New kitty- is this normal?

[jennlyn]

We got our kitty, well, since she is 8 months old she is more of a teenager. She was very shy and skittish in the adoption room, but the lady caring for her said she was affectionate. She was cared for by an older couple for a few months before winding up at the rescue op. They had older cats and never intended to keep her, but she stuck around their house and they brought her in. They think she must have been a pet whose owner either died or went into a nursing home. They said she definately did not behave like a feral cat. We've had her four days now. She has run of the house, except bathrooms/bedrooms at night and during the day if she wishes. However, it seems like she is startled by the slightest noise and will run back to her crate for safety. She is getting a bit braver, but my kids really wish she would come sit where the family is and be a lap kitty. She will let you pat her and she rubs against us and has sat in our laps on occasion, but won't venture into the main sitting area when we are sitting there. She is playful. I'm just concerned whether she will eventually get used to us and not be so skittish and nervous- she arches her back a lot and I'm not sure if she's scared. I know it's only been a few days but we've never had a cat and don't know quite what to expect. My kids are all teens so no one is doing anything to scare her on purpose. She isn't a big eater either. Right now she is on dry Fromm kitty food and I've been giving her a bit of wet food too. She doesn't eat all of it even though I am giving the recommended portion. I want to get her a good wet food that is healthy- any favorites? I don't think I want to make her food at this point but don't want lots of fillers and by-products in the food.

[2xy]

I'm sure there are exceptions, but IME cats who come from circumstances like you describe tend to always be a bit skittish. I have three cats at present, and one of them was adopted at about the same age your cat is. He is now 5yo, and although he isn't scared of his own shadow anymore, he still startles easily and doesn't care for much in the way of cuddling. He will sit near you, but is definitely not a lap kitty. It's only been within the past year that he will even venture onto anyone's lap, and it's been only a few times and with great caution on his part.

My cats eat Wellness wet food and Before Grain dry food. Sometimes they don't finish all their wet food, either. I just put it away and save it for the next meal.