Hi all,

I adopted a year old cat (called Cypher) from the RSCPA just over a month ago. I am not quite sure what happened to her before she came to me, but she is very timid. In general she seems to have settled in to her new home, however I have a few concerns and was wondering if any one can offer any advice:

1.) I was told by the RSPCA that Cypher is a lap cat. She was very affectionate in the first week after coming into her new home. She sat on my lap and followed me around everywhere!.

One evening, she tried to jump on my husband's lap and he wasn't so keen and gently shooed her off. I don't know if it is related, but a few days after that she hasn't even tried to sit on my lap (although she sleeps on our bed every night and comes up to me for a stroke now and again). It is a real shame, as I would love her to be a lap cat.

2.) I recently started letting Cypher out. She loves being outside ... I thought she wasn't going to come back the first time I let her out as she was away for two hours!. Unfortunately, she has become scared to go out now as another cat has been bullying her.

This cat comes into the garden at night and has even tried to come in through the cat flap. I have woken up a few times to growling noises and have run downstairs to see my Cypher cowering by the cat flap and this other cat outside it. Half asleep, I chase it back over the fence.

I just want my kitty to be happy, but the poor thing is scared of everthing!.

Any thoughts on either (or both) of my concerns?

KixChloe