Kitten still hissing and terrified after over a month

[Kwik]

C Catl1987

Love the photos,just adorable!
Told ya not to second guess yourself & to chill and learn from Yoda! Lol

See that-best pals and Boogies confidence is only going to build more and more now as he's got little Yoda to watch..... " let me see what happens to him,hmmm looks good"

They don't say " copycat" for no reason- I'm happy for you and your little family,it's just the beginning and gets even better

 

[kittychick]

So adorable! I'm SO glad it worked out just as you did it! I'm always overly cautious with intros, esp when one's had little (or any) socialization, and a new kitty is uber-confident. But I've been burned so badly from rushing meetings early in my "cat socialization career" (a completely volunteer position ) and set things back for the barely-socialized one. But as we all know here, there's an exception to EVERY rule - and every now and then the scared, less-socialized kitty is actually helped by the uber-confident new kitty, helping them gain friendship and confidence! Needless to say, I'm SO glad things worked out the way - every situation is different - and I'm glad yours is going SO well!!!!!!

Only last tip - it's highly recommended that you have at least 1 litterbox per cat. Less chance of "possession" of a single litterbox by one of the kitties - that way neither feels they have to go where the other one goes (gives them a bit more litterbox confidence, since litterboxes are the ultimate "this smells like me and it's mine" situation). Even if things are going well box-wise, I'd highly recommend two boxes (or more if possible if you have more then one floor). Kitties can become a little possessive without you getting that indication unless you're watching. An example - early on in my "socialization career" I couldn't figure out why our newest "foster fail" kitty suddenly stopped using the box IN the box. Had a battery of tests/vet visits to make sure there was nothing physically wrong - the vet was stumped. Then I just happened to witness what I realized was happening often in the box - - the newest, less socialized kitty was often following the original kitty to the box, and when he'd try to climb in the box with the more outgoing, originally (younger cats often try to do that) and it always resulted in a smack on the head by the confident kitty. So the less confident kitty was driven away, often peeing just outside the box. So just something to possibly put into action in your amazingly, wonderfully, happy new kitty family!

 

[Catl1987]

C Catl1987

Love the photos,just adorable!
Told ya not to second guess yourself & to chill and learn from Yoda! Lol

See that-best pals and Boogies confidence is only going to build more and more now as he's got little Yoda to watch..... " let me see what happens to him,hmmm looks good"

They don't say " copycat" for no reason- I'm happy for you and your little family,it's just the beginning and gets even better

So adorable! I'm SO glad it worked out just as you did it! I'm always overly cautious with intros, esp when one's had little (or any) socialization, and a new kitty is uber-confident. But I've been burned so badly from rushing meetings early in my "cat socialization career" (a completely volunteer position ) and set things back for the barely-socialized one. But as we all know here, there's an exception to EVERY rule - and every now and then the scared, less-socialized kitty is actually helped by the uber-confident new kitty, helping them gain friendship and confidence! Needless to say, I'm SO glad things worked out the way - every situation is different - and I'm glad yours is going SO well!!!!!!

Only last tip - it's highly recommended that you have at least 1 litterbox per cat. Less chance of "possession" of a single litterbox by one of the kitties - that way neither feels they have to go where the other one goes (gives them a bit more litterbox confidence, since litterboxes are the ultimate "this smells like me and it's mine" situation). Even if things are going well box-wise, I'd highly recommend two boxes (or more if possible if you have more then one floor). Kitties can become a little possessive without you getting that indication unless you're watching. An example - early on in my "socialization career" I couldn't figure out why our newest "foster fail" kitty suddenly stopped using the box IN the box. Had a battery of tests/vet visits to make sure there was nothing physically wrong - the vet was stumped. Then I just happened to witness what I realized was happening often in the box - - the newest, less socialized kitty was often following the original kitty to the box, and when he'd try to climb in the box with the more outgoing, originally (younger cats often try to do that) and it always resulted in a smack on the head by the confident kitty. So the less confident kitty was driven away, often peeing just outside the box. So just something to possibly put into action in your amazingly, wonderfully, happy new kitty family!

