Hi, I have adopted a 5 year old female Bengal Cat named Catmatix and have now had her for over a year. From the on set it was very difficult getting her to settle in with us. I am her 3rd owner and I think she was a breeding cat and was desexed before the previous owner took ownership. She is a completely indoors cat and there were some obvious trust issues initially. Over time she has got a lot better. She never sits on our laps, hardly allows us to stroke her and would try to scratch us if we were to pick her up. These issues were really improving with her looking to come and sit next to us whilst watching TV etc. All going good up until 2 days ago where the front door was left open and she went outside for a good half hour without any one knowing. We only found out when my Wife went outside and Catmatix came running back inside. Since then all she wants to do is hide in cupboards, under chairs and in dark corners. She doesn't want to be handled and looks really scared of us. Her behaviour has really changed even down to when she is hungry where she used to Meow loudly and get me to give her food. The last couple of days she doesn't Meow and only eats when I am sitting with her. Any help or thoughts appreciated.

Thanks, Suresh.

I forgot to add she seems to running around a lot more than she used to and also licking and grooming herself much more.

That almost sounds like behavior you would expect if she sustained a pretty serious injury. Have you been able to examine her since she got back in? Check if she has any cuts or sore-spots?

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The little monsters 3

First of all, you should know that the majority of bengals are not lap cats and do not like to be picked up. Most do not mind being petted. That being said, something traumatized her when she was outside. My advice is to take her to the vet for a thorough check up. She could have gotten into something -- eaten a poisonous bug, gotten into some pesticide and licked her paws, it could be anything. If she gets a clean bill of health ... something spooked her.

Because she was used as a Queen, she probably hasn't had a normal relationship with humans. This is definitely something that can be remedied over time and with a lot of patience. I hope you engage her in a lot of play time which is great for bonding. Sit down on the floor beside her when she eats and talk softly to her. After a while, you may be able to gently pet her while she's eating, although most cats don't like to be petted the entire time they are eating, but I always give Raiden a nice back stroke when I put his food bowl down.

Do you have a cat tree or stacking blocks where your kitty can be elevated? Bengals especially love to be high up. You want to make sure she does not get outside -- you didn't sound sure that she has been spayed, but apparently she does not go into heat. Raiden loves his window perch which allows him to see outside. You're almost lucky that your kitty hated being outside because once most cats enjoy the outdoors, there is no keeping them inside again.

Do spend as much time with Catmatix as she will allow you. Some cats do want to hide away in a corner and sleep, but I think if you engage her in plenty of play time and she can view the world from up above, it will help with her confidence. I know it's hard because cats can't tell you what is wrong with them, but it could be something like a burr in the pad of the paw that is irritating to the cat. You will never know unless you have her checked out just to make sure she didn't get into something. And it could just be she came across another cat who was not happy that she was outside. It sounds like you're starting over with her -- but you can work this out and she'll be back to where she was before. Just don't get impatient with her as she needs to be the one that moves this along. I hope this helps.

Firstly, be encouraged by the fact that Catmatix came back to your home. She obviously knows it is her safe place.

As previously noted, ensure she has access to high places.

If you are not familiar with Bengal cats, their facial expression can sometimes make them look scared. She may not be as frightened of you as you think.
A lot of people, when they first see my cat, think that he is absolutely petrified, but he looks like that most of the time. He really isn't.

Give her time. As also previously stated, a lot of Bengal cats do not like to be petted, picked up, or held. Be patient. Let her come to you on her own time, and on her terms.

Do you have other pets or children? These can affect her behaviour as well.

Lastly, do not assume that she will not want to return to the outdoors. Quasar usually takes stock after an unpleasant situation only to return later and try another approach. She may well still want to venture outside. Don't let her.

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~ Kyenta

Thank you for all your quick replies - great to know that I am in a very knowledgeable/caring community.

Yes, I agree with the time situation and Catmatix - its so frustrating as we were making such great progress and in a matter of minutes were set back. She is a very lucky cat as she is loved by the whole family, she has a great personality and can talk and talk especially when she is hungry.

She gets the run of the house but in her room I have constructed a 'tree' with platforms and put up shelves close to the ceiling where she can walk up high and even bath in the sunshine. Her room has plenty of windows where she can see the outside world and wildlife. She oftens talks to the Possum's and Cockatoos!

Right now she is sitting next to me watching me type. She was much better this morning. Hopefully it was something that spooked her and she is now getting over it.

Thanks again for the advice.

Suresh

I think time will heal all for your kitty. Sounds like she's coming back around already. Bengals love to be loved and I think you have that covered. Hang in there ...... she's a very lucky kitty to have you and your family.