Reply #2: Ignore the cat fully, other than feeding.

[Zavulon]

Eventually, Spooky will come to you. Trust a guy who has owned close to a dozen cats since the 80's, probably half of which started out the way Spooky did.

Cats are, in their own way, attention whores. If Spooky ever gets the sens that you don't give a shit, he or she will eventually want to be petted in your lap.

This advice is, of course, given under the assumption that Spooky is a healthy cat.

Do NOT shell out hundreds for the advice of a pet therapist until you try my advice. If you feel the need to spend money, spend it at a vet instead - it's always possible the cat could just have a toothache or some other minor malady. Pain makes any pet irritable.