I think Yoda’s character has really made a positive impact on their socialisation together. Every time Boogie hissed, spit or howled at him, he just turned around and left. Also he never invaded his personal space if he saw he wasnt receptive. Thats deffinitely helped! Weve been so blessed with Yoda and the impact that hes having on Boogie is visible every day.
Also yes, we currently have two litter boxes. Thank you so much for the advice!

 

[kittychick]

SOOO happy it's worked out for you - - and now you've saved the lives of TWO kitties and made BOTH better! (Aren't you glad you persevered through the tough parts with Boogie? ) SOOO proud of you! And we hope you'll come back here for advice on any issues that might arise -- -we're always here for you!

 

[Meowmee]

Great news I knew these guys would end up bff

 

[Fostercatmom_358]

Looks like a happy ending I'm so happy that both Boogie and Yoda love each other that much

 

[Catl1987]

Hello! Thank you so much for all your answers and kind words! Here to give another Boogie and Yoda update, more of a Boogie update really:
Things hace only improved between these two. They have become inseparable. They sleep together, they follow each other around… Now that Yoda is in the couch with us, Boogie will be too, sometimes on a different couch, sometimes on the floor… But in the same room, which he had never done before. Boogie has gotten very cheeky lately and goes crazy over whatever we are eating. He will come to the couch and even gently paw us to get some food! I am really happy about the relationship they have!
Now about Boogie’s fear and socialisation with humans:
He is still SUPER skittish and runs to hide most of the times if we make a sudden move, come to the room he is in, stand up from the couch… Also he does not want us to touch him at all. I could only pet him once while he was sleeping and he actually purred. Then he woke up, hissed at me and left. Because he is very clearly food motivated, I give him snacks and pet him while he eats them, but he always recoils, hisses at me or tries to grab the food and run away.
Now, I know I have to give him time and Im willing to, but here comes the part that makes me feel worried. In a month we have to get him spayed. That means we have to grab him against his will. Now he is bigger in size and I am actually scared he is going to claw or bite us. Especially now he plays with Yoda and paws him whenever he is tired of playing. He also moves freely around the house now, so I dont even know how we are going to catch him without having to spend an hour chasing him and traumatizing him even more, and him possibly attacking us because of this stressful situation. Im even thinking about postponing the spaying until he is calmer, although I know this could take years and I dont know if its beneficial for him not to get neutered. Any advice? Im dreading calling the vet. I hate having to chase him. I am scared he is going to attack us this timebecause of fear.

 

[Kwik]

Hello! Thank you so much for all your answers and kind words! Here to give another Boogie and Yoda update, more of a Boogie update really:
Things hace only improved between these two. They have become inseparable. They sleep together, they follow each other around… Now that Yoda is in the couch with us, Boogie will be too, sometimes on a different couch, sometimes on the floor… But in the same room, which he had never done before. Boogie has gotten very cheeky lately and goes crazy over whatever we are eating. He will come to the couch and even gently paw us to get some food! I am really happy about the relationship they have!
Now about Boogie’s fear and socialisation with humans:
He is still SUPER skittish and runs to hide most of the times if we make a sudden move, come to the room he is in, stand up from the couch… Also he does not want us to touch him at all. I could only pet him once while he was sleeping and he actually purred. Then he woke up, hissed at me and left. Because he is very clearly food motivated, I give him snacks and pet him while he eats them, but he always recoils, hisses at me or tries to grab the food and run away.
Now, I know I have to give him time and Im willing to, but here comes the part that makes me feel worried. In a month we have to get him spayed. That means we have to grab him against his will. Now he is bigger in size and I am actually scared he is going to claw or bite us. Especially now he plays with Yoda and paws him whenever he is tired of playing. He also moves freely around the house now, so I dont even know how we are going to catch him without having to spend an hour chasing him and traumatizing him even more, and him possibly attacking us because of this stressful situation. Im even thinking about postponing the spaying until he is calmer, although I know this could take years and I dont know if its beneficial for him not to get neutered. Any advice? Im dreading calling the vet. I hate having to chase him. I am scared he is going to attack us this timebecause of fear.

