Hi Rob

I got mine as kittens and they'd also had a bad dog experience at their first home. Although, they were quite relaxed in the house, it took them several weeks before they became the soft furballs they are now so I would say give it time. The worst thing you can do is force contact on her that she doesn't really want so give her lots of reassuring words, treats and encourage her with play that you're both involved in so that she associates you with good things and I'm sure she'll respond to you.

Ginny

Hi Rob

Welcome!

If Mesha seems happy enough in the spare room I would let her have access to more of the house. I agree with ginnym - I would definately not force contact on her, instead just go about your business & ignore Mesha. She will get used to you much more quickly and will be happy to be left to explore by herself. When she's more comfortable throughout the house I'm sure she'll start being more affectionate, especially if you start introducing some nice playing sessions My Meisha goes crazy for a fish-rod style mouse toy that I drag across the floor

Let us know how you get on. Do you have any photos?

Sas

Hi All,

Thanks so much for all the helpful responses. It is tough ignoring her! She is such a gorgeous little kitty stalking about. I will let her out through the house this evening, and see how she gets along. I guess I need to be more patient and understanding with her. I can see how from her perspective escaping the dog and into my home could be extremely stressful. I just don't want her running throughout my house and getting lost behind the couch or hiding somewhere.

Do you think Mesha will ever love me?

-Rob

p.s. will get my camera out this evening too.

Hi Rob

Don't loose heart - it's very early days yet and cats can take a long time to settle in fully. Meisha was a rescue cat & was very badly treated - she only recently has showed that she trusts us completely. We're still getting to know her & we've had her now for 1.5 years & I'm sure there's a lot more progress for Meisha to make. I hope in the future to take her out on a harness... not sure how that will go

Bengals are especially difficult with change, so don't take Mesha's behaviour personally, she just needs a while to settle down.

I know it's hard, but ignoring her as she explores the rest of the house really worked wonders with our Meisha - she was terrified when we first took her home, scared of us, scared of the house - I've never seen a cat behave like it so don't worry too much, your Mesha will come round

Sas

In my experience Bengals do everything in their own time and you can't really do much to influence them. You'll probably be surprised one day that she'll suddenly jump on your knee and demand attention.

Thanks for all the tips! I'm sure they will come in useful when I return home this evening.

I have tried feeding Mesha cat treats, but she doesn't really take much interest in them. Do you guys have a particular flavor/brand that seems to please your cats?

Also, my girlfriend just phoned me, and said Mesha was behaving very well. Apparently, she was just lounging about the house and poking about. Can't wait to go see her soon!

-Rob

I use felix sticks, but break them up into little pieces.

Mine absolutely love Nature's Menu treats (you can get them in Pets at Home). I've tried other things which they've eaten OK but those are the only ones they go mad for. I only have to crinkle the bag and they come charging in from the woods at the back of the house.

The thing that worked miracles with mine is interactive play. They looove their toys and playtime. I only need to pick up something that jingles and they're giving me their full attention. Even when Katie was hiding most of the time, a toy brought her out and close enough that I could start petting her.