Cats who have been traumatized take a very long time to develop trust in relationships. You will need a lot of patience while you wait for her to feel secure enough in the new environment to begin spending time with you. This could take months. Here are some things you should try:

Keep things quiet. In the first few weeks, avoid loud noises and sudden moves that might scare her. Never vacuum or hammer in her vicinity. Avoid having large groups of people over, and no loud music for a while (flamenco dancing would definitely be a no-no). I have one pet owner who claims her cat becomes agressive if she plays any songs that contain a lot of bass.

Move at a slow pace when she is nearby. Since she was probably attacked, whenever you are near her be very still and allow her to approach you. If you jerk or move toward her, she may perceive this as an attack in action. Address her with a soothing, low voice, perhaps with a special food treat such as a piece of turkey or a catnip toy.

Don't make eye contact. Cats who are timid will avoid looking you in the eye and feel challenged if you do so. Eye contact can come later when you have gained her trust.

Keep household and personal odors neutral. Cats rely a lot on smell. If you keep things the same for a while, it will start to become familiar to her. Avoid strong cleansers such as ammonia or bleach and try not to wear strong perfumes. You may notice her rubbing her head and ears along furniture and eventually against you. We call this "head butting." She is at once spreading her own scent and collecting a bit of the environmental odor on herself to create a blend. It's a cat's way of adapting to an environment and leaving their mark of ownership. It's a good thing, and for most of us cat owners, the ultimate sign of affection from our pets. If they are purring while doing it, it's over the top! I have just a few patients who will get up off the exam table and into my arms and rub their face in my neck and jaw while purring. It's pure bliss!

Leave her some personal space. Keep her food, water bowl, and litter box out of high traffic areas. Litter box time could be a vulnerable moment, and if she feels threatened in the box, she will choose some other out-of-the-way spot to eliminate (watch your step!). As long as she is eating and drinking well and eliminating regularly, there is nothing to worry about. Cats that go on a hunger strike are at risk of going into liver failure. This could happen within five days and is very dangerous. If you are concerned that this is the case, seek veterinary care immediately. There are drugs that can help stimulate appetite by relaxing the cat. Often we have to surgically implant feeding tubes to force-feed the cat for weeks or months until they recover from the liver ailment. Cats that avoid using the litter box altogether are at risk of becoming constipated or developing a bladder infection, which carry additional problems.

There are situations where even the most ideal conditions fail to make a cat feel at ease. There are specialists in animal behavior who could be consulted for help, and, at times, anti-anxiety drugs can be used.

Dr. Peter Kross, DVM, has had his own veterinary practice, the Rivergate Veterinary Clinic in New York City, since 1989. He lives in Manhattan with his three white boxers, Buchanan, Wilhelmina and Laila.