Reclusive cat

by Dana
(Tampa, FL)

I have a female cat, 10 yrs old, who I've had since she was 6 mths old. She was rescued. She seemed like a very sociable cat at the shelter but from the minute we brought her home she has hidden under the bed - yes for 10 yrs. She only comes out to eat and use the litter box. We have never been able to pick her up or pet her, she runs from us. We have never hurt her or anything. We had another cat, a 1 yr old male, when we brought her home but we introduced slowly and they've been best buds every since, that isn't issue. I think we have given her a good life and have gotten nothing in return, except bills. I did try homeopathic and other remedies but nothing has worked. I love my pet and want the best for her but she could live another 8 yrs under the bed which doesn't sound like a great life for her and frankly, and I realize how this sounds, it's a lot of time and money for us with no return. In a nutshell, I'm thinking about putting her down but am morally conflicted at the same time. I was hoping for some guidance and advice. Thanks

Answer by Kate
Why are you thinking of putting her down? If she is not sick and is eating well etc and is in no physical pain, i cannot see why you would do this.
Some cats are just more shy than others and if she chooses to hide under the bed then thats where she feels safest.
After all this time it would be difficult to change her behavior now, and i don't know what the situation is at home ie is her environement stimulating enough for her to be active if she wanted too. You could try playing games with her with balls and string, but at the end of the day you cannot make a cat do anything they do not want to do.
I think you may just have to accept that this particular cat is a very timid she cat, just like some poeple are.