New cats won't stop hiding :(

tippi

Posts: 4

« on: March 29, 2009, 06:50:33 AM »

Hello,

I recently brought 2 Persian cats from a breeder. Ruby is 1 year, 3 months and Bear is 1 year 7 months. They breeder was an elderly man who lived alone in a very dirty house with many other Persian cats. The cats won't stop hiding under our sofa and they don't want any affection. Does anyone have any experience of nervous Persian cats? We are worried that they are not going to be sociable as they are not used to people due to their previous home? Any advise would be appreciated!

Thank you!
Tippi


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Cooper

Posts: 871

New cats won't stop hiding :(

« Reply #1 on: March 29, 2009, 07:05:19 AM »

How recent? Adult cats take longer to get used to change in my opinion. If you just brought them in and gave them free run of the house they could be overwhelmed. Introduce them slowly to the new environment - safer for them and you will be sure that there are no health issues that could spread to the other cats (if any) in your household. Some cats are just not lap cats - they will give affection only on their terms. No cat will be loving unless they are comfortable. Sounds like it will take time for your babies to adjust.
Lynda


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tippi

Posts: 4

New cats won't stop hiding :(

« Reply #2 on: March 29, 2009, 07:12:43 AM »

Thanks Lynda. We got them a week ago. We are keeping them in the living room at the moment with their litter tray and food/water. they come out at night for a walk around and to eat but in the day they just hide under the sofa. I think patients is the key but i was just wondering if there was anything we could do to help them feel more comfortable.


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Cooper

Posts: 871

New cats won't stop hiding :(

« Reply #3 on: March 29, 2009, 07:24:17 AM »

Spend time talking quietly to them. You could try Feliway ( it is a plug in type thing sort of like an aif freshener, but is a synthetic pheromone to help reduce the stress. Sometimes that helps. You could also use a botanical stress reducer like Rescue Remedy. It can be given to the cat orally, put in the water or even applied topically on the ear. Good luck. A week really isn't that long so just try to be patient. I know it is hard when you just want to snuggle up to them an pet them.
Lynda


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lynx

Posts: 231

New cats won't stop hiding :(

« Reply #4 on: March 29, 2009, 11:20:38 AM »

Hi Tippi!

I think as the others say older cats do take longer to get used to your family.I have experience with cats adjusting.Mine took about 3-4 weeks to come to me,but we did wait patiently and now she is 1 of the most loving out of my bunch :lol: I can tell you how I did it,mine was in our bedroom until she got used to us.She did hide,but started to come out at night and after some time jumped on our bed and sniffed us around when she tought we are a sleep.I never reached to her,she came to me at the end,thats when I sarted to play with her and comb her carefuly.Your new ones need quiet and 1 room,also to get used to you and I think its the easiest when you are asleep :lol: Good luck!Katy


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Phoenix

Posts: 716

New cats won't stop hiding :(

« Reply #5 on: March 29, 2009, 11:45:28 AM »

Hi Tippi, you're definitely on the right track. i'm glad you got those babies out of there! Phoenix came from a similar situation and took a few weeks to be comfortable "out in the open." It's a slow process, but now, four months later, she's very friendly and loving. Phoenix is 7 yrs old, so hopefully it won't take as long for your kitties. One thing I'd add to the great suggestions here is for you to sit on the floor in the room they are in, and do your work or read or do something fairly quiet...and they will sense and see you in a nonthreatening way. Phoenix didn't start approaching me until I started sitting on the floor.


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She clawed her way into my heart and wouldn't let go. ~M. Altijd

daisychain

Posts: 2832

New cats won't stop hiding :(

« Reply #6 on: March 29, 2009, 12:29:32 PM »

Hi Tippi! I agree about introducing them slowly and spending quiet time with them. Soon enough they will be taking over Wink

We'd love to see them!


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Karen, Maddie, Ginger and Bailey

~* Proud members of the Diamond Ball Club *~

tippi

Posts: 4

New cats won't stop hiding :(

« Reply #7 on: March 29, 2009, 03:31:33 PM »

Thanks for everyones advise! We will try and just leave them to come to us from now on. Ruby is sitting on a chair at the moment opposite me and bear is hiding behind some DVDs he he he.

They are so cute it is hard to not try and cuddle them!

We'll keep you updated on their progress!


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tippi

Posts: 4

New cats won't stop hiding :(

« Reply #8 on: March 29, 2009, 03:55:56 PM »

This is Ruby in the signature and Bear in the profile picture. Their bravest moments so far!


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daisychain

Posts: 2832

New cats won't stop hiding :(

« Reply #9 on: March 29, 2009, 03:59:13 PM »

They are beautiful!!


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Karen, Maddie, Ginger and Bailey

~* Proud members of the Diamond Ball Club *~

gaigesmom24

Posts: 557

New cats won't stop hiding :(

« Reply #10 on: March 29, 2009, 08:53:54 PM »

They are both very gorgeous!!! Hope they decide to grace you with their beauty more often :wink: :lol: :lol:


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Ashley & Romeo

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