She has applied to be a model, one of her "fashion shots" here

Goochie, the camera hound, up close and personal

Velvet needs a nap, tries to fit between items on a bookcase

CG looks around the fireplace

Buddy and Smokey check out the new digs

Comments on a shy cat, advice to a friend

I can tell you my experience with feral cats and a very shy indoor cat - you have the right idea on this as far as putting the cat in it's own room and in a place it feels it can defend itself

Leaving food and water and talking to the cat calmly and in a very friendly tone of voice is something to do also

Don't put yourself in a position where you have to do something to the cat or get mad for it's standoffishness or unfriendliness. Sometimes with feral cats it takes a month or more to get to be able to pet them.

With indoor cats it should be much quicker, but can still take a week or two.

Any clothing or something that smells of its previous owner might be a good bedding.

If the cat is NOT angry and not inclined to strike out just because you are around - then I would advise all approaches be done while sitting.
Food should be used to reward interest.

Lying down and sleeping in the room on the floor with the cat around can also put the cat at ease. When awake and looking at the cat never take an aggressive posture or stare, always slowly blink or close your eyes a bit. You can lay on your back or (we call it here in our house - flop) to show submission and that you are not a threat.

Always tell the cat what you are doing and why. When you can pet it, pet it above its eyes to calm it down. Some cats also at that stage like light brushing, some don't.

You look like a 40 ton 60 foot tall monster to a scaredy cat, so keep your profile low and always talk gently and kindly. Once it is used to you get a see through room divider or barrier, so it can see and smell the other cats (can be found at home depot cheaper than pet food stores)

Use tuna or any food it likes for treats

Don't try to force the issue. It will take a bit or a bit longer if you do. (I once had a cat protest the addition of another cat by hiding under the bed for a month and be snarly constantly for two - but she got over it, the 5 year old has a whole new environment after being used to something else, so be patient)

Good luck!!!

Additional note to a friend about a shy rescue cat:


Re: Rescue M/C's....

Hi

I have had several scaredy rescues and even a long term MC
scaredy nervous cat.

I had once posted an article on how to deal with this
but over time have realized an additional valuable piece
of information: it seems almost all cats have a socializing
item. It may be petting, it may be being in the room with
you while you are asleep where they can see you as non
threatening, it may be food, it may be talking sweetly to
them. Every single scaredy/rescue cat has had a "transformation"
when faced with their own individual "item".

Most recently I had a 2 year old mom who up till now had been
persistently one of the most skittish cats I had ever seen
(except when she had her litter) - we finally got her settled
in enough that we discovered that pet treats socialized her.
She now follows my wife around for an occasional treat and
loves being petted and is not as easily startled. The difference
is stark and startling as her normal social behavior previously
only would amount to reluctantly allowing petting while being
fed and hiding mostly.

Another kitten I had who was a bit ill socialized on the
point of being brushed after a terrified bath, and went
from terror to social in 5 minutes. Never the same.

Sometimes just repeated effort and calm actions over time
do it, but there seems to be a point where each realizes
suddenly that you are their friend and the behavior changes
accordingly within a fast time frame. It is good if you did
something new to notice when this occurs, because they usually
continue to respond to the same action and become
more and more social.

The old article:
http://redgirlsmainecoons.blogspot.com/2007/12/comments-on-shy-cat-advice-to-fri\
end.html

Hope that helps and have a very Merry Christmas!

Gary
Red Girls Maine Coons