New Cat not settling in

by peter greene
(England)

We recently had our cat put to sleep after 18 very happy years. The pain was indescribable. We adopted another cat two weeks ago. She is a 12/14 month tabby. Unfortunately she seems to prefer to spend most of the time in our bedroom away from us. She dislikes being picked up and she will not come onto our laps. We are worried that she may not be happy with us. She eats very well and uses her toilet OK.

She has been spayed had all her vaccs and has been chipped. Can you offer us any advice please?
We are pensioners and therefore are at home all day with her.

Answer by KAte
Hi
i am sorry to hear of your loss, i know how painful it can be but you did the right thing in rehoming another cat.

Some cast do take longer than others to get used to new homes and people etc. Also you do not know what experiences she had before you had her and that may be affecting the way she is reacting now.

i wouldn't worry too much and I very much doubt that she is unhappy with you, it is far more likely to be anxiety and weariness and this will ease over time.

Make sure you give her own space and do not force her to do anything, also make sure her home environment is as stimulating as possible for her.

i have two pages on my web site which I think may be of more help to you. One is about bonding with a cat and the other is about the home environment. here are the pages

https://www.our-happy-cat.com/new-cat.html

https://www.our-happy-cat.com/indoor-cats.html

best wishes Kate

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