If he used for the same person for such as long time (10 years) - it might take him a bit longer to settle. What is his favorite food? Also - try to chat to him quietly and nicely

__________________
"Do not meddle in the affairs of cats, for they are subtle and will pee on your computer." --Bruce Graham
There are no rules, rules are only for people who fit inside a box, if you want to think out of the box there is no hope... Life has no Box. (Tony Howells)

I am going to tell you a quick tale now....I have a beautiful Burmilla called Sugar.(pictures with my profile if you want a nosey)..She is 1 so that is quite an age difference to your new cat however...

Sugar had never been handled (EVER) since being born, amongst other things that would keep me writing all day...when she came to me she would not eat/drink/make a noise...she hid anywhere and squashed herself up into the tiniest holes...she either started shaking.cowering when you went near her or she darted off....the woman where I got her from (a breeder who had rescued her) had her down for living at the bottom of the garden in a cattery with no human contact she was so bad...to be honest,,words can not really explain to you how bad socially she was.

Alas after 3months here she is a totally different cat! Sociable, loving, affectionate, she's fine with humans and other animals. If you move too fast she is still slightly jumpy but that is nothing considering how she was. I suspect that she will always be abit jumpy regardless of whether she spends the next 15years with me.

Also - I once had a cat in a similar situation that seemed ok and then changed slightly (i always take any new cat/kitten to my vet within the 1st week of moving in with me) and it turned out he wasnt feeling well.

When he is hiding go where ever he is and sit close but not to close so he feels threatened and talk to him. Move closer each day until you are able to reach out a stroke him (eventually) whilst talking. Take time to do this several times a day and providing he is in good health you should see improvements pretty quickly. (patience is a virtue as they say).

Also - I wouldnt recommend and I simply can't condone that you tapped/hit your cat ....they are animals and can be conditioned but this isnt the correct way to do it. If he has peed/sprayed on the sofa he is doing what is 'natural' for a cat...you can change his behaviour with patience......but tapping/hitting will only make him feel fear an I cant help but feel slightly disappointed that you took that action..I suspect this has probably added to his behaviour change.

So my advice is:

1. Time - Dont pussyfoot around him either - Get on with your normal daily tasks/noises he will learn to adjust and realise there is nothing to be afraid of.

2. Register him with your vet and take him for his check up.

Keep us posted and good luck.x

__________________


Bralex

Lovely tale about Sugar, Tracey.

__________________
"Do not meddle in the affairs of cats, for they are subtle and will pee on your computer." --Bruce Graham
There are no rules, rules are only for people who fit inside a box, if you want to think out of the box there is no hope... Life has no Box. (Tony Howells)

Thankyou..XXX

__________________


Bralex

Excellent advice by Tracey.

Another thing you could try is putting one of your 'used' tshirts or shirts where he likes to go. This way he gets used to your smell and starts to associate it with comfort (he'll lie on your shirt).

Bless!

__________________
Beautiful Bengal Kittens from Dollycats
Beautiful Savannah Kittens from Teardrops Savannahs

Any news on this?

__________________
Beautiful Bengal Kittens from Dollycats
Beautiful Savannah Kittens from Teardrops Savannahs