i have taken in a stray

(fareham hampshire)

I recently took in a small cat that had been hanging around and was under weight and with a few cuts and run down looking. I fully intened to take him to a rescue centre to be looked after but there is no room at the inn!!
I now have a very nervous, or maybe terrified cat and I don't know how to make him trust me.
He is not chipped and I have advertised but no one seems to be missing him, whilst I am prepared to look after him, I have no idea what I am doing. He does not purr and he is terrified if you stroke him, although he never growls or makes any sound at all.
How do I get him to know he is safe and he can trust me?

RESPONSE:

It is wonderful that you are willing to rescue this poor kitty despite the fact that you were unprepared to keep him.
To help things along, keep him in his own room with bedding, cat trees, cubbies, etc. and plenty of food and water along with a litter box or two. Read our page on cat communication to help you to understand his behavior. Don't try to pet him. Instead, talk softly and friendly to him all of the time. Don't make eye contact. Get low and give him slow blinks but be sure not to stare. Hold out you hand and let him come to you before you pet him. Sit on the floor with a string toy or fishing pole type toy and slowly move it along the floor back and forth. Eventually, hopefully he will start to play, come to you for petting and learn to trust you. Just take it slow.

Donna-House Full Cats Mom