How to make my skittish stray cat comfortable and let me pick her up?

A cat who was basically feral for 5 months may take quite some time to become more comfortable with handling, and she may never be a cuddly lap cat. It does sound like she is willing to have some interaction with you, so I would continue what you are doing in terms of offering her nice tasty treats when she comes to you. Also feeding her near you if she will eat with you nearby but not touching her (don't want to overwhelm her at first, just get her more used to your presence being nonthreatening). I wouldn't pick her up if it scares her just yet, and I wouldn't force her to meet/be touched or held by new people just yet. I would give her a few more months of settling in. You may also add feline pheremone diffusers (Feliway is my favorite brand) to the house and try calming supplements such as Composure or Zylkene to see if these help relieve some of her anxiety as well. You can find all these products online, or at some vet clinics.

Poor Sophia. Some cats never truly do warm up or want attention. But there are some things you can try. One is try feeding something she really wants by hand. Either cat treats or canned food. Or if she won't eat from your hand yet. Start by sitting still next to her food bowl when you put it out. Resist the urge to pet her initially. Let her get comfortable with close proximity. Gradually over time see how she likes being petted. Some cats may only accept attention while you're on the floor wth them or she's on the bed with you. Try to keep things in her comfort zone Feliway diffusers around the house may also help with her baseline anxiety level as well. I strongly recommend looking into Feliway for skittish cats. https://www.feliway.com/us#redirected But mostly it's going to take time. It could be months but if you are patient and gentle about it she will likely start to look for more interaction. Try not to force things and don't grab or pick her up unless necessary. Let her come to you on her terms. Good luck! Thanks for using PetCoach.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding the stray cats. It will likely take you time to gain their trust. I recommend feeding them daily or whenever you have time. Eventually they will likely pet them and then take them to your home. Unless you use a humane trap, there really isn't another way to catch them. Good luck!

Hi. Alot of times when pets are feral to start off with, there is always that instinct that sticks with them. They can trust you and let you do something things, but they dont always become lovely, cuddly kitties. I had one like this too, and it never did change. She was just always independent, and didnt want attention unless it was on her terms. So, be prepared that it may not change. There isnt alot we can do other the continue positive experiences with her

Time and patience! If Princess is skittish in your new home it may just be she needs some time to settle in and relax. If she was abused or not handled much before coming to your home, she may also take longer to bond or just never be quite as cuddly. A few things you can do: Let her approach you instead of forcing interactions. This can help her gain trust and make things less stressful. If she does approach, offering your hand for her to sniff before petting, giving a favorite treat, or just talking in a calming voice can help. Pheromone diffusers and collars are great for reducing stress and anxiety and may help her to relax some and settle in. Treats are friends! Hand feeding her meals, giving treats when she approaches, and rewarding her for when she is calm and not nervous can help build trust as well. Playing with toys, if she likes them, such as a feather on a string can help increase bond and interactions without petting that may be too stressful for her, while still letting her interact and have fun.

She either is afraid of you or does not like you. You can try getting her used to you by sitting quietly in the same room with her without trying to touch her. Be the person that feeds her, once in a while give her cat nip and make sure she sees you putting the catnip down. All these are things that are nice for the cat and it may make her less afraid or like you more. Eventually she may come sit with you. Again, do not touch her, just be with her until she attempts to touch you. Never hold her down, force her to stay. This will take a lot of time, but the reward is waving at the end of the tunnel!

Some cats are simply naturally more skittish than other cats. They have different personalities, just like humans, and it's great that he does seek you out for attention. I definitely would reinforce that behavior in Stinker by giving him the attention as he wants it, and lavishing him with treats and praise when he comes to you for love and attention :-)