Oscar is slowly settling in his new home still very timid and not sure of the other kitties. All very understandable. The part of his behaviour that has me worrying is I think he must have been hit or yelled at or punished in some way in a former home. Anytime you are petting him and he's had enough he reaches out with his paw without claws so no big deal to us but for him he takes off and hides. This happens if you are playing with him and he accidently makes contact with you he gets right scared and hides. You don't dear even flinch a muscle or let out the slights sound or it's even worse. Any idea on how to let a cat know it's ok if they accidently swat you?
Looking for suggestions on cat behaviour
- Thread starter j_o
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tuckers mom
Member Since 2009
Just do what you are doing. Smile and talk nicely to him and he will come to understand that his past is his past, his present and future is awesome.
I have a kitty, Sam, who would run every time I took the broom out of the closet. Occasionally he will still run, but rarely. I have another, Angel, who would get upset every time I took off my winter coat as if I was going to toss it on her, she's fine with my coat now. My Sweet Potato, every single time I get home, I reach out to pat him and he flinches for a moment. It's getting to be a little less, but I can tell something is off, as he expects to be hurt.
I have a kitty, Sam, who would run every time I took the broom out of the closet. Occasionally he will still run, but rarely. I have another, Angel, who would get upset every time I took off my winter coat as if I was going to toss it on her, she's fine with my coat now. My Sweet Potato, every single time I get home, I reach out to pat him and he flinches for a moment. It's getting to be a little less, but I can tell something is off, as he expects to be hurt.
C
Carl & Polly & Bob (GA)
It sounds like he was disciplined for scratching someone earlier in life. Maybe in a house with small children? He is declawed? Maybe that's the reason?
I might try encouraging "batting" behavior, maybe with a toy that hangs off a stick? Or a mirror. I had a kitty who'd spend hours smacking herself in mirror and wondering why the other kitty never ran away. Maybe if he finds that smacking things won't have a negative response, he won't expect it if he happens to hit a human?
Carl
I might try encouraging "batting" behavior, maybe with a toy that hangs off a stick? Or a mirror. I had a kitty who'd spend hours smacking herself in mirror and wondering why the other kitty never ran away. Maybe if he finds that smacking things won't have a negative response, he won't expect it if he happens to hit a human?
Carl
Nope he isn't declawed but he is in need of a nail clipping. we have been trying to get him to play with toys on strings but haven't found ne he likes yet...he seem to like any of the toys that we have given to him. We keep trying hoping if he starts to play he will start moving around helping the weight loss process. But on the plus side he has discovered the fire pole today was the first time we have seen him on it
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Lisa and Merlyn (GA)
Member Since 2009
Just keep on talking to him and making no moves toward him after he runs away. They do get it when you tell them things.. tell him hes home for good etc. Playtime is good for confidence building, keep trying to find something he likes to play with. Be careful using the stick toys not to make him feel defensive. Make sure hes swatting at them in play and not "get away get it away"
I think he does know you arent going to hurt him, but when they have that momentary panic, instinct takes over.
If you can find a treat he thinks is irresistable, after he runs away dont follow or pull out of hiding but offer treat. I know hes trying to lose weight so maybe decrease his food intake a little if you end up giving him lots of extra treats for behavior purposes.
My friend adopted a cat that was at the shelter a long time, because she would turn to the wall when adopters would come in to pet her. she would get all flinchy. Shes been with my friend for I think its like 6 years now and still you see that "flight or fight" question on her face. In the beginning she would only come over for pets when my friend was on the toilet, or flat on her back in bed-like she knew she wouldnt be chased because of where my friend was!
Forgot to add that you might look into learning TTouch. Its amazing. And, if hes skittish you do not have to touch him, you can do the touches "phantom"- in your head visualize doing ttouch on his body. Its very much energy work, so you have to be in the right frame of mind, but for scared shelter cats it works wonders.
http://www.ttouch.com/whatisTTouch.shtml
I think he does know you arent going to hurt him, but when they have that momentary panic, instinct takes over.
If you can find a treat he thinks is irresistable, after he runs away dont follow or pull out of hiding but offer treat. I know hes trying to lose weight so maybe decrease his food intake a little if you end up giving him lots of extra treats for behavior purposes.
My friend adopted a cat that was at the shelter a long time, because she would turn to the wall when adopters would come in to pet her. she would get all flinchy. Shes been with my friend for I think its like 6 years now and still you see that "flight or fight" question on her face. In the beginning she would only come over for pets when my friend was on the toilet, or flat on her back in bed-like she knew she wouldnt be chased because of where my friend was!
Forgot to add that you might look into learning TTouch. Its amazing. And, if hes skittish you do not have to touch him, you can do the touches "phantom"- in your head visualize doing ttouch on his body. Its very much energy work, so you have to be in the right frame of mind, but for scared shelter cats it works wonders.
http://www.ttouch.com/whatisTTouch.shtml
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