Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: We need some help from any cat people out there ...

What a fantastic thing to do! That poor, poor cat. I don't know her and I already feel sorry for her.

As someone who spent quite a few years fostering sick and abused cats, as well as having three of my own, I've seen plenty of "scaredy cats". Do you have a room in your house, or maybe part of a room, that she can call her own? Give her a warm bed to sleep in, boxes to hide in, a window perch to look outside.... she just needs time. If you are patient and gentle, she will eventually come around. Promise! I once fostered a cat who hid under our guest bed for well over a month before finally venturing out when I was in the room.

I would also recommend using something called Feliway. They can be pricey, but you can buy outlet adapters for it, kinda like a plug-in air freshener. Feliway contains feline phermones, and it is extremely calming to a stressed out cat. I've used it extensively with my foster cats. You might also try catnip, either in toys or just loose leaf stuff sprinkled on the floor. That can really bring cats out of their shell!

Good luck, and please keep me posted!!! I sure do miss my days of fostering...

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Lisa, IBS-C (Vegan)
Stable since July 2007!
Mommy to Rhiannon Marie (Dec. 13, 2008)

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