Question:
I recently was given a cat by a friend of mine who was moving and could not keep his cat at his new location. I don't know the history of the cat, other than she came from a shelter when my friend adopted her. She's VERY tempermental--she will only let you pet her if you hold out your hand and she chooses to rub against it. If you try to initiate the petting, she will hiss and growl at you. Sometimes, even if you are just in the same room as her, she will hiss and growl. It has been over a month since I took over as her caregiver, but she doesn't seem to have made much in the way of progress of adapting and settling in to her new environment. It could be because I have dogs, and she has never been around dogs until now. But in my previous experiences with cats (I lived on a farm when I was growing up and we had many, many cats), they tend to realize the difference between a hostile dog and one that just wants to sniff them and be friends. Perhaps she was abused prior to her time at the animal shelter she came from? Maybe she's just one of those cats that's not real friendly? I guess my concern is that she's hissy and grumpy due to a health problem? Any help would be great!
I usually spend 1-2 hours trying to get her to let me pet or brush her (she's a long haired cat) and letting her sniff me and try to make friends.
Thank you,
Molly Wonser


Answer:
It's a good to get her checked out by a vet if you don't have any medical history on her. If she doesn't feel well, that could certainly make her grumpy. Was she like this when she lived with your friend? If she was friendlier in her last home, it could be the stress of the move and being around dogs, and she might just need more time to settle in. If she was always temperamental, that's probably just her personality. She might warm up to you in time, cats take a lot longer to adjust to change than most dogs.

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Going to sound like an odd question, but has she been declawed? Sometimes that can oddly make a cat more aggressive, compensation for the lack of claws I think. My neighbours cat behaves the same way.

Cindy

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My Dixie was a feral cat when I found her at 4 weeks old. When we go on vacation and leave Dixie with my parents, it takes her a while to get use to her surroundings. Give her time and love her. Absolutely get her check out at the vet. I would also consider to get her spayed as well as declawed. I had Dixie declawed when she was very young and I am glad I did. If not my dog would not have a nose. Cats play by batting and that is normal however, dogs are not use to batting so they get hurt if your cat is not declawed and I totally disagree that cats become aggressive because of declawing. Dixie has became mellower. Follow your instincts and talk to the vet!

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i think it's just that she's not used to you that she growls and hisses. The fact that she will rub her head against your hand is a good sign, she just wants to be in control and doesn't trust you yet. That's fine. Some cats need a lot of time to feel "safe" in new surroundings.

My cat took about a year to finally demand petting. She still squirms when I pick her up, but I'm now convinced that that's just the way she is, but she is loveable

good luck with the kitty!

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How old is she? When was her last checkup? Sounds like she probably hasn't had the most "stable" history and the stress of moving could certainly add to the irritable mood. I would try to respect her space as much as possible (give her hiding spots to get away from the dogs and people) and not initiate petting if it upsets her. If she seems to no like being with the dogs either then i'd consider hunting her down a quiet forever home.

She really sounds like she first off needs a full physical/bloodwork done though to rule out health issues. Stressed animals do tend to get sick and aquire more illnesses.

How long his her hair? Unless it is really long I wouldn't worry to much about right now unless it is actually getting matted. Maybe the vet can make some more suggestions about that too. Good luck.

Answer:
Dizzymom,please do not suggest to anyone to DECLAW a cat,I can think of nothing more cruel to do to a cat.
It would certainly not improve an already skittish female cat,it would definetly worsen the situation.
This girl has a lot to get used to,a new home,dogs etc...she needs to adjust at her own pace.
If she does not like cuddling,do it only if she comes to you,once she realizes you are no threat and she is safe,she will undoubtedly be doing better.
Do you have a spot for her where she is safe from the dogs??
She has to feel safe most of all.
Maybe in her past someone hit her and she is afraid of your hand,ones she knows you or the dogs,are not going to hurt her,I am sure she'll be fine
Also,whenever you get an animal from someone else,a vet-visit is a must,maybe the former owner did not take her to a vet,did she leave you her vet-papers??

