Helping A Shy Cat Cope

Despite their diminutive size, our feline pals have tons of purrsonality. Some are brave and daring, some are sociable and outgoing, and some are timid and shy. If your feline companion is scaredy-cat, read on! In this post from All About Animals Veterinary Hospital, your Carrollton, GA pet hospital, serving the Villa Rica Area, GA area, a local veterinarian offers tips on how to help Fluffy thrive.

Helping a Shy Cat Adjust

When you bring your feline companion home, make sure she has a peaceful, comfortable environment. An extra room is an excellent choice. 

If you and Fluffy live alone, you can invite her to come out and explore whenever she is ready by leaving the door open and allowing her to come in. If you have other pets, you should gradually integrate her.

Your cat might appreciate a pet-calming product, such as treats or sprays. You can also play some soothing music or even put on kitty TV for her.

Giving Your Shy Cat a Happy Haven

Kitties are naturally both predators and prey, which may explain their intriguing combination of characteristics. Fluffy may be fearless when it comes to following that little red dot, but she can also be scared of the doorbell. That’s OK.

When dealing with shy kitties, it is critical to provide them with secure havens they can always retreat to. Provide lots of nooks and crannies for your cat to hide in. Paper grocery bags without handles might be enticing hideouts for anxious cats. Fluffy would also welcome some boxes or an enclosed cat apartment.

At first, your pet may want to hide somewhere while she gets a sense of the surroundings. That’s OK. Give her the time and space she requires to feel comfortable.

Adopting a Shy Cat 

Are you getting ready to adopt a new cat? Shelters house cats of diverse ages, sizes, colors, and personalities. It can be difficult to choose just one furball from a group of gorgeous faces! However, it is critical to select a cat that will suit your household. Fluffy may feel overwhelmed if you have a hyperactive dog, a youngster, and three other cats.

Getting A Timid Kitty Out Of Her Shell

There aren’t many rules for connecting with cats, but there is one that stands out: Let Fluffy approach you whenever she needs attention or affection. 

When your furry friend feels safe enough to approach, try offering a treat. You can just simply extend your hand and quietly call her name. (The ‘pssst’ noise may also be effective.) If she does not approach right away, it is fine. Don’t rush it. She’ll warm up eventually. Allow her to sniff your fingers after she has gained the courage to approach you. Then give her a treat. You can try to pet her forehead lightly. If she backs down, don’t press the issue. Slow and steady is the way to get here.

To break the ice, talk to your furry friend, check on her, and give her some treats. Just don’t focus too much attention on her. 

In fact, reading to your pet could be really beneficial. Fluffy will become accustomed to the sound of your voice and will gradually begin to feel safe. Offer treats or catnip for story time to grease the wheels a bit.

Boost Kitty’s Confidence

Did you know that playing with your shy cat is one of the most beneficial things you can do for her? Kitties are hardwired to be hunters. Even the most cautious feline can’t resist the allure of a feather on a string or a catnip mouse. Achieving that difficult pounce will increase your feline companion’s confidence in her lioning skills. Consider it the kitty equivalent of achieving a goal!

Beyond that, playing allows your furball to relieve any stress she is experiencing in a safe and healthy manner. Exercise can be very therapeutic for both humans and animals. This will assist your pet get rid of some of that nervous energy. She’ll naturally be calmer afterward, simply because she’ll be exhausted. (Or at least, somewhat more tired than usual.)

Offer your little companion a variety of entertaining toys. Cats all have various preferences for playthings, so you may need to experiment and try a few different things before you can tell what she enjoys best.

Fluffy may also like a cat tower. For a scaredy cat, you should search for one with at least one enclosed level. Fluffy may also feel safer in a high location, so choose one that she can climb.

We’d also recommend keeping to a food and playtime schedule. Many of our animal companions just feel more secure when they are on a consistent schedule.

Keep Your Kitty Healthy

We always urge that when individuals first acquire a cat, they take the kitten to the Villa Rica Area, GA vet for a thorough examination. This is especially true with shy cats. You want to ensure that there is no medical problem causing pain or discomfort. If your feline companion gets the all-clear, you’ll know you have a nervous kitty rather than a sick one. If your kitty companion is really worried, your veterinarian may suggest medication.

Shy Cats: What Not To Do

The list also includes a couple of don’ts. First and foremost? Don’t let your cat go out. A shy cat will most likely flee and seek refuge, and you may have a difficult time convincing her to return voluntarily. Furthermore, cats are just safer remaining inside, where they are shielded from traffic, weather, and wild animals.

Never force attention on Fluffy. If she does not want to be held or picked up, do not force her to submit. This could backfire, making her anxious and fearful of you. 

Finally, you should never yell at your cat to reprimand her. Simply clap your hands if she does something inappropriate, such as sniffing around the door or leaping on the counter. You can also spray her with water. That will startle and irritate her, but it shouldn’t scare her.

Getting To Know Fluffy

Keep in mind that all of our feline buddies are different. Fluffy may decide you are safe and want to cuddle with you at all times. Alternatively, she may withdraw and only approach you occasionally, whenever her kitty mood allows. Always let her pick when cuddling time begins and ends. Knowing she has a choice can make a big difference in this situation. Trust develops with time!

Purr Activation

It’s incredible how animals can transform with love and care. Keep in mind that each of our animal buddies has a unique identity. Fluffy may never be the bold, outgoing cat who cheerfully climbs into friends’ laps or meows to greet your brother when he visits. However, she may like spending time with you and cuddling up on your lap. Remember, it may take some time to get that small motor working. As the phrase goes, you can’t hurry love!

Visit Your Villa Rica Area, GA Pet Clinic

Do you need to bring your pet in for a checkup? Have you lately adopted a cat? Contact us here at All About Animals Veterinary Hospital, your Carrollton, GA pet hospital, serving the Villa Rica Area, GA area. We are always happy to help!