Advice on how to socialize a 5yr cat newly adopted from tbr

[Hallelujah2023]

Hello,
I adopted Napkin a 5 year old domestic short hair female and spayed 3 months ago. She was at the shelter since she was a kitten. When I went to the shelter she was such a sweet and affectionate cat. When I brought her home she immediately hid and I left her alone and didn’t invade her space. She has still been hiding ever since and only comes out when I’m sleeping or leave my apartment. She does not like any people but doesn’t mind my other cat (female 7months) although she won’t play or interact with her, just ignores her.
I really need tips on how to make her feel more comfortable around humans. I asked my vet and they said it just takes time and I understand that but would like to hear from other people experience about what helped with them.
I’ve tried playing with toys near her and she doesn’t care. She is not hugely food motivated, so she-won’t come out if I give her treats, but will eat some of them when I’m gone. I have tried the feliway plug ins but did not notice any affect. She spends most of her time under my bed or in my closet to hide when I’m home I just wish she didn’t feel like she has to hide when I’m in the same room.

Any advice on how to slowly socialize her that won’t induce too much stress on her would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve included photos of her. Her favorite spot is on top of the coatrack by the front door. She sleeps there at night

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi, welcome ! Your vet is right, time is your friend here. I'm understanding this right, you've had her for three months?

Since you know the sweetness is there, you simply need to continue to be patient, because this is a big change for her.

She is working to learn all the different sounds, smells and routines from what she has been accustomed to.

I'd eliminate the feliway, I really don't think she needs it (maybe you could donate it or sell it in an online site).

The biggest thing is that you do need to wait for her to approach you. So, just go about your daily business as usual. That gives her the emotional space she needs. You have all the time in the world, there's no need to hurry.

You could sit or even lie down while you read to her or work on your laptop or whatever, but don't look directly at her since that can seem aggressive to cats.

You could also try Cat Music.

 

[Hellenww]

I adopted Napkin a 5 year old domestic short hair female and spayed 3 months ago. She was at the shelter since she was a kitten.

Her favorite spot is on top of the coatrack by the front door. She sleeps there at night

Wow, it must be like landing on a new planet. Even a feral would have heard outside noises before. Yes, time is it. Will she sleep on towels or baby blankets (recieving blankets are inexpensive) if you put one in the closet? My thought was after a few days of her sleeping on it replace with a fresh one and put the used ones around the house in to spread her scent. Even though she comes out when your not active/around she's probably not sleeping anywhere else to build her scent. Do you have tall cat trees since she's a sky dweller?

After this I'd start blocking off her hiding spots and set up boxes and easier access safe spots in bedroom and livingroom. Cardboard boxes with a few escape routes or play tunnels.

I'm not sure if "cold cat" would be helpful yet. Turning up a/c or heat down can drive a cat to find a lap. Once she's less scared this might work.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Going to restate that sitting on the fIoor and reading quietIy aIoud. Cats are so sensitive to Iiving beings around them, and sitting on the fIoor is VERY non-threatening. Your cat wiII KNOW that you cannot stand or move very quickIy from that position. It's instinctive with them. She'II feeI safer, and get used to your voice.

 

[Alldara]

Going to restate that sitting on the fIoor and reading quietIy aIoud. Cats are so sensitive to Iiving beings around them, and sitting on the fIoor is VERY non-threatening. Your cat wiII KNOW that you cannot stand or move very quickIy from that position. It's instinctive with them. She'II feeI safer, and get used to your voice.

Yes this.

As she's feral, you might also consider playing cats purring on loop.
Does she have a cozy box to hole up in? That helps lower stress.