It would be a lot easier to know if a cat or kitten had been abused, if you could tell just by looking at them.
This is not always the case.
Although many times the outward signs of injuries, and neglect will be obvious, many times the true abuse will be either internal, or emotional.
While physical abuse is bad, problems associated with emotional damage might prove to be a lot more difficult to overcome.
The good news is that a cat which has been physically abused will eventually start to respond to a loving and caring new owner, once they realize that they are not in danger any longer.
If the cat has been emotionally abused, you will have show a lot of patience and the process will probably take a little longer to build up the trust between the two of you.
In both cases, take your time and let the cat take the lead.
Don't try to force them to trust you, let it happen naturally.
She will probably spend most of the time in hiding when you first bring her home, but cats being the curious creatures they are, she will slowly start checking out her new surroundings.
It will be at these times that she tries to sneak up on you when she thinks you are not paying attention for a quick sniff.
Don't make any sudden moves, and don't try to pet her the first few times.
Eventually the trust will be built up, and she will allow you to pet her, and even start responding when you call her.
It is very important not to use the wrong types of discipline on any cat, but even more so with a cat which has been abused in the past.
Avoid raising your voice, using newspapers, flyswatters, hands or feet when disciplining your cat.
These types of discipline are probably going to be associated by the cat with the trauma it suffered in the past.
Abused cats can prove to be meaner than their well adjusted, and loved-since-they-were-kittens counterparts.
One problem which can arise from this abusive treatment is biting.
This is something which cannot be tolerated for any reason.
Cat bites can be dangerous and lead to infections.
I personally know of people who have been hospitalized for a single cat bite.
So always be very careful with any new cat until you both feel comfortable with each other.
Cats for the most part are very content if they have good food, clean water, a clean litter box, and maybe a companion.
If you provide these things, you are more than half way to winning her heart.
Just add a soothing voice, and lots of love, and you should have a wonderful relationship with your formerly abused cat.
This is not always the case.
Although many times the outward signs of injuries, and neglect will be obvious, many times the true abuse will be either internal, or emotional.
While physical abuse is bad, problems associated with emotional damage might prove to be a lot more difficult to overcome.
The good news is that a cat which has been physically abused will eventually start to respond to a loving and caring new owner, once they realize that they are not in danger any longer.
If the cat has been emotionally abused, you will have show a lot of patience and the process will probably take a little longer to build up the trust between the two of you.
In both cases, take your time and let the cat take the lead.
Don't try to force them to trust you, let it happen naturally.
She will probably spend most of the time in hiding when you first bring her home, but cats being the curious creatures they are, she will slowly start checking out her new surroundings.
It will be at these times that she tries to sneak up on you when she thinks you are not paying attention for a quick sniff.
Don't make any sudden moves, and don't try to pet her the first few times.
Eventually the trust will be built up, and she will allow you to pet her, and even start responding when you call her.
It is very important not to use the wrong types of discipline on any cat, but even more so with a cat which has been abused in the past.
Avoid raising your voice, using newspapers, flyswatters, hands or feet when disciplining your cat.
These types of discipline are probably going to be associated by the cat with the trauma it suffered in the past.
Abused cats can prove to be meaner than their well adjusted, and loved-since-they-were-kittens counterparts.
One problem which can arise from this abusive treatment is biting.
This is something which cannot be tolerated for any reason.
Cat bites can be dangerous and lead to infections.
I personally know of people who have been hospitalized for a single cat bite.
So always be very careful with any new cat until you both feel comfortable with each other.
Cats for the most part are very content if they have good food, clean water, a clean litter box, and maybe a companion.
If you provide these things, you are more than half way to winning her heart.
Just add a soothing voice, and lots of love, and you should have a wonderful relationship with your formerly abused cat.
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