New cat

I FINALLY have a cat! She's almost 9 months old. Its nearly only been two weeks but she's still really scared. When I got her she was hiding for the first week and I know that's normal. She's started coming out a lot more so I'm happy about that. Her crazy ten minutes are hilarious.
However she's still really scared, I've yet to pet her or anything but hopefully that day will come.
Just wanted to share my news.

Has anyone had a really shy scared cat? Or how long did it take for you cat owners for your cat to let you pet or cuddle it?

I found that a piece of string with a knot at the end wielded suitably got her into pouncing mode.

I've bought her loads of toys. She plays with me but she stays at a certain distance.

IcryWhoAmI, have an 8 or 9 year old absolute 'fraidy cat. He stills spends a lot of his time burrowed into the box springs of my bed. I've come to accept that I have to let him come to me for attention. He will occasionally come and want to sit with me. More often he joins me in bed at night. He's just not a snuggle bunny like some of my others. Critters are like people, some like to cuddle, some don't.

One thing he really likes to do is chase the laser light. He is determined to catch that red dot!

It's been 4 weeks today since I got her, do you think I should try and let her outside?

If she is still acting scared how will you ever get her back in the house?
I keep all five of my cats in the house 24/7/365. There are W-A-Y too many bad things that can happen to them outside.

Awesome that you have a cat. My cat took quite a while to settle and stop being scared, she had had a rough start to life. I think it was a good 6 months before she really understood that this was her forever home. Like us they need time, love and patience, oh and a bit of fun sometimes. And I agree about the laser light, my cat just adores it too. About going outside, well I would wait until I was sure that she would come back home. Anyway hope you have a great time with her

She just let me pet her for the first time but yeah she's still a bit scared. I'll try and wait another week or two see what Shes like then.

Thanks for the update, I hope she can overcome her shyness soon. Have you tried putting food or catnip on your hands so that you smell nice?

Fortunately your cat is still young and has plenty of time to learn to adapt to human company. As long as you don't traumatise it you should be able to make progress.

I find that patting the cat on the back near the base of its tail is what keeps them coming back for more. That's where I pat strays or neighbourhood cats.

I've tried catnip, she's really not interested in it.
I've tried to pet her again but she jumps away. It's fine though, she's still amazing

I wouldn't let her outside until she is totally comfortable with you inside. My cats are a little over 1.5 years old. I got them at 4 months. My one cat is very anxious, but she is still getting more relaxed around me. When I first got them I spent a lot of time lying on the floor with my arms outstretched not moving with treats (just beyond my hand) and letting them come to get used to coming near me.

Hi ICry, I think waiting until she's used to you completely before letting her out is a good idea if you want her to be an outdoor kitty. I had 3 cats when I was a youngster. Find her vice and she'll forget about being scared. I guess my advice is also to stick with your normal routine so she knows what to expect from you..hope this helps (:

I catsat for a real scaredy cat once, and thats exactly what i did - the lying down and letting the kitty come to me. When my friend returned, she said the cat was even more friendly with her.

Hi, my advice- every time you stroke her give her food as a reward. good luck, you just have to put the time in and have lots of patience, and cat treats! I wouldn't let her out just yet.