This is a good time to familiarize him with a carrier and since he is food motivated that's a big plus ... I'm sure Yoda will help as well

I believe there are Articles here about getting kitties used to carriers and if so I'm sure someone will provide you with a link

To start with I take the door off,I leave a carrier out with or with one of their beds or a towel with their scent all over it inside and get them used to simply going in & out of the carrier( like a den or a cubby)with a treat trail

That's the first step to success and after they " love" the carrier you can put the door back on but keep it tied "open"

Once Boogie likes going in his carrier for treats then the night before Vet appt you can close him in- no fuss,no muss,no chasing a cat around before a Vet appt making them a nervous wreck

If you had more than 30 days I'd suggest only closing the door for " minutes" at a time,then gradually move them from point A to point B throughout tye house so they get to know thsts no big deal and I even go for car rides so they don't associate the carrier with going to the Vet...

Yes Boogie will benefit from being nuetered & so will you and Yoda too... It's healthier plus it helps to alleviate behavioral issues that govalong with the territory of having raging hornones( undesirable though very natural for an intact male)

 

[Avery]

Kwik has the right idea. If you can get Boogie to go into a carrier by putting treats in there, you can close the door before the vet appointment. Be ready with a towel or something to cover the carrier in case he gets upset as this should help calm him down.

I do a variation on that! I have a cat that I cannot pick up so we have a morning routine after breakfast where I toss a treat into a small bathroom nearby, tossing it further and further into the room. A few days before the vet appointment I put a carrier in the room on the counter so it isn't noticeable. I make the appointment for first thing in the morning and just close the bathroom door after the last treat. I then sneak in (I put a gate-like contraption around the door so she can't get out!) and kind of maneuver the carrier so the cat has nowhere else to go and will hop inside. I am prepared with heavy gloves in case I need to quickly pick her up and put her in the carrier, but that hasn't been necessary.

I have also used gabapentin mixed in with her food and that has worked to help make her a little sleepy and therefore easier to handle. It doesn't work for every cat and you have to get the vet to prescribe it which they usually won't do if they haven't seen the cat. The first time my cat went to the vet, she had to be further sedated to be handled, but I was lucky to have a feral-friendly vet and they even said that this was not the worst cat they had dealt with! After several years, although I still cannot pick up this cat and she allows petting when she is eating and rarely other times, the vet and vet techs have no trouble picking her up, petting her, and giving her a good exam!

Getting any cat to the vet is not fun and can be super stressful, but it is definitely worth it and important to get cats neutered. You just have to get through it and it usually gets easier over time!

 

[Kwik]

Adding to what Avery has suggested( excellent btw-bathroom idea)the gabapentin might help and is certainly worth a try,it's always good to administer a dose the night before and then in tye morning about 2hrs before your appt-not usually helpful with already stressed out cats and/or ferals but Boogie has been in the house now and he's relaxed and familiar enough that it just might do the trick

The thing is you've got time to plan in advance and work with Boogie so there's no reason it should turn into a last minute fiasco.Its not an unexpected emergency situation where stress is often unavoidable and you're out of options ..

Get busy,the carrier will not pose any threat when it's associated with good things( like treats) no doubt little Yoda will strut right in it so it's helpful that Boogie sees him do it( copycat!) You can also use a pheromone spray as well,spray some Comfort Zone or Feliway about 15 minutes in & around the carrier before introducing it. You've got a plan!Go for it......

