Dickens is terrified.

[dinky]

Two weeks ago, Dickens was taken outside ,along with his siblings to have a play while I was hanging out the washing. It was very windy and a big tarp that was covering the roof of our damaged garage was flapping around. Poor Dickens got a terrible fright and bolted for the road. My daughter caught up with him, but he was terrified and started leaping up at the glass windows to try and get inside. We let him in immediately, but now, he remains terrified of us and refuses to go outside at all. He spends his days under my bed, hiding from us, and only comes out for food. He shies away from me when I try to pat him, and I really don't know what to do. Dickens is an indoor cat but used to spend several hours a day in an outside compound with my other kitties. Now he won't even go into the compound. He is completly deaf so can't be soothed with words. I hate seeing my boy like this. Any suggestions on how to bring my poor boy round would be appreciated.

[Marigold7]

Originally Posted by dinky

Two weeks ago, Dickens was taken outside ,along with his siblings to have a play while I was hanging out the washing. It was very windy and a big tarp that was covering the roof of our damaged garage was flapping around. Poor Dickens got a terrible fright and bolted for the road. My daughter caught up with him, but he was terrified and started leaping up at the glass windows to try and get inside. We let him in immediately, but now, he remains terrified of us and refuses to go outside at all. He spends his days under my bed, hiding from us, and only comes out for food. He shies away from me when I try to pat him, and I really don't know what to do. Dickens is an indoor cat but used to spend several hours a day in an outside compound with my other kitties. Now he won't even go into the compound. He is completly deaf so can't be soothed with words. I hate seeing my boy like this. Any suggestions on how to bring my poor boy round would be appreciated.

Patience and calm. Do not try to push this; he needs time to get over the shock. I have seen this with the little feral I rescued. Her "safe place" was and still is under my bed. Coming out for food only and the tray. Gradually she is emerging at her own pace. Let him make the running. He knows you and will emerge slowly. May take weeks but time heals. At this stage the more you push the longer it will take. I know how hard it is. I have had this feral nearly two months so early days yet with Dickens.