Ragdoll Cat Forums

Hi all,

I'm back with another question. My husband, who was not a cat person, bought me my first ragdoll for Christmas. Ava is such a phenomenal cat he decided we should get her a playmate. With one kitten, a lab and 2 small children already in the house we decided maybe a second kitten would be a little more chaos then we were ready for so we found a beautful female breeder who was being retired. What we discovered when we picked her up was that she'd been kept in a kennel most of her years...except for breaks in between litters. The difference between personalities in the two cats is incredible. Ava, the kitten, is crazy and Foo, the older one, seems completely happy living alone in our lower level. We've had her about a month now and while she's finally starting to come out and enjoy the attention and family scene, she's still very shy and skittish. Any ideas how to get that wonderful ragdoll personality to come out, or is this strictly a time thing? I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

Set minute goals for improvement and attract her to reach each goal by taking her perspective. Pick inducements (treat, attention, play, toy ...) that will stimulate the activity you want. Observe what she likes and what she will go out of her way to get or enjoy and use those things to meet the next goal. For example, if you want her to want to be with you, when she is sleeping, just stroke her and then move on. Next, you can pick her up and put her back down. Pick her up with a catnip toy in hand and see if that means she will be held longer. Take her to bed at night even if she leaves immediately. Put a favorite piece of her furniture right by where a family member sits - and can reach out and pat her. Make sure she enjoys the interaction and stop just when she has had enough.

(03-19-2010 11:35 AM)JanH Wrote: [ -> ]Set minute goals for improvement and attract her to reach each goal by taking her perspective. Pick inducements (treat, attention, play, toy ...) that will stimulate the activity you want. Observe what she likes and what she will go out of her way to get or enjoy and use those things to meet the next goal. For example, if you want her to want to be with you, when she is sleeping, just stroke her and then move on. Next, you can pick her up and put her back down. Pick her up with a catnip toy in hand and see if that means she will be held longer. Take her to bed at night even if she leaves immediately. Put a favorite piece of her furniture right by where a family member sits - and can reach out and pat her. Make sure she enjoys the interaction and stop just when she has had enough.

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Thanks Jan, I'm usually and immediate results kind of girl but I can see this is going to take some time. On the upside, rather than cleaning and cooking all week-end, I think I'll dedicate the whole week-end to the girls. Sounds like just the excuse I was looking for...besides that, it'll leave a few extra dust bunnies around for the cats to play with

Believe me, time and Jan's information will take care of it. I also adopted a retired breeder (Samantha) who was the same way. That was in 2005 -- now she's my lovebug and will get in my lap for cuddles and loves to rub all over me and sit in my recliner with me at night while I watch TV. It didn't all happen at once but over time, and with Jan's great insight and input. I even took his advice about buying a small cat condo, just about 2 feet high that I put by my recliner at night. That was a hit -- and now it's been retired to other parts of the house as I no longer need it there!