Nervous new baby.....

[charliebubs]

My wonderful new bundle of joy, Red, is settling in quite well. The introductions with the others have been going slowly but surely. Abi has been the main problem, as I think she is jealous. She's a meezer and has always been quite "in my face" and he's a meezer and wants to do the same

Last night I was sat in the living room supervising introductions and a bit of play with a feather on a stick. Red and Abi were getting closer and closer and sniffing without any reaction from each other. Then after play time they both came and sat on my lap. Red came first and snuggled up and Abi wasn't far behind!! They weren't actually cuddling each other, or touching, but it's great progress!!

However, Red is a bit of a nervous baby. He was raised at the breeders house in just one room of the house. They had a lot of stimulation, play and cuddles, but never left this room. He was with his brother and sister. I don't think he has really been exposed to many of the usual household things - like the TV, hairdryer, hoover, washing machine. The first night I had him and put the telly on he nearly jumped out of his skin!!

The main problem is that when he was playing with Abi last night she got a bit over enthusiastic and chased him (in a playful way) but he just freaked, ran straight up the stairs, jumped on my bed and peed He must have been so frightened, but it was over nothing

How can I help him become more used to household stuff??? and how can I make him realise that Abi wants to play and is not a threat!?!?!

[Fran]

It's early days Charlie, perhaps seperating Abi from Red until he finds his feet a little more and grows in confidence?? This is the trouble with raising kittens in isolation. I know that a lot of breeders do it to protect the health of their kittens but I think their socialisation suffers as a result Good luck and do let us know how he settles in

[babycakes]

When I got Denis he was soooo nervous. He was feral born then in the rescue centre for 4 weeks so didn't have much contact with humans nor any household objects.
When we brought him home he hid ontop of a speaker under a table and wouldn't come out. I gradually allowed him to have more space.
He had his own bedroom which he was locked in of a night and the day and then given the living room for longer periods of time. I would spend hours alone with him in his room showing him various items and allowing him to approach them in his own time. He couldn't handle lots of space to begin with, he didn't feel safe as he didn't know where to run to.

I also introduced him to the hoover etc without reacting when he ran away. I found that if I shouted 'oh baby, it's ok', or any response it just made him more nervous but if I carried on as normal whilst using the hoover etc he would come to explore judging my reaction to him.
He is still a jumpy cat (he's 3) and has a particular dislike of men, just about tolerating my OH. and carrier bags, bin bags, tin foil. But he has come a long way and it has been worth the struggle.
Hope this helps a little.

[charliebubs]

Thanks Babycakes - that does help. Did you have other cats when you got Denis and how did he react to them??

I agree with Fran - that it's great that he was kept away from the other cats at the breeders in terms of health, but it means that he has no idea how to interact with new cats or household stuff

[babycakes]

No Denis is a loner I'm afraid. Wanted to introduce a cat to him but got to persude the OH....Took me 10 years to get him

Anyway, I think the turning point was went he went the cattery for a week. He came back so loving. He must have understood what he gets at home and he now asks for cuddles. He stands at the bottom of the stairs and cries and I follow him up the stairs into the bedroom, he jumps on the bed and he massages as I tickle his tummy then I rub the space between his eyes til he falls alseep, he really is a baby.
I work with children who are socially isolated and yes it is skills that we can only learn from each other, he peobably doesn't understand that he has to share, even you!!!

[charliebubs]

Originally Posted by babycakes

I work with children who are socially isolated and yes it is skills that we can only learn from each other, he peobably doesn't understand that he has to share, even you!!!

I don't think he does yet!!! lol

Does anyone else have any suggestions please????????? I know you're all engrossed in the irresponsible breeding debate - but can you help!?!?!??!?!

[dinahsmum]

A CD with household noises - you start by playing it really really quiet then build up as fRed gets more used
Just found this on a quick google - you may find one specifically for cats but the household section on this would probably do you
http://www.petvetcare.co.uk/acatalog/FIREWORK_FEAR.html
Good luck

[charliebubs]

Thanks DM - that's a good idea! I did leave the radio on for him yesterday, but he had somehow managed to turn it off

[dinahsmum]

Originally Posted by charliebubs

Thanks DM - that's a good idea! I did leave the radio on for him yesterday, but he had somehow managed to turn it off

Maybe he's a Radio 4 cat? - wanted to hear the afternoon play not Pussycat Dolls?

[babycakes]

Ha ha maybe he don't like the station.....