 

[Catl1987]

Adding to what Avery has suggested( excellent btw-bathroom idea)the gabapentin might help and is certainly worth a try,it's always good to administer a dose the night before and then in tye morning about 2hrs before your appt-not usually helpful with already stressed out cats and/or ferals but Boogie has been in the house now and he's relaxed and familiar enough that it just might do the trick

The thing is you've got time to plan in advance and work with Boogie so there's no reason it should turn into a last minute fiasco.Its not an unexpected emergency situation where stress is often unavoidable and you're out of options ..

Get busy,the carrier will not pose any threat when it's associated with good things( like treats) no doubt little Yoda will strut right in it so it's helpful that Boogie sees him do it( copycat!) You can also use a pheromone spray as well,spray some Comfort Zone or Feliway about 15 minutes in & around the carrier before introducing it. You've got a plan!Go for it......

Thank you so much for your answers. I will deffinitely put all of the advice into practice when the time comes! Yesterday I spoke to the cat behaviourist and expressed my concerns about this issue. She told me not to worry and suggested not to spay Boogie inmediately since he is still adjusting and it could be a major setback for him. As Yoda is spayed already and is a male, she said behaviour problems could come later on in spring or so… By then he will be probably adjusted and ready for the appointment. I do agree it might be too soon for him. In my country cats dont get neutered before 5 months old, and he is still only 4…

 

[Kwik]

Thank you so much for your answers. I will deffinitely put all of the advice into practice when the time comes! Yesterday I spoke to the cat behaviourist and expressed my concerns about this issue. She told me not to worry and suggested not to spay Boogie inmediately since he is still adjusting and it could be a major setback for him. As Yoda is spayed already and is a male, she said behaviour problems could come later on in spring or so… By then he will be probably adjusted and ready for the appointment. I do agree it might be too soon for him. In my country cats dont get neutered before 5 months old, and he is still only 4…

Not discounting whoever you spoke with but I have to disagree( as a certified behaviorist & professional animal trainer)we don't come here professionally as there's really no way to validate ones credentials without sharing personal info & it's not a good practice on the internet so just take it for what it's worth ... I'll give you my opinion and you can base your decisions on what makes sense to you
Firstly males do not get "spayed " so I'd really have to wonder about who's giving you information-the plumbing is different,females are spayed and males are nuetered.

Alot of Vets wait 6months,it used to be the rule of thumb ages ago and many still do,primarily because that's about the time they've completed their primary vaccinations -it's highly recommended to nueter as soon as they've gotten all their vaccinations at around 4months of age as it reduces the likelihood of fighting between male cats after they've reached sexual maturity- fighting & mating of course spreads infectious diseases like cat flu or Feline leukemia... an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

Right now Boogie and Yoda have become fast friends,pals- how quickly that can change with intact males when sexual maturity is reached.And just a note to say that the younger the cat the quicker the recovery time and less painful in comparison to older csts.. There's not a difference in 4 or 6 months in thst regard of course but neutering an older cat it is

So as far as behavioral issues go,if you nueter him BEFORE he reaches sexual maturity you can avoid potential issues such as marking,fighting,yowlin and the desire to wander( nearby females)Early neutering causes no problems with behavior,development or health and well being.There much evidence to prove these facts in more recent studies plus surgical techniques have improved and also anesthetics where once there was concern associated with anaesthizjng kittens- thst was quite some time ago

Whether you decide to keep your appt or not is up to you and I'm sure it'll be okay whatever you choose but it's good to know the difference between facts and myths

Hope thst helps and in any event I'm glad you'll be neutering Boogie,we just have no way of knowing when an individual cat will reach sexual maturity and they can indeed as early as 4months of age

 

[Avery]

You are doing such a great job with Boogie and Yoda, but I think Kwik has the right information about neutering. Also, I don't think ANY cat is ever ready for a vet appointment as you are hoping will happen by waiting!! Good luck with whatever you choose to do and thank you for caring so much for these two kitties.

 

[Kwik]

You are doing such a great job with Boogie and Yoda, but I think Kwik has the right information about neutering. Also, I don't think ANY cat is ever ready for a vet appointment as you are hoping will happen by waiting!! Good luck with whatever you choose to do and thank you for caring so much for these two kitties.

