Cat fears and memories

by Laurie Lee
(Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)

Our 8 month old kitten went missing 2 months ago. We got her back yesterday, will she remember us? she is frightened and wont let us pick her up. What can we do to help her settle back in. We have 2 dogs which she was very comfortable with. We recently got a new kitten after she was missing a while. Molly was about 6 months when she got out on us. She was always shy and a bit aloof. She will let us pet her and will purr but she hides in the corner of a room all curled up in a ball shedding like mad. Poor little thing, breaks my heart. She was always more affectionate with me but is definitely more comfortable right now with my husband and kids. Please help.

Answer from Kate
She needs some time on her own in the new house so put her in a room on her own for a few days with her toys, bed and litter etc, visit her regularly but keep things calm and quiet and don't try to touch her just be with her for awhile.

then start to introduce the other pets and people to her slowly. See this procedure for the pets

http://www.our-happy-cat.com/introducing-cats.html

There is also a way to help cats feel comfortable with you and is described on this page

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

Basically she needs time and space to find her own confidence again. It may take some time but cats are very good at adapting to new situations.

best wishes Kate