Answer:
Dizzymom, you will find that almost everyone here is vehemently against declawing.
While this worked for you, and you have no regrets, it's not something that, imo.. should "ever" be suggested to another as a "fix" for kitty issues.. and especially with a new cat still adjusting from the stress of a new home.

I agree with Chico completely. I think it would would make things much worse, introducing new and serious trauma for the cat to deal with.


Not "all" declawed cats do become more agressive, Dizzymom, but some do.
And many who have subjected their cats to this procedure, which,imo, is an abomination that should be illegal. "do" have regrets...big regrets.
Cant put the claws back..


As it's only been a month, Molly, I would just continue to reassure her as you are, and folow her "lead" for affection. She has had a great deal of upheaval and stress.. and some cats need more adjustment time than others. If she has not been used to a doggy environment.. this might be part of the reason she is displaying this hissing behaviour right now. A vet visit as mentioned, is important..if not done recently.
With continued TLC, a calm and reassuring environment..she should gradually feel more more secure, and relaxed.Her trust will grow... and she will likely reciprocate by becoming gradually more affectionate and attentive.

Good luck with this, please keep us posted on her progress, wont you?

Answer:
Originally Posted by chico2
Dizzymom,please do not suggest to anyone to DECLAW a cat,I can think of nothing more cruel to do to a cat.



i agree. Many of us have cats AND dogs and cats WITH claws and the dogs still have their noses on
I'd hate to point this out, but it just sounds like another "it's just a cat, while the dog is THE dog"

Answer:
Holy mackeral! I did not commit a sin. I gave my opinion just like you guys gave yours. Your opinion is no better or no worse then mine. I am an animal lover and I would hate to see one animal hurt another. It is bad enough that the poor little things are abuse by us humans. Declawing a cat is no different then spayed/neutering them. Again my opinion. The person I write to has the right to take my advice, your advice or just leave it. I would never, ever suggest something that would hurt another. I am not that kind of person. I take care of strays as well as my own. I am not just a dog lover either. I have the most precious cat too and I love them both. So everyone chill. I did not mean to step on anyones toes persey.

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I would recommend against declawing also, especially for a cat that is already nervous. it is a very traumatic, painful operation. It is nothing like spay/neuter, after spay/neuter surgery, the animal goes back to normal, except without the urge to mate. Declawing is an amputation surgery, the same as you getting your fingers amputated to the first joint. It can cause physical problems, increased biting behavior (since the cat knows it has no other way to defend itself), as well as litterbox problems, as the paws can remain very sensitive and digging in litter can be too painful. There are alternatives, such as keeping the nails trimmed (like a manicure!), and for tough cases, there are coverings called "soft paws" that go on over the nail so the cat can't do damage if it scratches. I just think cats are cats, and cats scratch. And dogs that get scratched by a cat generally learn to just leave the cat alone. http://www.declawing.com/

Answer:
You beat me to it SableCollie!

dizzimom, spay and neutering actually protects your pets health, de-clawing does the opposite because your cat won't be able to defend herself if she gets outside, she won't even be able to climb a tree to get away from a predator. Perhaps now that your cat is at a disadvantage you will also remove your dogs teeth? (i'm not serious of course) but do you see what I mean?

Answer:
Originally Posted by dizzimom
Holy mackeral! I did not commit a sin. I gave my opinion just like you guys gave yours. Your opinion is no better or no worse then mine. I am an animal lover and I would hate to see one animal hurt another. It is bad enough that the poor little things are abuse by us humans. Declawing a cat is no different then spayed/neutering them. Again my opinion. The person I write to has the right to take my advice, your advice or just leave it. I would never, ever suggest something that would hurt another. I am not that kind of person. I take care of strays as well as my own. I am not just a dog lover either. I have the most precious cat too and I love them both. So everyone chill. I did not mean to step on anyones toes persey.

Of course you are entitled to your opinion, dizzimom. We are not all going to offer the same advice, or hold the same viewpoints. I'm sure that you are a caring and devoted pet owner, and love all animals.

