Troubled cat needs TLC

Hi Connie,

We have just taken on a three-year-old female cat which we think was badly treated as a kitten.

She is extremely nervous and doesn’t really like men! We have kept her indoors, but she is desperate to get out.

If we are out for the day I shut her in a bathroom (as we have workmen here and I don’t want them to let her out!) I have also been shutting her in at night.

She sleeps a lot – probably she’s bored as she can’t get outside. We were wondering if we should try a harness and take her outside each day.

She has never worn one so we’re not sure if we would get one on her. We are making a lot of fuss of her, but she isn’t a cuddly cat.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Yvonne Flanagan (Busot)

Hello Yvonne,

As she is three and you have only just got her you have to be very patient and take things easy with her. It can take a few months for her to accept and trust you.

Do not force yourself on her because in time she will come to you. Keep your husband away from her at the present and when you have guests keep her in another room.

I would not let her out of the home for a few months otherwise you will lose her as she will try to find her old home. She shouldn’t get bored if you have plenty of toys and scratch posts.

Good luck, Connie