How to Handle Abused Cats
A feline that has been abused, can on the surface appear to be in a perfect state, but in reality can be suffering a lot on the inside. It’s often easier to treat cats that have been psychically damaged, than cats that have been psychologically or emotionally damaged. Cats who have suffered from physical abuse will often respond well to a soft pat and a friendly voice, as long as they are aware that the abuse is over. If you have a cat that has been emotionally abused, then you should always wait for the cat to approach you first. The poor little animal will probably be very confused and may be worried that you are going to hurt them as well, so you have to be patient until they feel totally safe. When they start coming towards you, you can let them sniff you and pat them.
Yelling or teasing them with tools such as water guns can emotionally damage your cat. Cats who have suffered from emotional abuse can become very lethargic. Cats that have become lethargic will stop playing, taking treats, or listening to what you say to them.
The best way to treat a lethargic cat is to bring in another cat as a friend. You should always make slow movements around a lethargic cat because they may still be in a traumatic mood. If your cat starts to get worried again or if you yell, they will run and hide. If you continue to use a friendly voice and have patience, your cat can overcome their trauma. If you get a cat that is lethargic you should prepare yourself for a long and very intensive healing period.
Abused cats need a loving home and a loving owner who will give them the type of lifestyle they deserve. Always remember that if you are dealing with an abused cat, you should always be very gentle.
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3 Responses to “How to Handle Abused Cats”
Kay says:
I think you meant “physically” damaged. I have a 3-yrold cat whom I reared from 4 weeks with her twin. She was always loving and cuddly. However, her twin was killed on a road, we got another kitten and she has never got friendly with it. After 6 months of gentle introductions, special treatment for her and careful policing of their encounters, she still doesn’t like to be inside, still physically attacks the “kitten” (drawing blood), and isn’t the same kitty as before. She won’t let the new cat use the backyard at all and only permits him to use the front yard when she isn’t there. She won’t sit on our laps anymore either. When is she going to adapt? She’s gorgeous on her own. We also have another 17 yr old cat who just doesn’t worry anyone!
shelley Hopkins says:
I need some help!!! I live in Hong Kong and recently began temporarily fostering cats as I love them. The rescue contacted me a few days ago informing me a 1 year old cat who was thrown out of a window 2 floors up needed a quiet home for now and could I foster her. Obviously I accepted she was brought to me and as soon as I put her in my spare room she was extremely traumatized understandably. I have given her plenty of food, water and a litter tray which she hasn’t touched. I am looking on websites which say what I am assuming…that I have to be patient. She is hiding right in the corner of my spare room, I cannot see or hear her but it is the only place she can be (unless she has dug a tunnel and ran off!!!) Does anyone have any other advice for me? Or can you tell me if I am doing the right thing? I have just left her in the spare room with the door closed, I often look through the window from the outside to see if she is ok and I have to go into my spare room as this is where all my clothes are but I don’t want to scare her even more!!!
cat fosterer says:
Hi Shelly I foster cats too. I have found they will take two or three days to settle down enough to eat, go to the toilet and leave whatever spot they have discovered they feel safe in. Making sure they know where to find dry food, water and their litter trayand then just “ignoring” them for a while will give them some time to adjust. They eventually come out of their shells. So, it sounds like you’re doing the right thing – although I wouldn’t shut her in to your spare room – allowing her to know that if she feels upset or trapped, that she can escape will help her to adjut more quickly to your house, your habits, etc. Hope that helps – let me know if you have more questions!