Tiverton’s Blue Cross team shares top tips for helping shy cats settle in

 

The Blue Cross rehoming centre in Tiverton regularly sees shy and anxious cats being brought into its care. Shy cats generally do not cope well in catteries so often need to go into foster care to improve their chances of going to a loving home.

Romeo is a 12-year-old cat who’s been looking for a home since the beginning of the year. He arrived at the Blue Cross centre in Burford in January and since was transferred to the Tiverton centre to try to find a home in Devon.

Romeo was brought in as he wasn’t coping well in a home with a cat and a dog and at the centre spent most of his time hidden in his bed. He does not deal with cattery life very well.

Shy and nervous cats end up spending a lot of time at rehoming centres as they are often overlooked by potential new owners due to being hidden away. Foster homes for these cats are so important and the volunteer network of foster carers at Blue Cross is fantastic, but they always need more.

Laura O’Sullivan, Animal Welfare Assistant at Blue Cross rehoming centre in Tiverton, said: “As with all frightened cats, we began socialising Romeo very slowly by sitting outside his pen and reading to him – this allows the cat to interact with you on their own terms – you can also toss tasty treats to them as you read and this helps to build up a positive association between you and your new cat.

“For many weeks Romeo remained shut-down and hidden away but slowly he began to explore the cattery corridor and even began allowing the team to make a fuss of him.

“Shy cats can make the most rewarding pets as new owners can start to see the changes in their new friend’s behaviour and the development of trust which comes with time. The first time a nervous cat comes out of their hiding place and says ‘hello’ is a wonderful thing”

Due to his nervous disposition Romeo would be better living with older children and a home without pets. The team at Tiverton describe him as a “soppy, cuddly boy” and think he will make a wonderful new addition to someone’s family.

Romeo will need understanding owners who have experience with nervous cats and the patience to help him build his confidence slowly and in his own time

Here are some of the charity’s top tips on settling in a shy and anxious cat:

Setting up home:

• Dedicate one quiet room in the home to settle your new cat into - create several hiding places in the room using blankets and boxes on the floor or high up on a shelf or cupboard

• If your new cat hides somewhere, don’t try to remove them (unless the space is dangerous). Your cat feels safe in this space and will come out when ready. Forcing them out may do more damage than good.

• Once your cat is exploring the room confidently you can begin to open up the rest of the home to them. Start slowly by allowing them to explore adjacent rooms and eventually the whole home.

Bonding:

• Avoid eye contact where possible; staring is confrontational in cat language. Watch out for the cat “slow blink”. This is known as a “cat kiss” and is a great sign that your new friend is feeling comfortable around you.

• Sit and read aloud to them in a soft, quiet tone. You can also toss tasty treats or put down a bowl of yummy tuna for them to enjoy while you read. Let them get used to you slowly.

• Play is a great way to bond with your new cat. We would recommend fishing rod toys as it gives distance between you and your cat.

• If your cat approaches you calmly, try to stroke the top of their head, under their chin, or under the ears.

• Keep a diary of their daily progress and experiences.

Please visit our website for further cat advice.

There are many pets waiting for their loving homes and second chances at the Tiverton rehoming centre, if you would like to adopt Romeo, another pet, or would like to donate towards their care, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk/rehome-pet 

 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Photos of Romeo are available, please contact the media team.
• The Blue Cross pet rehoming centre in Tiverton has been helping homeless and abandoned pets across North Devon and parts of Somerset since 1985. The centre rehomes hundreds of cats and dogs every year. To contact the centre, call 0300 777 1560 or drop in at Chilton Gate, Bickleigh, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 8RS (check the website or call ahead for opening times).
• Blue Cross is a national charity that has been helping sick, injured, abandoned and homeless pets for over 120 years. We help thousands of pets in need every month by providing veterinary care, expert behaviour help and find them loving homes. We also offer education for current and future pet owners plus pet bereavement support for those who have lost their pet companion. Pets help us in so many ways and they depend entirely on us, with your support we can give back to more pets in need. Pets change lives. We change theirs.
• For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk

 

Media contact

Sam Murray, Blue Cross press office: 020 7932 4070 / [email protected]

Media Team, press office: 0300 777 1950 / [email protected]