stray cat I bought from the animal shelter

[Superman3332001]

I just got my new 3yr cat from the animal shelter and she was a stray.She was very affectionate to me when I saw her in the shelter and put her little paw in my hand and when I held her she purred heavily. When I got her home she is very timid and does a lot of hiding. My question is should I try handling her allot right now or should I let her get used to me first and let her approach me when she is ready. sorry if this sounds like a silly question. I want her to be happy in her new home.
Thanks as always

superman3332001

[rob]

I had cats growing up. There are probably folks who will know a lot more about this then I do.

But, I'd likely find some healthy food that she likes and put small portions out from time to time. When she came up for the treat, I'd give her a little pet and make her feel at home. Other then that, I think that if you give her a bit of space to figure things out that it'll be easier on both of you.

[Thaiwoo]

We adopted a cat from a shelter over a year ago. He was pretty friendly but didn't like to be picked up, nor did he purr.

Progressively he started to become more affectionate and now even sits on my lap and purrs while I'm on the PC. It takes time, you don't know what the animal has been through.

Get some toys, something with Catnip in it. They go nuts for it. See if she likes to play with a furry ball on a string.

One of our dogs like to chase after a laser pointer and now the cat is joining in on the fun too.

[Mouse]

New environments can be daunting.

Let her come to you.

[rob]

http://www.cheekies.com/gallery/Animals/Cat_Plea.jpg

[smirnoff]

She well adjust quickly enough and jump into you lap shortly so let her take her time.

[Mindcore]

Our one cat was the same way. It took her a year to become vocal with us and almost two years to be the most "sucky" cat I've ever had.

[T_Totler]

I've had cats all my life and my experience has been that it takes an adult cat about 3-4 days to get used to new surroundings.

Don't worry, she'll come to you once she's had a chance to get accustomed to her new digs :)

[Mandy]

All great advice here. As somebody who has been taking in stray rescue cats over the years, I find that some cats are immediately affectionate and others need time to get to know their new territory and their new top cat.

Patience, good food and good care are the keys.

ps. It took about 4 years for some of these cats to get close to me.

[Mouse]

Ok, that's enough time.

We need pics!!!!

[Les Shaw]

Pictures we want pictures

[Superman3332001]

Pictures we want pictures

here are 2 pictures I took of her just yesterday. :-)

[Limey32]

Cute Tabby.. looks alot like my cat Butch. How is she coming along?

[sparky77]

wow - she looks like my Millie - same colour eyes and everything.

[Ziggaa]

lol very cute

[glitch]

Cute.
The cat's like, "enuff with pikchars. fill more food."

[Thaiwoo]

Thanks for the pics, what a cutie pie

[DazedNConfuzed]

cat.jpg

so true.

[Superman3332001]

Cute Tabby.. looks alot like my cat Butch. How is she coming along?

she is still a little shy but loves her toys. she likes to be stroked by me. Just trying to get her not to paw on the couch. I bought her a cat condo to paw at but she decided the couch was more fun. lol

[Superman3332001]

Thanks for the pics, what a cutie pie
your welcome. thank you.