How can I get my cat to like me more?

Cats Forum
1

Hey everyone! I’m new here and could use some advice!

I adopted a cat today and I’m worried I may have made a bad first impression. I got her from the Humane Society and she seemed loving and purring when we met. When I brought her home and let her out of her cage in my room, she was receptive to being petted and purring too. However, after I left for about an hour to give her some space and get lunch, I came back to find her hiding under my bed. I didn’t think much of it at first, but it’s been several hours now, and I decided to try petting her again. I have experience with cats, so when I tried to pet her under the bed, I gently grabbed her scruff and pulled her out to hold her. She wasn’t purring, but she didn’t resist either. After a couple of minutes, she left my lap and went back to her hiding spot under the bed. I’m worried that grabbing her like that might have been a bad move. I’m so excited to have a cat again after years, and I don’t want her to be afraid of me. I’ve read online that you should never force interactions with a cat, but I feel like I’ve already made that mistake. How can I show her I’m trustworthy and help her feel safe around me?

For more context, she’s six years old and has been rehomed before. She’s also declawed, which I read can make cats more anxious.

2

Be patient with her. She might have been given up by someone she loved, so it’s a big adjustment for her. Keep her in a room with food, water, and a litterbox for at least a week or two to let her settle in. If you can, use your bedroom or another room where you can visit her regularly. She might stay under the bed at first, but with time and gentle encouragement, she may start to come out.

Make sure to have toys around, a window spot where she can watch birds, or play calming videos for cats on YouTube. Let her get used to your scent and the sounds of her new home. Make her feel safe and take it slow.

Also, be careful with scruffing older cats – it can cause them discomfort if not done properly.

Try not to push things too fast… I have 11 cats myself and know it takes time.

3

Just let her come to you when she’s ready. Pushing her too soon might stress her out even more.

4

There’s a rule called the 3-day, 3-week, 3-month rule. It takes 3 days for a cat to relax, 3 weeks to start feeling more comfortable, and 3 months to fully settle in. It can even take longer depending on the cat.