Cat smell?

[gwen13]

I got my rat about a week ago, and she was scared at first, but slowly getting used to me, and finally started to sleep in my sleeve. Yesterday afternoon, I held my cat outside, then came in to pick her up, and she got really scared. I washed my hands and later took a shower, but she is still scared of me like it is her first day. Is there anything I can do?

 

[smilez_n_hugs]

You will just have to slowly gain her trust again. You can use treats to do this or put something that smells like you (old t-shirt, pillowcase etc.) that you don't want back in the cage with her. You can also do the 'down the shirt' method where you put on 2 shirts or a t-shirt and a sweater and put her in between the 2 shirts and make her stay there so she becomes used to you.

I would also highly recommend getting a same sex friend for her. Rats get lonely and need companions and it should also help her to adjust better and not be so afraid.

 

[jorats]

I would definitely get your rat a companion. Rats feel more secure and are happier in groups. They are an extremely social animal.

 

[gwen13]

Thanks for the advice!