Cats coming off the street may have a hard time socializing. Kittens are more likely to improve, but adults are trickier.
In these cases, continue with small steps. Don’t give them a whole room, Dresser suggested, because then they can avoid you. Try keeping them in a smaller space, like a crate, to minimize overstimulation.
“Their world is very small, and you are a big part of it,” Dresser said.
A wall filled with cat pictures and decor at Amy Dresser’s home.
(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
Butler finds just sitting with the cats, even at a distance, helps build the relationship.
“I’ll bring in my Switch. I’ll bring in my computer. I’ll play some games, do some work, scroll on my phone,” Butler said. “Just sit there and be in their presence.”
After a couple days, Butler will try touching them, starting with their finger rather than their whole hand. They might also pet them from a distance with a retractable cat scratcher.
Butler will make mouth sounds when they get a positive response from the cat, so they associate good progress with noise. They echoed Dresser’s recommendation: treats also help with positive reinforcement.
