When you adopt a new feline into your family, obviously you'd love to bond with him immediately. You want to show him you're friendly, and welcome him into your home. Sometimes this goes well, and your cat settles in quickly. Quite often, however, you'll find your new friend hiding under the bed, rather unwilling to be sociable.
If this has happened in your household, please don't be upset. It doesn't mean that your cat doesn't like you! There are many possible reasons for his behaviour. It could be that his pre
ious humans have not treated him very well. It could be that his time in the animal shelter has been stressful; no matter how great the care they've given him, being in a place with a load of other stressed animals is unlikely to be fun. On top of that, he has a new territory to get used to, has to get used to the different routines of your household, and, of course, he has to get used to you. A move tends to be unsettling for all of us, so imagine what it's like for a cat, who hasn't prepared himself for the occasion.
Time is the key here. Allow the cat to hide away a bit. So long as you make sure he knows where to find his food, water and tray, he'll be alright. When he surfaces, it's best to keep your voice gentle and refrain from making sudden loud noises. This might startle him back into hiding.
It's not recommended to try and pick him up at this point. For such intimate contact there needs to be trust, and this has not yet been established. Some cats will never enjoy being picked up no matter how comfortable they are with you, so whilst you're still a stranger it truly is a step too far.
There's nothing wrong with trying to encourage your new friend into exploration and a proper bonding session. A small treat or cat toy might make him curious enough to come explore. If he does, allowing him to sniff your fingers can be a good first step.
If he does show curiosity it's not recommended to force the matter. You're not being rejected, even if it may feel that way! He'll surface and come to trust you soon enough.
If your cat is so scared that he shows signs of aggression, such as a hiss, flattened ears or even a swiping paw, do not despair. The hiss and flattened ears are warning signs, which mean that he doesn't intend harm; he just doesn't want you to come too close. It's advisable to monitor this behaviour, but generally it will pass. The claws mean you've entered his personal space, so again it's good to step back. Let him come to you when he's ready.
If you have children, it's likely that they will be somewhat disappointed. You've brought home a new friend, they might have chosen him themselves, and now he doesn't want to play! If you explain to them that their new friend is a bit shy and scared, and that he'll be alright soon enough, they do tend to understand. You can involve them through letting them help feed the feline, and by asking them to leave a treat for him, or a choose a toy.
Sometimes the best way to make a new cat comfortable is by pretending to ignore him. When you stare at him and make too much of a fuss over his presence, he might feel daunted. If you pretend not to notice him, he might feel secure enough to actually approach you. This is not unusual feline behaviour; sometimes they'll even end up on your lap.
For a cat to get used to his new home can take a few weeks. Even after that, the road to true trust can be a lengthy one, and the bond between you is one that will develop and strengthen over the years.
There's no telling how soon a feline will adapt. When choosing a cat at an animal shelter, you can easily spot those who are terrified, which is an indication of the time needed to establish trust. However, cats that are affectionate enough upon the first meeting might still dash for a hiding place when you bring them home.
Patience truly is the key. It will be worth it in the end, and before you know it you'll have a loving friend to build many good memories with.
This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets
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