Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: Rachel_East_London on February 19, 2009, 14:47:14 PM
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Well on Friday we picked up two cats, not one - we were talked into it partly by the Trust staff and partly because little Paddock had such big eyes (she's a long haired tortoiseshell kitten, so very cute...) Paddock and her Mum Malkin (18 months old tabby) came home with us and have been eating and drinking very healthily since. Malkin in particular has chilled out quite a bit and will allow herself to be stroked if you talk to her gently (although I wouldn't attempt to pick her up yet). Both love playing with each other and us!
My only question is, is there something we should be doing to socialise Paddock a bit more. She is beautiful but very skittish, hides a lot when she sees us, and won't let my partner stroke her unless she's eating. I've been around more during the day and so have managed to stroke Paddock in the last couple of days, but only after stroking Malkin for a while first. Paddock did purr too - amazing deep sound - but got scared and ran away after a bit. She was born on a building site and lived rough for the first two months of her life so I guess this is affecting her still (she was then in rescue for 2 months). I got a bit worried seeing a site saying that the first two months were the really crucial ones - is there anything we can do to make us for her bad start in life, apart from playing with her, talking to her, and being patient?
Will post pics tomorrow when at home :)
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I think you've got it in a nutshell really, the first few weeks are vital but they are gone so you may as well forget that and carry on as you are - a long haired torti sounds lovely!!
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I think that you are doing very well already and should just keep on as you are cos its working :hug:
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Time is the key but just hang out with her, sit on the floor and read a book, cats hate being ignored! A long string is good for playing as it starts them at a distance and you can draw them in. Are they in one room or do they have free access of the house?
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Ginny, my little rescue girl had a similar start in life, was semi feral when she was rescued at 8 weeks old, and was then in foster care until i got her at 4 months old. Within a week or so she had really, really bonded with me, :Luv2: she is still skittish with other people, and i don't think she'll ever be the type of cat to like strangers, but the bond she has with me (and even to an extent, with my young son) is sooooooooo strong. :Luv: Penguin on t'other hand was raised in a home and very well socialised, and purrs if you so much as look at her :Luv: but she loves everyone equally rather than having the almost clingy attachment to me. ;)
Basically that was a long way of saying that given time i'm sure she'll be the most loyal cat you could wish for. ;) Congrats on your new additions BTW, and l;ooking forward to pics? ;D
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:1st place: on the new arrivals :) No advice on the socialisation side of things... just a nag :waiting: :pic: :evillaugh:
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Can't help as I've not been in the same situation but can't wait to see the pics x
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Here are pictures :) hope it works. They are actually ones we took last weekend as the ones I've tried to take today haven't come out that well.
They have the run of most of the house now (I'm not letting them in the bathroom - chaos could erupt :evillaugh: )
This morning I decided I wouldn't feed them till I'd manage to stroke them both... didn't take too long. Again stroking Malkin (mum) first until Paddock decided I was not evil... Then while we ate breakfast they ran and chased each other like a couple of loons! Now pretending to be all grown up and sitting down.
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:Luv: :Luv2: :Luv2: They are gorgeous, i love longhair torties. :)
Just give them time an be patient, and then one day they will surprise you . :hug:
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Both beautiful but have to say Paddock esp is a bit of a dreamboat :Luv:
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They're gorgeous, I love the top one of them cuddling :Luv2:
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They're both just sooooo gorgeous.
The only advice I can give with the socialisation is to keep doing what you're doing. Be patient, and give them as much time as they need.
And ignoring them is good - they'll want to know why, and come to you eventually.
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Another picture of Paddock, looking extremely regal yesterday!
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They are just gorgeous, Paddock definitely has that norty tortie look about her too :evillaugh:
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:Luv: :Luv2: beautiful
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What a beautiful pair :Luv: especially Paddock she looks so royal and regal sitting for her portrait :Luv2: :Luv2:
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OMG the are gorgeous but Paddock is definitely a heartbreaker :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
The following thread might help with the bonding process: http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,4793.0.html
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Oh wow what cuties :Luv:
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Lovely pics. Expecially the cuddly one.
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:Luv: :Luv:
They are gorgeous :Luv2:
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Awwwwww beautiful