Is your feline pal nervous and shy? Cats all have unique purrsonalities. Some of our feline friends are brave and daring, some are sociable and outgoing, some are, well, a bit spicy, and others are timid and shy. If you have a scaredy-cat on your hands, keep reading! This post features tips from a local Hiram, GA veterinarian on how to help Fluffy thrive.

Helping a Shy Cat Get Settled

Have you adopted a nervous cat? Your kitty’s stress-reduction care regimen starts the moment you bring your feline companion home. Giving your pet time to adjust is very important. At first, place her in a calm, comfortable area. An extra room is a smart choice. If you and Fluffy live alone, you can keep the door open and let her explore when she is ready. If you have other pets, you should integrate your new arrival into the household gradually. Your kitty may benefit from a pet-calming product, such as treats or sprays. You can also play some relaxing music or turn on kitty TV for her.

Providing Your Shy Cat With A Happy Haven

In the wild, kitties are both predators and prey. This probably has something to do with why they have such a unique combination of characteristics. Fluffy can be completely fearless when it comes to following that little red dot, but she may also be terrified of the doorbell and vacuum cleaner, and may bolt for cover the moment someone knocks at the door.

When dealing with shy pets, it is critical to provide them with a safe place to go at all times. Provide plenty of nooks and crannies for your cat to hide in. Paper grocery bags without handles make enticing hiding places for scared kitties. Fluffy may also like some boxes or an enclosed cat condo. Of course, like any other cat, your pet will appreciate comfortable beds.

Determine the root cause.

While some cats are naturally skittish, most of the time, kitty stress is triggered by something particular. Fluffy, of course, cannot tell you what is wrong, so you will have to figure out what is bothering your cat. Kitties are quite emotional and can become afraid or irritated.

Here are some of the things that commonly upset our feline companions:

• Illness/Injury
• Visitors
• Change Of Household
• Construction/Environmental Changes
• New Furnishings
• New Babies
• New Cat 
• Separation Anxiety
• Travel
• Lack Of/Competition For Resources (Food, Litter, Lap Space)
• Conflict With Other Pets
• Cats Outside The Household
• Improper Socialization
• Lack Of Scratching Posts
• Boredom And Discomfort
• Past Trauma
• Moving To A New Home
• Veterinary Visits
• Change In Routine And New Pets
• Loud Noises

If your pet is responding to change or one of these stressors, ask your vet for specific advice on how to help her. Paying some extra attention to Fluffy won’t hurt, either! 

Adopting a Shy Cat

We love seeing timid pets get loving homes. Shelters house cats of various ages, sizes, colors, and personalities. It can be difficult to choose just one furball from a collection of cute furry faces!

However, it is important to select a kitty that will fit into your household. If you have a boisterous dog, a child, plus three other cats, Fluffy may be overwhelmed. Nervous cats often do best in quiet homes without young children. Some prefer to be only pets, though this varies from cat to cat.

Getting Fluffy Out of Her Shell

When it comes to bonding with cats, there aren’t many rules, but one stands out above the others: Always let your feline friend come to you when she wants attention or affection.

At first, your pet may want to hide somewhere as she learns the lay of the land. That is fine! Give her time and space to get settled in. Talk to her, check on her, and give her treats. Reading to your pet might be quite beneficial. Fluffy will become acclimated to the sound of your voice and will gradually begin to feel safe.

When your pet feels comfortable enough to venture out, try giving her a treat. You can just simply extend your hand and call her softly. (The ‘pssst’ noise may also work.) If she doesn’t approach right away, that’s fine. Keep trying! When she is brave enough to approach you, let her sniff your fingers, then offer her a reward. You can try lightly touching her forehead. If she backs off, don’t press the issue. The best approach here is to take it slowly and steadily. Ask your Hiram, GA vet for more tips. 

Helping An Anxious Kitty Gain Confidence

One of the best things you can do for a shy cat is to play with her. Kitties are all predisposed to be hunters. Even the wariest cat often cannot resist the allure of a feather on a string or a catnip mouse. Accomplishing a difficult pounce/jump combination will increase your kitty friend’s confidence significantly. Think of it as the feline equivalent of scoring a goal or passing an important test with flying colors.

Furthermore, playing allows your pet to relieve stress in a safe and healthy manner. Exercise can be very soothing for both humans and pets. Chasing that little red dot can help your little buddy release some of her nervous energy. She’ll be calmer afterwards, simply because she’ll be worn out. That is a good thing!

Give your furry friend plenty of entertaining toys. Our feline friends all have various preferences for playthings, so you may need to experiment and try a few different things before you can figure out what she likes best.

A cat tower might also be fun for Fluffy. For a scaredy cat, seek one with at least one enclosed level. Fluffy may also feel safer in a high location, so choose one that she can climb.

We also advocate following a set mealtime and playtime schedule. Many of our animal companions just feel more secure when they are on a regular routine.

Keep Up With Your Kitty’s Health Care

We always recommend that when people first get a cat, one of the first things they do is take it to the vet for a thorough examination. This is definitely true for shy cats, as you want to ensure that there is no medical issue causing pain or discomfort. If your feline companion receives the all-clear, at least you know you have a nervous kitty rather than a sick one. If your kitty is severely anxious, your veterinarian may prescribe medication.

What Not to Do

There are also some don’ts on the list. First and foremost, don’t let Fluffy out. Our feline friends are much safer indoors, where they are protected from traffic, weather, and wild animals. Furthermore, a shy kitty will most likely flee and seek a hideout, and you may have trouble coaxing her back inside.

What’s next on the list? Never force attention on Fluffy. If she does not want to be held or picked up, leave her be. This may backfire, making her nervous and fearful of you. Trust takes time!

Finally, never strike or yell at your cat to reprimand her. If Fluffy is doing something inappropriate, such as sniffing near the door or hopping on the counter, just clap your hands. You could also squirt her with water. That will startle and annoy her, but won’t hurt her.

Getting To Know Fluffy

Sometimes, nervous cats will become calmer over time, once they realize that they are safe and loved. Others will always be skittish. It’s always special seeing how animals can transform and blossom with love and care. Just bear in mind that Fluffy may never be the fearless, outgoing cat who cheerfully climbs onto guests’ laps or meows to greet your mom when she comes over. However, she may enjoy hanging out with you and cuddling up on your lap. Remember that it may take some time to start that little motor. As the phrase goes, you can’t hurry love!

Visit Your Hiram, GA Animal Clinic

Do you need to bring your pet in for an examination? Have you lately adopted a kitten? Contact your nearest Hiram, GA pet hospital today.