Playing with Timid Cat
I just adopted the best cat. She's two years old, and was surrendered because she wasn't vibing with the older cat in the house.
I've had her a month, and she's on the timid side. Right now she's determined it's mostly okay if we're on the floor at the same time, but any attempt to engage will have her running.
The Vet mentioned keeping an eye on her playfulness for a health indicator, but aside from treating her food timer and a puzzle, she doesn't really play.
I have found a window after dinner where she wants to engage with me (will come within hands reach, pupils dilated, shows me her belly). But wiggling a shoe lace at her made her run, so did turning my wrist while petting her, and that time she went to sniff me and got socked by static.
Any ideas about ways to engage when she's open to it?