Okay so I aquired Dido 6 months ago. I was temporarily caring for her while a friend moved to California to set up quarters. She promised to come back for the cat but needless to say, she never did. I am highly allergic to her and have been getting weekly injections to build up my allergic tolerance to her. So far it has gotten better but I still can't pet her and love on her the way I would like to. We have 5 kids (ages 2-12) who scare the living crap out of her. Our household is such a huge change from the 11 years of living in solitude with one or two adults. I feel like my hands are tied. I would never ever ever bring her to the pound, which is what her previous owner suggested . I interviewed a few ladies that were supposedly cat people but never found a good match for Dido. Partly because she's a bit antisocial and partly because I refuse to let her be moved out of her environment yet again for anything less than perfect.

My point is that I doubt she will ever be happy in our home with no affection from anyone except the kids who just chase her around and the dog who eats all her food. What can I do to make her happy? I need help. She is a constant topic of discussion in our household. And I always have a heavy heart because she is just not getting what she needs from us.

You can put her food where the dog can't get it, and teach your children NOT to chase her. They are certainly old enough to know that.

Meanwhile, make sure she has a "safe place" she can go to, away from everyone else. Cat trees are also wonderful.

my cats love their cat condo/ castle being high up makes them feel safe. my nephews like to pull my cats tails and tease them. they dont no better so i got a couple of toys on the string so they can play with them and have fun. it might make your cat be more sociable

Some cats are perfectly happy being left alone and seeking you out once things quiet down for a little affection. Especially female cats in my experience.

I agree with the suggestions of everyone else.

Congratulations and good luck with your princess, hang in there. Have a bit more patience for her quirks and don't take it personal if she turns out she enjoys her solitude.