New Member

Posts: 3
From:Saint Michael
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-02-2004 11:43 AM         

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Hi all, My girlfriend and I just adopted a 16week himalayan kitten from a rescue home. She had two brothers who were active and very friendly. The kitten we adopted, also from that litter, is a loner. We brought her to my house yesterday and she does not want to leave the kitchen chair. She likes the hiding space beneath the table. I have her litter box, food next to her and did notice she ate and used the litter box last night as we slept.
I raised a kitten a few years ago but it was never this skittish, scared, afraid, shy, etc. She is and will alwyas get lots of love from us, but how can one do that when the kitten is scared? I want to pick her up and hold her but I also don't want to invaid on her privacy and secured area.

Any ideas? We only had her for a day so I don't expect miracles overnight. I assume we need to be patient. I just want the kitten to know we will not harm her.

Thanks in advance for your replies..
Terry

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Member

Posts: 701
From:CA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-02-2004 11:48 AM         

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Hello. Welcome to the site. I didn't quite understand the first part of your post. You adopted one kitten that also had two brothers, yet she was a loner, but the brothers were playful? Did you adopt the brothers too?

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Posts: 7
From:Richmond, VA, USA
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 01-02-2004 02:02 PM         

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Sounds very much like my baby. We got her when she was about 12 weeks old and she was exactly the same. She is still very skittish and shy, but extremely lovable so there is hope. Don't try to pull her out, just dive in. Spend some time under the table with her. Talk softly to her and love on her, maybe give her some kitten treats. Moving is so stressful for them and I'm sure she is a bit confused. As the days go by, move away and see if she will come forward to you to get the love and affection she is now getting used to. Give it time and she will come around. Good luck with her and I hope you'll enjoy her for years and years to come!

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Posts: 3
From:Saint Michael
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-02-2004 06:59 PM         

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Chessmind, the first part of the paragraph was basically the kitten's history. I did not adopt the two brothers. They were very close to each other and I couldn't break them up.
Our new kitten is pretty shy and has indeed camped out under the kitchen table. I agree with Kameko that I will just take it easy and provide the TLC in her safety spot which happens to be under the table. I know she can't stay there her whole life. Well, I hope not?
Thanks for all your replys..

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Posts: 701
From:CA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-02-2004 08:36 PM         

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Hello. Yes, sorry about that. I understand the post now. Lol. Kameko left you a good post and I pretty much agree with him/her. My parents have the same cat as yours. She was so shy and timid at first. She hid under a book shelf for a couple of days. They got her when she was 8-9 weeks old. She soon grew to be a wonderful cat. She's got a great personality and she out grew her shyness. It's too bad you couldn't adopt her two little brothers as well. You could have triplets!

Just one bit of advice. Once she's over her shyness, brush her everyday. Their fur can get so matted, not to mention all the hairballs they can get if their fur is not brushed (to remove excess fur).

Keep us posted and I would love to see some pics of her if you have any.

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Posts: 3
From:Saint Michael
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-03-2004 12:30 PM         

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Chessmind - thanks for the reply! I will definately send you pics once she opens up to us. I been placing mice toys on her scratching post and the mice seem to be either missing or moved. So, atleast she is exploring.

Thanks again ~ Terry

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