That's so true-heck,I'm not happy about my own DrAppts!!lol

There is a good side though if you decide to wait 2,more months,it'll give you 60 more days to familiarize Boogie with going in and out of his carrier and in all thst time you can even get him used to you carrying him in it .....

When I begin to familiarize pets with being transported in carriers I stick to the basic principles to establish trust and security- at first I merely lift the carrier,putting back exactly where it was and open the door( praise & prize/treat)-gradually moving away from where it was but releasing from wherever they entered ..

It's the same principle as getting cats comfortable with being picked up,cats feel very insecure the moment there's nothing stable under their feet,they even feel disorientation and they become anxious wanting something under their feet,they struggle ..when you begin to pick a cat up you always make him feel secure,supporting his body weight but to alleviate confusion you always put him back down in the same place you picked him up from( when training)

Very often many people will pick their irresistible kitty up to give him a hug and don't realize the cat was heading someplace,it's confusing for them to be headed someplace for some particular reason only to find yourself whisked away ahd wind up in an entirely different room- Take note if your cats headed to the kitchen ,pick him up,put him back down -hell likely head right back to the kitchen or rub around your legs---thats a secure kitty vs the kitty thst runs for the hills when his person let's go and his feet hit the ground,lol.
Anyway,if you do wait you'll have more time to work on these things

 

[Meowmee]

I would do the treats in the carrier training thing, and try a purrito with him, if possible- wrap him in a towel when he is sleepy etc. give him treats, and pet his head etc. if you can, trim his claws too. If you can trick him into the carrier with food that is best. Get him used to sitting there as if it is a safe spot.

Ask your dvm about gaba too, it may not be a great idea if he is getting neutered because it is extra meds, but if the cat is so nervous it could help and stop you getting injured etc. I would put something in the carrier that smells like you and Yoda as well to calm him. You can wear gloves and clothes that cover your arms and legs to help prevent an injury as well.

Neuter can be done early or at 5 pounds or five to six months. Sooner is probably better for him before he gets more hormones.

 

[Catl1987]

Hello!
I read all of your comments, thank you so much for all the detail you put into it. I still have a lot of thinking to do. I obviously want the best for both of them and Im new to the cat world so its tricky to be sure which decision is right. I might give Boogie another month. He qill deffinitely still be nervous, but less than he is now. He is actually making tiny steps every day. Im nervous about taking him inmediately and traumatizing him, especially since he is not adjusted yet and I took him 6 times to the vet already in his first month at home (because of the herpes, pneumonia…). Hopefully Im making the right decision. Ill deffinitely start doing the carrier and treats thing. Thank you again!!

 

[Kwik]

Hello!
I read all of your comments, thank you so much for all the detail you put into it. I still have a lot of thinking to do. I obviously want the best for both of them and Im new to the cat world so its tricky to be sure which decision is right. I might give Boogie another month. He qill deffinitely still be nervous, but less than he is now. He is actually making tiny steps every day. Im nervous about taking him inmediately and traumatizing him, especially since he is not adjusted yet and I took him 6 times to the vet already in his first month at home (because of the herpes, pneumonia…). Hopefully Im making the right decision. Ill deffinitely start doing the carrier and treats thing. Thank you again!!

You're very welcome,we are here to support ,encourage you and provide you with information that hopefully will help you to make decisions with more ease,comfortably.... as I suggested earlier,it has to make sense to you -accurate information is key and that's the beauty of speaking with MANY people publically-when you have 5,6 or 10 experienced people in agreement it's a good indication that they might actually know what they are talking about-LOL!

