Posted by BJinOz on June 24, 2006, 7:12 pm, in reply to "kitten behaviour"
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Have you tried Rescue remedy? I haven't tried it personally but many sing it's praises. I think patience is the key. Try not to force the kitty too much. I have a technique I like to use on kittens like this but it still takes time. There is no fast or easy solution. Firstly, glance briefly at her, don't make eye contact. Put your hand on her, then kneel down while looking away. Don't look directly at her when you're stroking her. Have your body at a right angle to her and look ahead but so you will be able to view her from the corner of your eye and glance at her for two seconds each time then look ahead again. If she seems ok with this, then pat her softly for a minute or two and then let her leave. If she seems to be improving do this a few times a day and very slowly increase the time you are doing it, 10 seconds extra each time, do that for a day or two and then increase another 20 seconds. You could also try to handfeed something that she really enjoys, start off just feeding only, so that she learns to associate you with something good and if she's ok with that after a few days or so (take your cue from her, if she seems relaxed with that then step it up a notch) then try to stroke her once or twice and then let her go and just keep repeating it and ever so slowly increase the frequency and again, work with her limits. There is another alternative, which may not solve the problem, but may help take the edge off and give you a chance, your vet may prescribe a sedative. They do have side effects and they need to be monitored frequently by a vet so it's not a decision to be made lightly and isn't a permanent solution. Sometimes as they get older they will mellow somewhat and occasionally, despite your best efforts, some cats just never get used to it. Good luck with her.