But, when offering any advice to another on a public forum..it can be challenged by others who may disagree.
When its on such a controversial and touchy subject such as declawing.. that is frankly to be expected, I'd say.

Suggesting a drastic measure such as declawing based on the circumstances the OP presented was unwarranted, imo.
The issues this cat is having may be temporary. Declawing is forever.


Declawing is NOT the same as neutering and spaying - in my opinion.
One is universally accepted as beneficial on many levels, the other holds no benefit whatsoever to the animal, and is banned as barbaric in many countries

The general "mimimizing" sometimes done of all that declawing entails bothers me. This leads some to mistakenly seek this out under the assumption its a harmless uncomplicated procedure for "all" cats. That, it isnt.

And before even considering this,every single last option should be at be tried first. and, as with any surgery.. research on all aspects.

For you, this worked out well.. and I'm very glad that it did.

With this and all forum topics.. its also perfectly ok to agree to disagree!

Answer:
Shockwaves went through me when you put declawing in the same category as spay/neuter,there is just no comparison!!
We have discussed this horrid mutilation on several occasions and I believe we have a video floating around somewhere,showing exactly what declawing is all about.
To me it is not a question of different opinions,the fact is,no animal should have to endure terrible pain to be more suitable to the owner.
It is banned in many countries,where money is not valued more than the animals,unfortunately not in North America.

Answer:
Iluvmycritters,Sorry we got in to a debate about declawing,I am hoping you do not take anyones advice of declawing

Give this little girl,time and more time to become adjusted,I am sure in the end she will be a sweet little cat,most of all she needs to reach her comfort zone and feel safe. Good Luck!

Answer:
Originally Posted by dizzimom
Holy mackeral! I did not commit a sin. I gave my opinion just like you guys gave yours. Your opinion is no better or no worse then mine. I am an animal lover and I would hate to see one animal hurt another.


yes but, is it ok to have your cat's claw bone amputated?!? Because that's what declawing is. Instead of cutting your nails, you'd cut to the next joint.
To many of us that is a sin....but...you're entitled to your opinion even if it's bad. We try to educate people here about these things.

Answer:
Have you tried lying still on the floor with her in the room, sort of locked in so she sort of HAS to get to know you. Leave enough room that if she doesn't want anything to do with you that there is enough room she feels "safe" from the human. Make sure she has a place to hide and all that. If she doesn't come to you after a few hours then just open up the door and let her do her own thing. On the other hand, she might come over to sniff you and stuff like that and it might help her. Sort of a "I'm down on your level and see I'm not a threat" kind of thing? I don't know how well cats respond to body language as dogs do but its worth a shot? Make it part of your routine.


The other thing I wanted to say was that Leo was never much of a cuddler. He would rather run playfully away (after my other cat...poor Pawz having to deal with Leo LOL) than be petted. Finally a year later of all but ignoring the guy (he didn't want to cuddle so I left him "alone" I was sneaky and snuck in cuddles when he was asleep LOL) he decided that he was going to come up to me and cuddle my little butt off. Boy do I hear it if I am too busy/doing something else when he wants to cuddle. He doesn't mind me initiating the cuddles but usually would prefer to go off and do his own thing. *sigh* I'm such a slave to his cuddle time

Perhaps your kitty is like mine?

Megan

Answer:
Getting down to her level and letting her come to you is a great idea! I have used this many times with strays and fosters, if you can lay pretty still for quite a while they will venture a sniff or two to check you out and laying down makes you less threatening to them. Also when introducing a new pet it is always best to start them in one room, on their own, so they can get used to the new scents, under the door and through items in the room. I usually take 4 days to a week or more before letting them out and into the mix. Also this gives them one on one time with a new owner, as well as time to get used to the idea that there is a different animal on the other side of the door. Dogs would be a big shock to a cat who hadn't been around them before.

When my parents got a new cat it took their first Cordelia almost a year and a half to come around to her. And although they are not the best of friends they tolerate each other just fine now.

