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Adopting indoor cats - best charities to approach? |
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#76 |
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 915
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A Feliway diffuser might be a good idea when introducing Honey to Daisy. The idea is that it sends out calming pheremones and the cats feel more laid back.
We adopted two very nervous cats last year, Zebedee first, then Angel a few months later. They had been rescued together and had shared a pen in the isolation room at the rescue centre because they were too nervous to be housed in the main cattery. We adopted Zebedee and Angel went to another home but was subsequently returned to the rescue centre, so we decided to have her. We used Feliway when reintroducing the two cats to one another. It seemed to work quite well, but of course we don't know how they would have got on without it! Zebedee has blossomed into a really friendly cat who loves to sit on your lap. Angel is still fairly nervous around people but will put up with being stroked. She seems to have settled in to the house, likes the garden and loves Zebedee even though he'll eat her dinner given the slightest opportunity! |
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#77 |
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,583
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Quote:
A Feliway diffuser might be a good idea when introducing Honey to Daisy. The idea is that it sends out calming pheremones and the cats feel more laid back.
We adopted two very nervous cats last year, Zebedee first, then Angel a few months later. They had been rescued together and had shared a pen in the isolation room at the rescue centre because they were too nervous to be housed in the main cattery. We adopted Zebedee and Angel went to another home but was subsequently returned to the rescue centre, so we decided to have her. We used Feliway when reintroducing the two cats to one another. It seemed to work quite well, but of course we don't know how they would have got on without it! Zebedee has blossomed into a really friendly cat who loves to sit on your lap. Angel is still fairly nervous around people but will put up with being stroked. She seems to have settled in to the house, likes the garden and loves Zebedee even though he'll eat her dinner given the slightest opportunity! |
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#78 |
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 150
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So pleased for you. She looks lovely. My cats have all been rescues, including a nervous one. They've all been great and ultra-affectionate in no time at all. Best wishes XXX
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#79 |
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,583
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Thanks! She has been purring for England today! The signs look good.
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#80 |
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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Honey has met my 12 year-old and there was some rather cute nose touching. In fact Honey seemed less phased by it than Daisy, who just looked rather confused! I am starting to wonder if the reason for her nerves in the cattery was the dogs barking as the noise was almost constant. Perhaps she lived with a dog and they did not get on which is why her owners abandoned her? She is clearly very nervous but her progress in just 24 hours is more than we could possibly have hoped for. She is loving the attention!
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#81 |
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,337
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Aww glad to hear Honey is settling in well!!
x
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#82 |
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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It has gone better than I could possibly have imagined! She lives up to her name!
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#83 |
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Scotland
Posts: 2,201
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It could well be that something within the cattery was making her so nervous. I adopted a cat last year who seemingly was terrified of the previous owners dog. He'd spent 2 months hiding behind a sofa and only coming out when no-one but the owner was around. It turns out though, that its children he's terrified of (she had a 5 year old) He loves my border collie and bullies him just as much as the other cats do, but as soon as my little Niece's come around he hides behind the sofa and goes completely rigid with fear.
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#84 |
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Herts
Posts: 3,040
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Quote:
It could well be that something within the cattery was making her so nervous. I adopted a cat last year who seemingly was terrified of the previous owners dog. He'd spent 2 months hiding behind a sofa and only coming out when no-one but the owner was around. It turns out though, that its children he's terrified of (she had a 5 year old) He loves my border collie and bullies him just as much as the other cats do, but as soon as my little Niece's come around he hides behind the sofa and goes completely rigid with fear. :(
I'm not sure how to get round this problem. Her companion cat from the rescue cattery is the complete opposite, very laid back with strangers, as is my Bernard. Millie was rescued from the street when she was about 12 weeks old (found wandering) so I don't believe she's ever been subject to abuse or mistreatment by children or by anyone. She's had several homes in her short life (her original home, then the person who rescued her, then a Cats Protection fosterer, then a CP cattery before coming to me when she was just 10 months old). However, the same can be said for my other rescue cat who has a very relaxed approach to life.Anyway, it's good to hear that Honey is settling in so well. Hopefully, she will soon be good friends with your other cat. |
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#85 |
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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Honey is thriving! Less than 48 hours with us and she is eating and drinking well and very good with her tray. Her little head pops up when she hears us and she is a very purry and affectionate cat. I think we will be just fine
If anyone is considering adopting a cat, please consider the nervous little cat in the corner. Because I think the rewards are going to be enormous! It will take time, but all the signs are that she really loves being with us and, most importantly, she feels safe and loved. I will get OH to take some photos later and post them. |
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#86 |
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Join Date: Jan 2007
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That's fab to hear ! So glad she is settling in so well, it seems like maybe it was the chattery kind of envirOnment that was making her so nervous, she obviously just wanted a loving home to settle down in!
