How do you help a cat that's been abused?

Question

I have a cat that is scared of everything because before we became his owner his old owner would abuse him. Now he doesn't like anyone. he'll run away and we've had him for a long long time and its taking longer than i thought it would for him to get used to my family. He has gotten better but i don't know what else to do!

Answer 1

be as quiet as possible around him. Give him lots of attention. Let him come out of his scared stage on his own. Don't make him do anything. He just needs more gentle and loving care than other cats. Don't hurt him in any way!

Answer 2

give it alot of love and try not to force it to do any thing if it comes to you then pet it but dont move to fast or u might scare it. this is how i take care of mine.

Answer 3

If it's badly hurt or in your situation either way I think you should talk to a vet because he  NEEDS some TLC!

Answer 4

An abused cat just needs attention and a little more care than a normal cat.  The important thing is to make sure it doesn't run into that kind of situation again and to give it tons of attention.  Within 6 months to a year it should stop being afraid as much and start opening up some around those that are treating it right.  It'll learn to trust you after awhile but it might always have a problem trusting people outside the house.