Traumatized by shelter?

Question
I adopted two kittens from a shelter 2 years ago.  One is just fine, she's socialized and all.  My black cat Chloe spent two weeks under my sofa when I first got her home and she still hides all the time mostly under my bed.  I've tried everything I can to make her feel safe and secure and happy in her new home.  She sneaks food all the time, doesn't come when I call her, when I do finally catch her on the rare occasion that I can, she gets all tense in my arms and begins shaking so much that I put her down because I feel so bad for her and she runs under my bed again.  I've tried to block the space under my bed to get her accustomed to other areas of my home however she meows so loudly that I end up removing the blocking and she runs under the bed again....I have 2 other cats besides her, the other female kitten and one male cat (all were adopted from shelters) how can I help out my poor cat?  I remember being told when I adopted her that they had to chase her hard just to catch her...do you think she was traumatized by this?  I feel very frustrated.  Please give me any advice you can preferably to my email address.  Thank you!

Answer
Jane,

It sounds to me like this kitty is very timid and somewhat traumatized. I know that it can be tough to watch a cat who is timid, but I would strongly suggest that the first step you take is to forget frustration, it may be part of why she is continuing to be fearful. When you handle her do so calmly, gently, and assertively. I suggest that you have her examined thoroughly (including blood and urine) by your vet. If this kitty comes back with no health problems then I would strongly suggest that you put her, a litter box, food, water, a bed and some toys into a room where she will feel safe. This will give you some time to help her become a little more social. Another good product that I recommend regularly is a homeopathic remedy that is a blend of flower essences called Rescue Remedy. You can purchase Rescue Remedy from health food/natural health stores. I would recommend 10 drops per day in her water bowl, be aware that you will need to change her water daily (which should be routine anyway) to make sure that the homeopathic remedy is not breaking down. Once this kitty is situated in her new temporary home you can use things like tuna, chicken breast, salmon, play and gentle touch to help her gain some trust in you. You should be aware that this is not an overnight issue to fix, she is timid and this could be for a variety of reasons from the stress of shelter life to having endured abuse. I would suggest that you spend time in the room where this kitty is doing something quiet (reading a book, listening to soft music) and in the beginning don't reach out to her, allow her to come to you...Curiosity is a natural trait for cats and if you are still and quiet she will likely be tempted to come over and inspect you. Over time you will notice that she will begin scent marking you by rubbing her face and body against you, when she begins that you can try holding out a hand for her to come and rub against. It is important to note that because she is a timid cat she will be much more comfortable if you approach petting her from down low instead of towering over her. With time, catnip, food bribes and patience you will be able to reintroduce her into the household. If you find that she becomes agitated when you allow her out of her room then you will want to gradually reintroduce her starting by allowing her to come out of her room for 5-10 minutes at a time and gradually increasing the times as she becomes comfortable. As I said, your kitty feeling secure is not going to be something that happens overnight. You sound as though you want the best for this kitty and are committed to finding a solution, in this case time and patience will be the best medicine along with bribery and play. Please keep me posted as I would be interested to hear how this little kitty gets on over time. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me again.