I wish my housemates rehomed cat had settled in so well , she's about 17 & got many problems - deaf / partly blind, + health problems, and she s been mostly fine minus lashing out at me a few times - she s known as a biting cat. But my 2 girls just will not settle with her at all, she s been in the house for a few month s now but my 2 are terrified of her & either run away or sit growling & hissing at her. To begin with she just ignored them, but now I think she s starting to lash out at them. which is making me really worry since my 2 haven't settles with her & then they have a new baby to cope with soon as well. Fingers crossed it will be okay ! |
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#87 |
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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I think we just need to win our older cat round because she is displaying the classic older sibling feeling usurped by the new baby. We have decided that incorporating her favourite toys and food into the meetings is the way to go. With lots of praise and reassurance. Blimey, you need to be a psychologist to own cats!
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#88 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: London
Posts: 1,776
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Quote:
Honey has met my 12 year-old and there was some rather cute nose touching. In fact Honey seemed less phased by it than Daisy, who just looked rather confused! I am starting to wonder if the reason for her nerves in the cattery was the dogs barking as the noise was almost constant. Perhaps she lived with a dog and they did not get on which is why her owners abandoned her? She is clearly very nervous but her progress in just 24 hours is more than we could possibly have hoped for. She is loving the attention!
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#89 |
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 6,178
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Brilliant news. Give Honey and Daisy a big hug from their aunty a.g. xx
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#90 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: London
Posts: 1,776
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(I meant "both", not "bother".)
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#91 |
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,583
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Brilliant news. Give Honey and Daisy a big hug from their aunty a.g. xx
I went down in the early hours and she was on the window sill but shot straight back into her basket. She was soon purring away after some strokies. I have a theory that the activity in the cattery with people constantly walking up and down and the staff tending to the cats was too much for her. So she has got into the habit of sneaking out at night. One strange thing though. My older cat has popped in to see her twice in the mornings and then been a bit sick afterwards. No contact. This morning she was even in a part of the room Honey had not been. Stress perhaps? Honey has a Feliway diffuser and I think I need to get a spray for Daisy's various little beds! |
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#92 |
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Herts
Posts: 3,040
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Hi Stargazer, any updates on how Honey is progressing and how Daisy is coping with the new addition? Or is it still a work in progress?
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#93 |
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,583
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Hi MarellaK, thanks for asking. Just came on here to post an update.
Honey is the most gorgeous affectionate cat and has been growing in confidence slowly but surely. She adores me and my OH and I have just had the most gorgeous cuddle with her sitting watching TV. Talk about progress! She still has her own little room just off the lounge and she loves her bed and her teddy. But she is definitely moving around in the late evening and has been spotted on the sofa, window sill etc. She also has a huge appetite and can demolish a small bowl of chicken in minutes - hence her nickname Honey Hoover. Daisy is not sure and gets quite upset if she sees me petting Honey so that is work in progress. But we are perservering! You guys are going to LOVE this photo!!!!!!! http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...ddlesteddy.jpg |
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#94 |
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,381
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Oww that is so sweet, bless her little white socks, Honey is a honey indeed
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#95 |
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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Oww that is so sweet, bless her little white socks, Honey is a honey indeed
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#96 |
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,381
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Thanks! Her little socks are beyond cute. And her name is spot on. If anyone has any qualms about taking a nervous cat can I just say that the rewards are enormous! I am so proud of her. The photo does not do her justice because the flash hides the fact that she has the most beautiful hazel eyes.
It has been a wonderful experience in gaining his trust.
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#97 |
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,583
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My Rolo was painfully shy and nervous when I had him, he hid under the bed or in the wardrobe for nearly a month, when I was around....he came out when I was asleep or at work, and then one night he appeared in the lounge and rolled over for his tum to be rubbed. Slowly we progressed in getting to know one another, but it took nearly a year for him to sit by me on the sofa. He's till timid with visitors over two years on, but he is getting there.
It has been a wonderful experience in gaining his trust. ![]() |
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#98 |
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Join Date: Oct 2007
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OMG! I bet you had tears in your eyes - how wonderful!!! My cuddles with Honey have been very emotional as I didn't think that would happen.
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#99 |
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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Yes I had, but the best moment was when he finally jumped up onto the sofa and settled down on the seat beside me with his paws resting on my leg....I was afraid of even breathing incase he jumped off :
I had the most gorgeous cuddle with Honey last night while I was watching TV. Must have lasted more than ten minutes. Like you I was scared to breath in case she became jittery! |
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