Posted by:
gelp85
at Fri Feb 6 21:06:13 2009 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by gelp85 ]
Hello, I have worked with feral cats and cats that were given up due to behavioral problems, as well as raised feral kittens ( ie bottle feeding and extensive hadling from a young age). I agree with another poster that your cat seems to have been born to a feral mother, or to a very abused/human mistrusting mother. HEr reactions are fear based, and by seeking her out, you are actually reenforcing her fear. The best course of action is to recondition her to feel that human contact is a positive occurrence. This is easier said than done, because regin feline trust is much harder than other pets. Domestic cats have a very physical and scent oriented language, so interspecies communication can be difficult. As the cat is still young, there are more options for positive feedback. Food, in moderation, can be used as a motivator/reward. I prefer to use freeze-dried fish flakes, as they have a strong scent, and are a healthy alternative to most commercial cat treats, and can be found at most Petco or Petsmart locations.
What I would suggest is sitting with your cat, not making eye contact or looking directly at her and using soft, soothing tones, repeating her/his name. Reward the cat, even if it just stays put, even if it is in a hiding place, like under the bed. Place the treats close to the cat at first, then closer to you as the cat becomes more adjusted and comfortable. This is the first step, in many, towards making your cat feel safe and loved in the presence of humans.
I would also like to remind that higher pitched, louder tones are aggressive tones in feline language, so remember, always use soft, lower tones with your cat, even when praising.
Hope this is helpful, and if you have anyother questions/concerns, i would love to help you and your kitty bond!
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RE: Misbehaved kitten - gelp85, Fri Feb 6 21:06:13 2009