At the risk of asking a silly question, have you tried dangling a toy for her play with? Kitties have a hard time resisting shiny things and jerky motion.
At the risk of asking a silly question, have you tried dangling a toy for her play with? Kitties have a hard time resisting shiny things and jerky motion.
Sparkle has been very tense, and though I have a couple of toys for her (not enough, to be sure) I need to get her something with a large dose of catnip.
A fellow FReeper sent her a gift of a “play station” (for lack of a better word) with two sisal scratching posts, a “hammock” strung between them, a “rug” on the base, and a swinging pompom. I just put it in the bedroom today, as I didn’t want too much stimulation, in view of her confinement.
I was actually able to spend about 10 minutes with her today, talking to her and stroking her, and trying to reassure her, and I got some purrs. Best of all, she seemed to relax a little, but as soon as I put her down and took my hands off her, she headed for the closet.
Tax chick suggested a wad of paper for a diversion and as soon as I think Sparkle is ready, I will do that. I have lots of paper things to wad up and throw away! LOL!
I don't know what kind of a childhood, er, kittyhood, my cat endured but it has no interest whatsoever in playtime of any sort........
She does have two mouse toys that she will occasionally bat around when I'm not around but when I'm in the vicinity, nothing........she's weird.
Very belated congratulations on your new addition, Monkeyface!
I agree with what other folks have said...lots of patience,and soft talking to her so she’ll grow used to your voice. That simple ball of paper is often preferred over other toys.
When she comes out, or if you go in with her, you could sit on the floor and do the blinking trick. You make eye contact with her and slowly, sleepily blink your eyes, as if you’re going to drop off. She’ll relax and blink back.
I’ve done that trick with cats I’ve owned...I was surprised when I saw Jackson Galaxy do it on TV.