PTSD Cat (and toileting thereof)

[fd3]

We have a cat that has been in a shelter on more than one occasion.  When we got her, reading between the lines, she was in her final days before being put down.
She is very skittish, spends most days hiding under son's bed and only comes out once the kids are in bed.  This last week he has refused to come downstairs - she is scared of the living room, probably because of the twins' birthday balloons.
Any thought on what we can do to help her out?  Fresh blast of feliway and getting rid of the balloons is my first plan.
We think that on occasion she has a crafty wee about the house - one of the cat weed on the back door mat and we reckon one of them went in #1 son's room.

In a couple week we should have a cat flap (once kitten has been neutered and i safe for the outdoors) but Cat is scared of outside (I am hoping she may be more adventurous at night).

[rogerzilla]

This all sounds fairly normal for a new cat to the home.  Try to find out what litter the shelter was using, as cats can be very fussy.  Empty out the lumps twice a day or, if you get the chance, after each use.  Cats massively pick up on stress and anxiety in owners, so try to maintain a quiet and calm environment.  I appreciate the last one is more difficult with kids around.

[Mr Larrington]

The von Brandenburg's cat Louis The Fat is a ex-stray and is still very skittish around just about everyone except Mr von B after the best part of a year.

[Jaded]

It definitely takes time. Nice quiet room to be in. Also, a separate litter try, maybe with a lid.

[SoreTween]

Feed her in her preferred room and sit still but in sight for a while, far away as possible in the room to begin. If she won't eat with you there leave her to it. Stay longer each time until she is eating with you present then sit a few inches closer each feed.
Use treats until she associates them with you.

I'm the lesser half of a team that used to socialise the strays & tough cases for Cats Protection Crawley.

[mrcharly-YHT]

I wouldn't let her out until she is utterly comfortable with you.

Find out what cat treats she likes (cats seem to be either mad about fish, or hate it). Once you've identified this, get into the habit of giving her a cat treat a couple of times a day. They should be seen as rewards for coming to you, or near you.

[Asterix, the former Gaul.]

Our rescue cat loves cheesy cat biscuits, might eat salmon but not mad for it.