How to get my shy adopted cat to stop running away and trust me?

Question

I've had her for a month and she still runs away when I come near/try to pet her. I tried giving her treats to encourage her to come but only comes when I have treats. She never had human contact until 5m when she came to the vet clinic I work at. I adopted her and has come along but it's frustrating that she won't come and runs away. When I do catch her, she lets me carry her but when I tried handing her over to my brother who came back from college, she scratched him and ran away. Help me pls. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 6 months and 15 days old

Jessica Keay, DVM · Accepted Answer

A cat who was basically feral for 5 months may take quite some time to become more comfortable with handling, and she may never be a cuddly lap cat. It does sound like she is willing to have some interaction with you, so I would continue what you are doing in terms of offering her nice tasty treats when she comes to you. Also feeding her near you if she will eat with you nearby but not touching her (don't want to overwhelm her at first, just get her more used to your presence being nonthreatening). I wouldn't pick her up if it scares her just yet, and I wouldn't force her to meet/be touched or held by new people just yet. I would give her a few more months of settling in. You may also add feline pheremone diffusers (Feliway is my favorite brand) to the house and try calming supplements such as Composure or Zylkene to see if these help relieve some of her anxiety as well. You can find all these products online, or at some vet clinics.

How to get my shy adopted cat to stop running away and trust me?

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