This is my silly boy Safiiri. He had a very difficult life before I adopteded him. He comes from a hoarder situation involving a house with over 200 neglected cats, underfed, malnourished, and sick. When I adopted him the shelter told me he's not a "normal cat" but I promised them I'd cherish him anyway.
So that was about three years ago and he still hasn't warmed up to me. In that time he's had to get surgeries, go on antibiotics, change his diet several times. He had to get a full teeth extraction because of gum disease. I've done so much to give him a comfy happy life despite his health problems because I really do think he deserves a better life than he had.
But he's just so terrified of me. If I come near him he starts flinching as if I'm going to hit him. He hisses, but never attacks me. He's just afraid. He spent a full year hiding in my closet after he was first adopted. On rare occasions he'll allow me to sit near him and I'll pet him super gently, but he seems conflicted. He'll purr, but also flinch in terror, then eventually bolt away.
He's not scared all the time though. If I'm not paying him any attention he's clearly a normal, happy cat and I'm really glad for that. He's overcome his worst health issues and will play with the other cat, with his toys, or he'll lounge around on his bed. Don't get it twisted, he's a very chill happy cat so long as I don't get near him. But I just don't understand.
Does anyone have any advice? :(
we had a dog that we adopted at about 3 months old. she lived with us for 15 years and was always a perfectly happy, healthy, energetic, friendly dog that loved everyone. she never stopped flinching when anyone tried to touch her face. in three months someone had managed to traumatise her in a way that lasted for the rest of her life, and she didn't even have any injuries. even in the best possible circumstances some things like this will never be able to be undone, and comrade, you are helping an animal from practically the worst possible circumstances.
he might well be flinching his entire life. all you can do is listen to him and interact with him in the ways he'll allow. the fact that an animal with that background even lets you be near him is massive. he loves you, he just can't express it in the way most cats would.
it really hurts me to think anyone could abuse an animal, especially a puppy like that. Safiiri is otherwise an amazing cat who doesn't cause problems. He's not aggressive and he's very handsome too. Like I will brag all day about how adorable and fluffy he is.
His former owners were absolute monsters is all I can say. Anyone who'd give lifelong trauma to an animal should be shot.