[Eiji]

my cat is about 6 years old now, but she is so scared of me, because when i was younger i used to hit her when she hissed at me and now she wont let me get close to her. everytime i go to pet her she hisses at me and runs away or i'll be walking around the house and she will me about 2 meters away from me and she starts hissing and runs away. Can anyone help me fix that?

 

[Aonir]

Giving to her prior abuse, I really don't know what to say. It is VERY hard to win the trust back.

 

[Dyan]

Gaining your cat's trust again

I would buy some cat treats, sit down near her, and offer her a treat and see if she comes close to you to get it. If she does I would offer her a few more and then see if you can pet her then and talk to her. It may work. You have nothing to lose but some cat treats and more to gain if it does. Good luck.

 

[Annissa]

Dyan's suggestion sounds like a good place to start. It probably goes without saying that you should never hit her again, even if she bites.

 

[XChibi]

Oh another suggestion I would like to add is not really to grab or reach for her (like in a forcefull way)... just try the treat thing for a day or two..and then maybe on the third day slowly let her eat treats out of your hand..then gradually get closer and closer till you can pet her... That might make both you and your kitty more comfortable
But again its just my silly suggestion
Also, playing games, like the feather teasers and rolling a light ping pong ball (so if it hits her it doesn't hurt her and she won't get nervouse around you) is great interactivity that might build a bond.


Best of luck to you!
~XChibi

 

[ForJazz]

Don't force her or corner her ever...let her come to you and maybe she'll start trusting you again, or at least not hissing and running away. Offer her treats or smelly yummy wet food, but never come after her if she doesn't want it. Just sit and wait -- if you're serious about getting her to trust you again, you'll need to be VERY patient. And if she shows any signs of aggression or stress, leave her alone. You might need to just try this for a little each day, because she should never feel cornered. She'll never trust you if she doesn't have options.

 

[faile]

maybe shut her in a room with you and just sit there, read a book or something, and have some treats handy if she decides to come over. maybe do this for a certain amount of time every day, maybe eventually she will learn that being near you doesn't mean you will hit her. also, never raise your voice at her, that would probably scare her.