cat hiding for 6 weeks behind sofa

Question
I adopted a 4yr old male (neutered) cat from his owner who was dying. The man is now in hospice care. I was told the cat was timid and took a short time to warm up to new people BUT he was very affectionate. The cat was adopted by the man after being taken to the animal shelter as a stray. After coming home with me in a travel cage, "Ponty" went into a fit, eyes rolled back, cage jumping all over the floor with his movements, snarling, hissing.I had to remove the top of the cage to let him out, when the top of the cage came off..he continued to hiss and spit but quieted down immediately. He stayed in 1/2 of the cage overnight and did not move one muscle.  The next night while I was sleeping he found the sofa and moved in behind it. It took 3 days for him to come out for food, but he is now eating normally. The litter box is also used. He is very clean, no urine or feces anywhere but the litter box.

It has now been 6 weeks, the cat is still living behind my sofa. He comes out at night for food/water. I leave treats all over the house to get him to explore. He finds and eats them all. I tried to play with him, but I get the hissy fits all over again. I have just been leaving him alone.

The 4 times I found him out of hiding, he hisses and spits..and tried to cringe away from me. I retreated and let him be.

How much longer can I expect this anti-social behaviour. He is a lovely large and HEALTHY animal, but seems messed up psychologically.  Should I try pheromone diffusers or Rescue Remedy homeopathic treatments? I don't want to medicate him with heavy drugs.

Let me make this clear. EUTHANASIA is NOT AN OPTION. Everyone who knows the cat, says he is timid but loving and affectionate. I was born around cats, and have lived with them all my life, but never have I encountered one so terrifed.

Answer
Barb,

These are always difficult cases, but here is how I would handle it.

Except for feeding, watering, and changing the litter pan, I would pretend the cat does not exist.  Totally ignore him.  Do not approach him! Do not try to pet him!  Do not try to coax him out!

One of two things will happen, he stays the same in which case you are no worse off and may want to try the Feliway diffuser. Or, he, eventually, will tentatively approach you.  If he does the latter, still ignore him unless he asks to be petted, under these and no other circumstances, go ahead and pet him.  Let him decide how much affection he wants.  Do not try to pick him up or approach him even then.  Let him always initiate the first move.

A couple of other tips.  Do not make eye contact with him as he will take that as a threat.  When you look at him, blink.

I will give you a link to an excellent article on socializing Abyssinian cats, which also applies to any other type of cat.

http://www.abyssinian-rescue.com/advice.htm


Please let me know how it goes.

Best regards... Norm.