Need suggestions getting foster cat to trust again

I foster cats for a small no-kill animal shelter when they get one in that can't be managed at the shelter facility. Georgie is a 6 yr old very large orange cat, long hair, spayed female. She is declawed front and back (sadly). Her owner gave her after having her since a kitten up due to sudden aggressive behavior. The aggression seems to have been redirected aggression triggered by other cats in their neighborhood spraying on the door. Georgie was a lunatic at the shelter - terrified and attacking everyone so she came to my house. Two weeks into this foster and she is better but still will not allow me to touch her in anyway. She will be in the room with me, will eat in front of me, etc. but if you try and touch her with hand, bruch or even a fishing pole toy she becomes upset, turns and strikes out or attempts to bite. Not sure how to reach her to rebuild her trust of human contact. Any suggestions?
JillianB

 

:m23: and welcome. Hope this article helps.
http://www.nhahonline.com/f_aggress.htm

Do you use Bach's remedy or Feliway diffusers?

 

nern had to deal with this kind of thing. u just need to give the kitty some time... perhaps leave a blanket with your scent on it somewhere to let 'em get used to it and stuff...gonna be a long hard road. but worth it. good luck!

 

You also might want to try giving her some rescue remedy. I think you can put it right in her water or food if you can't get directly into her mouth. Older cats seem to take longer to adjust to new situations so it may just take some extra time to get her comfortable with you.
Good luck.

 

Aside from what's been mentioned, I would simply suggest giving her space. Never initate contact. Try to avoid making loud and sudden sounds or movements around her. She should calm down in time.

I find it hard to believe that scenting other animals would produce such sudden fear and agressive behavior in a cat. They will change some behaviors but not such uncontrollable anti-social behavior.

It sounds more to me like she has been abused and/or tormented. A lot.

With that said...I am by no means an expert by any stretch of the imagination but I have lived with cats for about 35 years. So I only speak from experience.

 

a lot of this behavior might have to do with the declawing.

I have a foster right now that has issues to. She's had a URI infection that just won't go away...no actual really bad symptons other than occasional sneezing. She's been on Clavamox for 3 days, is feeling better and starting to relax some. I've also been adding Rescue Remedy to her water and that's been a big help.

My foster, I discovered, has virtually no upper teeth!!! And I think she was mishandled by toddlers prior to her owners giving her up. She's also very mistrustful but has developed a bond with my husband.

I've had Cleo with me for 6 weeks and she just starting to relax.

We give her space and leave her alone unless she seeks us out. I spend time in the room with her but I don't push myself on her at all.