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How to help my new rescue cat become affectionate and eat her food?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female

I have recently got a new cat (2 months ago) , we are unsure on how old she is but we rescued her off the streets. At first she was very agressive, now she has calmed down more but still will not lets us touch her belly. She is also does not like to be stroked very much. Is there anything we can do to calm her down? Would love for her to be a loving cat! She also does not eat her food anymore, only treats! Any advice would be amazing!

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 15th, 2017

You can try getting a feliway hormome diffuser to keep her calm. Keep trying to interact with her, but i tell people all the time that a cat's demeanour is compleyely determined by itself not the owner. Thete is nothing you can do to make a solitary cat a lap cat unfortunately. Some cats are lovely and affectionate, some are just selfish.

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Your cat's affection will probably gradually improve over time. She is still getting used to her new surroundings. In the meantime, don't pressure her to be overly affectionate, let her come to you. If you do too much too soon you may prevent her from ever becoming fully socialized. As for not eating her food, I would avoid feeding her any treats for now. When she becomes hungry enough she will eat her cat food.

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