Foster Mommy to Maine Coon mix

[karenswalk]

I decided to foster a kitty after losing my beloved Ragdoll Misha in May. I have done a lot of research and thought a Maine Coon would be a great match for me. I decided on this beautiful Maine Coon mix that a local rescue had. He is thought to be about 3 years old. He was rescued from a house along with his two doxie siblings after the family that was evicted left them behind. The officer decided to take them to rescues instead of animal control.

Sammy is a very laid back cat. The problem I am having is he really doesn't like any kind of interaction. He will tollerate me petting him. He doesn't come to me for affection at all. He will hang out with me a few feet away. I know that is a typical trait with Maine Coons. He will also "help" me with chores. I've always had cats that may not be lap cats but enjoy being next to you and petted. This is so hard for me. I've resigned to leaving him alone. I don't know what else to do. The vet said he is healthy and nothing is wrong with him. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!


Here he is:

[candes]

Give him some extra time to warm up to you. In a quiet loving home. The quiet will sooth his nerves and make him more likely to warm up to you. All new kitties should also have a special "home base" room that will eventually become their favorite room. I chose my bedroom.

Don't constantly "try too hard" to get him to like you. Show your love by looking at him a lot with adoration. Don't pick him up unless he likes it. Most importantly, don't push anything he doesn't like. He will pick up on your relaxed attitude. Before you know it he will get closer and closer to you space wise, and loving wise. Give it time.

[Howlinbob]

Absolutely right, Candes. Don't impose yourself on him, give him lots of space, and keep up calm and loving vibes at all times. Always let him sniff your hand first, don't go over his head. Talk to him in that daft voice we all use for the cats (you know what I mean), even when he's a few feet away. Pay attention to your body language - blink slowly at him, and if you are smiling, don't bare your teeth. Sooner or later, you will see him warm to you to some degree, and it will be hugely rewarding.

When you get a cat from a rescue, you don't really know what they've been through. Looking at his history, he's lost his home, he's been abandoned by his owners and separated from his siblings. (And what sort of owners were they, if they could just abandon their cats?) Then he's been in a rescue for a while, which is a stressful environment for a cat, with the best will in the world. Now he's in a completely new place again. The poor lad must be traumatised. So do give him loads of time and patience, and I'm sure he'll come round, especially if you have no other cats in your house, and the rest of your family is on board with the way forward.

By the way, HE'S GORGEOUS!
Keep us posted, and more pictures please! xxx

[Antonia]

I agree with the people above. Don't push him, but give him space and time to adapt.
Also, try to play with him and arouse his curiosity... dangle a piece of string in front of him, throw a little ball or fake mouse... you know the drill. But again, don't overdo it if he doesn't appear interested at first.

BTW, he is a seriously handsome chappy.

[Karol]

I can only agree with what the rest already said. Give him time and you'll see that it will get better.
He's a handsome guy and I'm sure he'll realize soon enough that he has found a great home with you!

[FreyjaRoMaine]

At the risk of sounding unimaginative, I would agree with the guys. Howlinbob's also got a good point about his history - however he may have been treated, he was abandoned so I would imagine that he'll have some trust issues that you'll need to help him overcome. Keep doing what you're doing, don't push him, and try to be relaxed about it - as you know, cats pick up on how you're feeling. I'm sure you'll find over time he'll respond - he's been very fortunate that someone like you found him, he might just need a little time to realise that you're not going anywhere.

Best of luck - keep us posted, and don't forget more pic's!