Re: Problem with Persia! (Not OT, rather Long)

jmcquown wrote:
"jmcquown" <j_mcquown@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:LeidnXSEEYfUw8_VnZ2dnUVZ_o_inZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I thought for sure, since she'd ventured out in the hotel room Monday night (even if she was a little perplexed and disturbed by the change of surroundings) and again here at the house on Tuesday evening, she'd have tentatively explored by now. I can reach under the bed and occasionally give her quick scritches, then she scoots out of my reach and cries softly.

HELP! I don't know what to do! (If it makes any difference, there have never been any other pets in this house.) She needs to come out, she needs to *EAT*. What should I do?! I thought of Feliway but the nearest PetCo (or PetCo-type place) is 100 miles away in a town called Walterboro. Unless I can find a local pet shop that carries it (I'll Google) that's not feasible. Suggestions?! TIA.

Jill


Poor little girl. First let me tell you that this is not all that unusual. Years ago, I catsat in my home for a lovely big orange boy who seemed like he had the world on a string (or a piece of yarn), but in the new and unfamiliar surroundings of my home, he stayed under a bed for three solid days.
And my little Mimi-- when I first brought her home, it was four days. It made me crazy, made me think "What have I done? I can't handle this crazy cat."
I think it can be more upsetting when you know your cat, when your cat is genreally a calm, well-adjusted animak, and you
have never seen him/her behave in such a basic/instinctive/panicky way.

Meanwhile is there some extra-smelly she usually cannot resist?- just this once, you may want to deploy tuna. For Mimi, is was lasagne.

I offered gooshy food (generic Fancy Feast) on Wednesday afternoon. I let her smell it, she came to the edge of the bed-frame, took a bite. I moved the bowl a little further out. She sort of stretched her neck and took another bite. I then set the bowl where the food normally is (for now) just a few feet away, well within sight and smell. No go. She refused to come out and eat even though I left it there for the rest of the day :( I wound up throwing it out. Yesterday I tried milk. She loves milk. Same process, smell, take a sip, move the bowl. She didn't come out to drink that, either.

I guess she'll come out when she's darned good and ready. But of course I'm worried I've done a terrible thing. I'm second-guessing myself that I should have boarded her again regardless of the length of stay or the incredible expense. (sigh)

Thanks for your insight and experience with Mimi and the kitty you pet-sat for :)


I hate to say this, but:
Give her the food where she is most comfortable, which is, alas, under the bed. Since she *is* coming out for the litter box, she *will* eventually come out. May take a week or more. Just let her get comfortable where she is, first.

Keep the door to that room closed as much as possible. Go in there for *quiet* activities only (reading, sleeping, etc), talk to her gently and calmingly, soothingly when you are in there. Put a few of her favorite toys, strategically placed so you will remember where they are, and that they will be in her sight line, but not where you or your Mom will accidentally move them - if they toys are noticeably moved, she's doing *something* when you're not around.

It's a new place, she's scared and needs to get "unscared" at her own pace.

PS - Weebs is miffed that you have dared to scare His Preshus Persia in such a way, and sends his calming purrs to his sweets, so that she may come out and snuggle with her Mommy (but I doubt it as I think that Weebs has been teleporting over there and snuggling with her as she hides)

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