicture.com/pat-me-human-yes-like-this/


He may not know that that is his requirement in this relationship, you feed him and give him a good home, he gives you cuddles and scratches on your arms and legs periodically ! lol I did end up doing this with Madame, after about 4 hours of getting her, she didn't like it at first, but it did work. Now she is like a limpet when I am in bed. I thought Rusty was bad enough when he took over the bed, she is 1/8 the size, but still takes over most of the bed!

madrhino

Some cats, when they've had it tough, forget how to play or enjoy affection and need you to teach them. My friend took in a cat who had been living on the streets and she was ok with you stroking her, but she didn't come to you and ask for it. Now, 18 months on, she's all over everybody who visits and demands a lot of stroking and is very affectionate.

rustyboy21

Martin, do you know much about Dereks back history? He may not be used to socialising much, so will need to learn it. I would have a go and try and forced interaction, but gently.


I would suggest though, that you keep him as a house cat for a long time, at least until he gets used to you and your partner. If you let him out before then, you may not see him again. Tibsey was kept in 10 weeks before we let her out, as she was a stray found down the road from us with 6 kittens still being weaned.


Have a go with toy interaction, it may bring him out of his shell a bit. A piece of string with a cotton wall ball on the end, thrown towards him and dragged back may work. A rolled up pair of socks. A few feathers tied to a piece of string and flown in the air, anything really.

paddypaws101

I really REALLY would not try grabbing him at all...unless you want multiple wounds and a severely freaked out cat.
I would suggest 'teasing' him with a feather wand toy, or something like Da Frenzy gently dragged along the floor.
http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/shop/best-cat-toys/cat-toys-Interactive/Flying-Frenzy-Wand-Cat-Toy

martin2345uk

I just touched derek!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gunsandbanjos

Lol, well done. It just takes a little time.

It must be incredibly unsettling for animals being moved from one place to another. Would be like us being kidnapped and dropped off in another country!

tea_lover

That sounds so wrong!!!

martin2345uk

tea_lover wrote: »

That sounds so wrong!!!

Ooops should've worded that better!!

Okay so we've had a breakthrough tonight.

Derek was, as usual, in the kitchen under the picture.

I decided to try giving him a Dreamie, so got down on the floor and gently reached with my hand into his little lean-to. He came forward very hesitantly and had a sniff; I put the Dreamie down and he slowly ate it.

I repeated this a few times, with 5-10 minutes between each one.


Then on the last one, as his head was down eating it, I gently stroked it.

Well, it was like someone had just switched his "cat" switch to "on". He arched his back, thrust his face against my hand, started rolling over on the floor, and purring like a diesel engine, and then started head rubbing everything within 2 feet of his lean-to. I sat down on the floor and he climbed on and off my lap, clawed my thighs (ouch) and was just generally very cute.

Now, he's not miraculously "cured" of his timidness; he just bolted from the lounge into the living room when I met his gaze... but hey it's made my day.