New shy cats behavior

Mello_jelloz

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A week ago (today is May 16) I adopted two cats, one is the surrogate mother (name is Star) to the other (who's name is Pepsi), who will be a year old in August. (back story) So Star got knocked up the first time she was in heat and delivered 4 but lost 1 at the vet, a day later Pepsi came in and was given to Star who took her on. The woman I adopted them from let me know they essentially, have been house hoping since. She was where they went back to, since they were adopted out twice but things didn't turn out well. And had actually traumatised them. So now being with me this past week, I heard it takes a month for them to adjust. I get that. But I'm just wondering what's "normal" for my own peace of mind for them. So there home base is under my couch, and I've seen them wondering around. Which is good! I'm really happy that they are! But now I've noticed that Star has found the top of the fridge, and that's her home base #2, but she isn't venturing out much from there. Atleast of what I've seen. And the two girls are a bonded pair, and Pepsi doesn't know how to jump yet lol! So she occasionally goes to the fridge to meow at Star to get her to come down. Sometimes she does, but often then not, she doesn't. If she want's her own space, I totally get it! But my heart goes out to Pepsi and I'll try to go to her and pet her to console her. Letting her know she has me. Altho a bit of her history! The foster said she wasn't able to pet her, altho I've been able to pet her she's still a bit sceptical but then sees it's ok. But is it ok, or normal, for this kind of behavior? Is there anyway I can make them both comfortable or should I wait it out a bit longer?
 

rubysmama

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Hello and welcome to TCS. Congrats on being a new cat parent to Pepsi and Star. Thanks also for adopting them, knowing they'd been returned from previous adopters. It sounds like they've found their furever home with you, and I think in time, they'll realize it too. :petcat:

Meanwhile it is normal for some cats to be skittish and hide when they first come to their new home. And in their case, they've been moved around so much, it's probably even more strange for them.

Just give them time. It's only been a week so far. And the fact that you're seeing them, as opposed to them hiding under something whenever you're around is good.

TCS has some articles that might have some tips for you, while you help your furbabies settle into their new home. Here's the links:

How To Help A New Cat Adjust To Your Home | TheCatSite
10 Must-know Tips For Happy Living With A Shy Cat | TheCatSite
16 Top Cat Experts Share Tips For Dealing With Timid Cats | TheCatSite

Good luck. Keep us posted on their progress. And post pics of them, if/when you can. :camera:
How To Add A Picture To Your Forum Post | TheCatSite
 

susanm9006

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As long as Star is coming down to eat and use the litter box, It is perfectly okay. And actually the fact that she has taken up refuge on top of the fridge is a really good sign. She isn’t hiding but instead has found a spot that she is claiming where she can see what goes on at your place and whether you and your home are safe. Once she decides It’s okay she may choose to come down while you are around. I would just keep doing what you are doing. Offering Pepsi attention if she seems to want it and letting Star hang out without trying to interact with her. Engaging Pepsi in play with a wand or laser Or offering her some stinky treats might also encourage Star to come down and join in. If she comes down, you should continue to ignore her unless she shows you she wants to play or wants attention. Sitting or laying on the floor is a great way to make yourself less of a threat and make both more interested in getting close. They may be skittish so you always want to move slowly and talk softly.

It may take both a few weeks to settle in and start feeling more relaxed but some cats warmer up quicker and some take much longer.

And I wouldn’t worry much about the two being separated. They probably cuddle together during the night while you are sleeping.
 
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Mello_jelloz

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Hello and welcome to TCS. Congrats on being a new cat parent to Pepsi and Star. Thanks also for adopting them, knowing they'd been returned from previous adopters. It sounds like they've found their furever home with you, and I think in time, they'll realize it too. :petcat:

Meanwhile it is normal for some cats to be skittish and hide when they first come to their new home. And in their case, they've been moved around so much, it's probably even more strange for them.

Just give them time. It's only been a week so far. And the fact that you're seeing them, as opposed to them hiding under something whenever you're around is good.

TCS has some articles that might have some tips for you, while you help your furbabies settle into their new home. Here's the links:

How To Help A New Cat Adjust To Your Home | TheCatSite
10 Must-know Tips For Happy Living With A Shy Cat | TheCatSite
16 Top Cat Experts Share Tips For Dealing With Timid Cats | TheCatSite

Good luck. Keep us posted on their progress. And post pics of them, if/when you can. :camera:
How To Add A Picture To Your Forum Post | TheCatSite
Thank you for the links! I'll be looking into those. And YES! I'll definantely be posting some pictures!
 
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Mello_jelloz

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Ok so here are some pictures of my two girls. Granted, I do apologize that I don't have the greatest pictures of Star (the black cat) since she's still a bit skittish so it's hard to get a good picture of her.
20200520_204946.jpg 20200510_100312.jpg So here she is! I have noticed that at night she comes down and runs around with Pepsi during Prime Time (a.k.a. 3am). When I wake up to either being awakened by Pepsi (she's gently tapped my thigh to wake me, or resorted to more aggressive means... like running across me or attacking my feet...), or hearing them running around. I've actually found Star sitting in the hallway, I'm assuming, watching in my room. lol! Ever wake up with a weird feeling like someone's watching you?! lol!! Oh but this morning (Prime Time) I did catch Star in my room in the window enjoying herself tho!! That made me happy. Oh gosh! Star has been coming down and when she does, I've been trying to see if I can catch her in a playful mood. Which I have! Hers aren't as long winded as Pepsis' but, I feel like something is better than nothing right...?
20200520_075141.jpg 20200520_183415.jpg 20200520_193800.jpg And here is Pepsi! All of the pictures were actually taken in order, from left to right. On the same day (the other day) where she was having a day of Revelation!! Well, the past few nights she's noticed my night time schedule, and apparently likes me when I'm in bed. I've woken up the past few days with her laying there at the left corner of my bed by my feet. Even slightly touching my feet actually. And last night she was purring so I was shocked by that! I was laying on my stomach and didn't wanna move to see what made her so happy in case she ran off.. It appears my thoughts on Pepsi are true. I assumed she would be the first to open up, and I'm assuming with her feeling free being out in the open verses hidden shows her comfortablitiy. Even though she also seems to be conflicted.. last night, for example, I was hanging some plants from the ceiling and she came out by the ladder looking up like, "Yo. What chew doing?" and then noticed I noticed and was like, "JK JK! I'm not interested.." running away. Only to come back up looking (once I went back to doing what I was doing) like, "No lady but really, what is that?" And this morning she was following me around, watching what I was doing. I can't pet her unless I corner her tho.. And when I got off from work she came out from under the couch and layed up on the cat tree while I chilled beside her on the couch so. I THINK US 2 ARE GOING in a good direction. I guess I'll just have to be more patient with Star tho..

Thank you all for reading and listening to me and giving advice. I really appriciate it!
 

rubysmama

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Sounds like things are progressing really well. Thanks for the update, and pics. :redheartpump:
 
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