Re: Jimi the stressed out cat?

[Nina]

Susan's right.  Never say never.  Cats are funny creatures.  They can sometimes change their behavior like the flick of a switch.  Picture him responding to the love and care you are giving him.  Put your thinking cap on and do your best to help him feel safe.  Keep telling him he has nothing to fear and you have his back.  Congratulate and encourage any small improvement.  Matilda used to get praised when she'd refrain from throwing herself against the cage walls hissing and spitting.  Now she's told how wonderful she is when the fear and anger isn't evident in her eyes.  As long as there continues to be some improvement, no matter how minuscule, I'm content we're on the right track.  If Jimmy really hasn't improved in 5 months, (if you think back on it, I'm betting he has), then you need to change your tactics in trying to help him.  Clear your head and ask for help from Spirit, inspiration will come.  I absolutely believe that those that enter our lives do so for a reason.  Either a lesson for them, for us, or both. Have you tried making him comfortable in a cage in a quieter section of the house, but still in general population?  Partially cover the cage, and/or give him an open carrier to crawl into in the larger cage.  I have Matilda's cage on a table next to my bed, (being elevated off the floor helps).  She's only in it at night.  During the day she's free, but separated from the rest of the animals by a screen door on the bedroom and the chain link of the habitat that leads from my bedroom window.  She's begun to get bored and lonely in her isolation.  I'm hopeful that someday soon, she'll be trustworthy enough to acclimate. Good luck and blessings in all you do for the animals in your care, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: He has been here 5 months now so he will never settle. Its a catch 22 cant put weight on him under stress cant adopt him out looking like he hasnt eaten in 5 months....sigh