[Soph.Jade]

My Aunt adopted a very nervous cat about six months ago and it's adapted well to her family however if anyone else at all is around the house the cat runs out and gets very scared.

My Aunt has left my grandparents to feed it for the next two weeks as she's on holiday however it's terrified and hasn't been near the house when they've gone up to feed it. There is no catflap at her house and it's refusing to go inside with my grandparents there.

They've been leaving food out but there's no guarantee that other cats won't eat it and there's no shelter so it's getting wet too.

I'm getting increasingly worried that the cat (who as I've said is extremely timid) is at risk of getting ill as it's usually a house cat. I'm SO worried it will get hurt, lost or go hungry.

Does anyone have any advice?

[Kittiara]

That's a horrible situation. Poor kitty! I can understand you being worried.

I would ring/contact your local Cats Protection. I think most areas have one. They're really good with advice.

As you say, the cat has adjusted well to her family, so it would be sad if it were taken away. A nervous cat would also have difficulty finding a new home.

Cats Protection may have some good ideas for whilst your aunt is on holiday, and also have some ideas how to help the cat feel more at ease with other people when she returns.

Another alternative - is the cat okay with you? Or anyone else you know? Of course, you've probably thought of that. Is there a way to place some shelter for the cat outside of the house until a solution has been found?

[Soph.Jade]

(Original post by Kittiara)
That's a horrible situation. Poor kitty! I can understand you being worried.

I would ring/contact your local Cats Protection. I think most areas have one. They're really good with advice.

As you say, the cat has adjusted well to her family, so it would be sad if it were taken away. A nervous cat would also have difficulty finding a new home.

Cats Protection may have some good ideas for whilst your aunt is on holiday, and also have some ideas how to help the cat feel more at ease with other people when she returns.

Another alternative - is the cat okay with you? Or anyone else you know? Of course, you've probably thought of that. Is there a way to place some shelter for the cat outside of the house until a solution has been found?

No, the cat is ok with my Aunt and her husband and to a certain extent her kids, but no one else. I've had a look for shelter but there's nothing suitable. It's probably (hopefully) finding somewhere but if it's not come in by tomorrow I'll have to phone Cats Protection.

Thanks for replying though!

[Kittiara]

(Original post by Soph.Jade)
No, the cat is ok with my Aunt and her husband and to a certain extent her kids, but no one else. I've had a look for shelter but there's nothing suitable. It's probably (hopefully) finding somewhere but if it's not come in by tomorrow I'll have to phone Cats Protection.

Thanks for replying though!

Yeah, I thought you must have looked at several options already. It's so worrying, isn't it? My mom had a scaredy cat, but he'd take a flying leap behind the sofa if anyone other than a family member stopped by. Not nice for the cat, but at least he wasn't stuck outside.

Cats are clever, though. I'm sure it's found a perfect little hiding space.

Good luck, let us know the outcome if possible?

[Soph.Jade]

(Original post by Kittiara)
Yeah, I thought you must have looked at several options already. It's so worrying, isn't it? My mom had a scaredy cat, but he'd take a flying leap behind the sofa if anyone other than a family member stopped by. Not nice for the cat, but at least he wasn't stuck outside.

Cats are clever, though. I'm sure it's found a perfect little hiding space.

Good luck, let us know the outcome if possible?

Very worrying! Poor little thing must be starving. My Nan has phoned a local cattery who are going to come to the house tomorrow if the cat's not in. Thank you SO much for your advice!

[Kittiara]

(Original post by Soph.Jade)
Very worrying! Poor little thing must be starving. My Nan has phoned a local cattery who are going to come to the house tomorrow if the cat's not in. Thank you SO much for your advice!

Aw I'm glad. Hope that the cattery can help!

And you're welcome . Thank you for the +1 . I think that was you, anyway!

[Soph.Jade]

(Original post by Kittiara)
Aw I'm glad. Hope that the cattery can help!

And you're welcome . Thank you for the +1 . I think that was you, anyway!

You're welcome - I appreciate that you took the time to reply