Cats who don’t like people

 

 

 

Cilla is a beautiful young black cat, she looks to be friendly and gentle – but appearances in cats, as with people, can be deceptive.   Cilla doesn’t like anyone, she may look as though she’s going to come fussing round but if you tried to pick her up, or even stroke her, you would be in trouble.

Cilla was brought in to us earlier in the year, her people, who loved her dearly, just couldn’t cope with her.  She isn’t a feral cat but had a normal upbringing.   I suspect that in the close confines of a house she could get even more upset.

At first we didn’t try to approach her and that was what she wanted.  To be left alone – perhaps we should have called her Garbo!   What has happened in her past to make her so unsociable?   We don’t know but it has changed her personality.  If cats feel threatened they often go on the defensive and it takes a lot of patience to get them to come round.

Cilla is an intelligent young lady and didn’t really like life in a cat pen, even though there was a heated pad.   It was a tense moment when we first allowed her out – would she stick around?  Would she come back?   She was never going to settle if we kept her in a pen though and we needn’t have worried.  Cilla loved exploring from the start.  She likes to do her own thing and come and go as she pleases.

She’s a cat with a good appetite so food is an attraction.   At first she’d sneak in to eat and then dash out again.  Now she comes in to the kitchen and eats with the other cats.   They are deferential to her although she shows no sign of aggression towards her.  Perhaps they are just being kind to the new girl.

Because we let her do as she pleases and she knows she can get away from humans whenever she likes, Cilla is becoming more friendly.   She smiles at us now and that is so good to see.  Hello Cilla!   Meow!  We are communicating!   Sometimes she reaches up for a fuss and so long as we don’t actually touch her, she is fine.   It’s a nearly there fuss.

We’ve had cats like Cilla in the sanctuary before and given enough time, they become as friendly and affectionate as the other cats in the end.   All it takes is patience and freedom.   Some cats are free spirits and is there anything wrong with that?

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’d like to sponsor Cilla please let us know – we’ll send you a photo and her story and regular updates.   A donation is much appreciated – cat adoption makes a great gift for someone special.  Many thanks.