Speaking publicly keeps us accountable as there's always someone to verify or disagree.... Remember,whatever concerns you have you can simply pick up the phone and call your Vet!I myself have a new furbaby( 7yrs old) who is not yet manageable for handling as he is not socialized-my Vet understands completely that " bring him by" is not an option unless an emergency-so I completely understand your hesitancy,neutering is certainly important buy it's not an energency,Boogie ( thankfully) is an indoor cat that is not going to contribute in producing more homeless kitties..... neutering will certainly make your and Boogies life better but it's if you'd prefer more time to work with him then follow your heart-I get it,just to let you know

 

[tabbytom]

C Catl1987

Updates please!

 

[Catl1987]

C Catl1987

Updates please!

Hi!
The thing is there is not much to update about… Boogie and Yoda are still best friends forever. They do everything together. That makes me so happy and is deffinitely a relief. Boogie is still super sk

C Catl1987

Updates please!

Hi all!
Not much to update… Which is good news!
Yoda and Boogie are still best mates. They do everything together. Boogie is a little copycat and its so funny to watch him do exactly what Yoda does. For instance, Yoda will always lay in front of the TV, whereas Boogie prefers to be on the couch or somewhere where he is comfy but not the centre of attention. Anyways, the other day he went and sat right where Yoda usually lays and spent there a good hour. At first he kept staring at us because he was clearly not used to the attention hahah. But eventually he relaxed. Ive also caught him several times sleeping on our bed while we are not in the room. Yoda always sleeps with us, so Im thinking Boogie learned this behaviour at night and then practices it without us in the room first, LOL!
He has also started meowing too! Specially for food! He does this really high-pitched meow, like its the first he has ever made that sound in his life, and its hilarious.
The only issue that concerns me is that he is still VERY skittish. He runs away when we pass him, even if we are not looking at him and conciously ignoring him. So of course, touching and petting him is an absolute no for him. He flinches and leaves whenever I extend my hand towards him. He does eat treats from my hand, though. That is the only time where he finds my hand interesting lol!
Again, I really do not mind if he is not an affrctionate cat, but it concerns me how stressed out he seems. 3 months in the house and still thinks we are planning to murder him…

 

[Kwik]

Hi!
The thing is there is not much to update about… Boogie and Yoda are still best friends forever. They do everything together. That makes me so happy and is deffinitely a relief. Boogie is still super sk

Hi all!
Not much to update… Which is good news!
Yoda and Boogie are still best mates. They do everything together. Boogie is a little copycat and its so funny to watch him do exactly what Yoda does. For instance, Yoda will always lay in front of the TV, whereas Boogie prefers to be on the couch or somewhere where he is comfy but not the centre of attention. Anyways, the other day he went and sat right where Yoda usually lays and spent there a good hour. At first he kept staring at us because he was clearly not used to the attention hahah. But eventually he relaxed. Ive also caught him several times sleeping on our bed while we are not in the room. Yoda always sleeps with us, so Im thinking Boogie learned this behaviour at night and then practices it without us in the room first, LOL!
He has also started meowing too! Specially for food! He does this really high-pitched meow, like its the first he has ever made that sound in his life, and its hilarious.
The only issue that concerns me is that he is still VERY skittish. He runs away when we pass him, even if we are not looking at him and conciously ignoring him. So of course, touching and petting him is an absolute no for him. He flinches and leaves whenever I extend my hand towards him. He does eat treats from my hand, though. That is the only time where he finds my hand interesting lol!
Again, I really do not mind if he is not an affrctionate cat, but it concerns me how stressed out he seems. 3 months in the house and still thinks we are planning to murder him…

I know it seems like an eternity but 3 months is a very very short time, especially for a scaredy cat- it can take 8 mos,a year or longer for a cat to acclimate and settle in

Boogie lying on your bed ,on your scent is affection- he's familiarizing himself with you through your scents so it isn't that he's not affectionate ,he's cautious,he's apprehensive and simply moving at his own pace- give it time my friend.

The best thing you could have done was adopting Yoda- Boogie will continue to ' copycat' and gain confidence as he tests the waters and sees he's not going to come to any harm- it's self preservation instincts,he will come around...... keep doing the great job loving them and all will be well in time