All cats have their own unique personality and they need loads and loads of time to adjust to change. Just be patient and let her know that the love is there when she is ready.

Oh and ditto on getting her to a vet, with no medical history a check up is a very good idea, and ditto on NOT declawing (sans le lecture).

Answer:
There is no excuse for declawing a cat IMO. It's inhumane and totally unnecessary. Next time you go for a manicure have them lop off the nail right up to the first knuckle. Same thing. Cruel is a good word for it.

As for the unfriendly kitty. Does it really matter that she doesn't want to be petted right now? It may take her quite a while to settle in and some cats I've seen have actually become big sucks the older they got. A lot of cats are standoffish and aren't like dogs, they like to be patted on their terms Doesn't mean they don't love you, just leave them alone for a weekend and come home and see what a real cold shoulder is . All cats are different, some love attention some loathe it, but that's what makes each one of them special.

Cindy

Answer:
Chico2 is right just give the kitty some time. Poor thing new house and dogs and people. A little overwhelming I believe. Besides animals have personalities just as we do. Please Dont declaw. Regaurdless if it would make her more calm or not, it is just mean. Be patient with her, she will come around and if not at least you will have had time to figure her personality out and know what works best for the both of you. A check up is a good idea too. Best wishes

Answer:
I hope the original poster comes back with an update or responses - there has been a lot of good said here!

If ILuvMyCritters still wants more input, please post again... I'll expand on the following then (no time now). Basically, my Luna came home to me at 8 weeks, she was ferrel and spent only 2 days at the shelter before I got her. She has always been tempermental, distrusting, a bit scaredy-cat like... but also sometimes nasty and fierce. It took months to get her to settle in my home (without other people or pets!) It took two years before she started to show real, unprompted affection to me. Now (she's 5) she comes and lays on me a couple of times a day, wants petting, etc... and I couldn't possibly love her more! It was a very trying first couple of years when I wanted to pull out my own hair from the frustration and sadness of my new and first cat not 'loving me' right away. It takes consistancy and patience, but it passes, and it is SO WORTH IT.

One other thought - previous owners maybe used their hands like toys (wiggling fingers, playing like a mouse, etc.) - in addition to all your new kitty is going through, she just may not trust the 'erratic' behavior of hands, especially new hands...

My Luna has all her claws, but HAS learned not to use them... she does bite still sometimes, but I learned her signals, and when she's irritated she swats, but with her claws withdrawn, like a warning. Pay attention to your cats warnings and signals as soon as you learn them, you'll add comfort to her life...
I agree that declawing is absolutely terrible and shouldn't be done. I survived five years of a very (VERY!) tempermental cat with claws - proof to me that its unnecessary. Nuff said, as others have so clearly discussed this.

Answer:
This is a shirt break - so I just want to add to the already good advice provided, PLEASE DO NOT DECLAW her whatever you do. That is the absolute worst thing you can do and to a cat with problems, it will add even more!!!! It is illegal in most countries and the person who promoted it is not a vet nor does she seem to understand declawing. As a scientist, I know that just because it may have looked OK for one cat - and the jury is still out because cats who are declawed tend to develop arthritis as they age - that is absolutely no measure for any reason that the procedure works at all. It actually creates cats who are more afraid, have absolutely no chance f they somehow get out of the house, and often these cats will resort to biting - which from a pediatric point of view (something I can talk about !) cat bites are far worse than a clawed sore from a cat!! Bites become infected, faster and much more easily than do scratches for example.

I like Chico just had shivers in my spine when i read that!!! I cannot actually believe anyone would declaw their cats when they know what happens to them! I am assuming this was the case with the poor lady who mentioned her kitty was declawed. I wish her cat well in later years!

Answer:
Our cats were abused before we took them in (two years apart from one another). The first one, it took a VERY long time for her to be comfortable in her new home. And it took YEARS for her to be calm in the presence of men, other than my husband. But it is totally worth it.

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