Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The second kitty I adopted, Cloud, is extremely shy. She is ok with other animals but is NOT comfortable with people interaction. She runs and hides. She likes to play with toys, and she is 8 mos old this month. She was born in foster care, so she has never been abused. She is a beautiful cat, but I would like to know if anyone has any suggestions to bring her out. I have 3 other outgoing kitties, well, the Siamese is a little shy, but will the other two help her come out a little. Everyone seems to like her so far. They didn't hiss at her much, like they did to Rain. She loves the dog. She is a very small cat. I was wondering if like humans, cat's can be "special". I have left her alone, only spoken softly and encouragingly to her, and given her some toys, and a box with a blanket to sleep in because she likes to sleep with something over her. Any other ideas?? Thanks!! I will try to post pics!!

I think she looks a little like Pumpkin.

I'd probably go with the same advice given for Rain a couple days ago. You've dropped both girls into an unfamiliar environment with a lot of smells, sounds, animals, people, etc. A quiet safe room wouldn't hurt for a few days. You might just want to isolate both Cloud and Rain to a room for a couple days to a couple weeks so they relax and get comfortable before dropping them into the middle of Grand Central Station... Isolate them together in a spare bedroom with food, water, litter, toys, and visit them to get them, Cloud in particular at this time, some quiet time with just you one-on-one and some quiet time to get adjusted to a new home. Many cats dropped into a busy household with many people and animals are shy and can hid for the first few days. Not uncommon. Kind of like starting a new job or something -- you are a little off balance for a few days until you figure it all out.
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Tammy and Pookey
(Stanley 8/91 - 8/07)

Hi. I tried to isolate them, but Rain would wait by the door, and run out as soon as I opened it, and Cloud would meow and meow and meow till I let opened the door. Her foster mom said that she was always shy, but would come and be loving sometimes, then all of a sudden, look like she didn't know where she was and run and hide. That is why I was wondering about her being special. Rain is actually doing exceptionally well now, and my little Siamese is playing with Cloud. Pumpkin is the one who is the most upset by her palace being invaded. I think she is afraid of being displaced. LOL. She is my baby though, so she is Queen Bee. If Cloud adjusts to all the other pets, but doesn't like people, could she end up being that way forever???

Just like people some cats are shy but it is really to soon to tell if this is permanent with Cloud. She doesn't know you and has probably only known a few people in her life, but being a foster...she most likely met lots of cats and enjoyed their company. She knows how to deal with strange cats but not strange people or places. Yes, cats can be "special" my Spottie is "special". If he were human he would ride the short bus but he loves people. Is always a little shy at first and stays close to me or his brother or sister, but then after a bit comes to the first lap that he can get on to curl up and purr and drool.
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Tessa Onyx, Foudini, Charlee, Spottie, ShyRaven, Buddy, Tuxie, Widdle Attila Sipowitz, Lizzie, Minnie, ET, Mylo,(We be house cats at last), and Salem, Wicca and Marmalade (We iz also house cats, we guess)and the 5 porch kits also Riley da goggie and Buddha da baby hamster too
Tabitha and Samantha..always in our hearts//Fly free Penny 12/12/07
A house without cats is like a garden without flowers

I think she will be ok, but either way, she has a home with us. And a loving one, even if she rides the short bus, hehe!! She is a beautiful kitty, and I bet what you said is right. She has only known a few people but a lot of cats. Hopefully when she sees that I am going to keep her here, and that I love her, she will come around. Even if she is shy I hope she will come out for cuddles when my daughter is in bed and the house is quiet. I think whatever happens she will be happy here once she settles in. Thanks for the advice.

I made her a little bed in the laundry room out of a box with a blanket that was a piece of drape I cut. It's nice and cozy and she hides in there a lot. I think she sees it as her safe place. I don't know if I could ever be a good foster home because each animal grabs my heart in a different way, and I don't think that I could let them go. Unless I was a bad fit for them. Or if they were agressive to my daughter. She is only 3 but very gentle with the animals. I bet she will grow up to be just like mommy and LOVE animals!!