How to get a shy cat to come to you? This post will share tips and tricks that you can implement at home. Some owners of cats get nervous when their new pet fails to respond to their calls. They might even react to their new surroundings by running away.
Most shy cats were not well socialized when they were young, had a traumatizing event, or had a genetic predisposition to being fearful or shy of people. Although these cats shouldn’t be frightening, you need to give them the necessary attention and persistence to get used to people.
Understanding Your Shy and Scaredy Cat
Cats love having their own quiet spaces, which they can use to escape stress and noise.
A shy or scared cat may need more privacy compared to feral cats, who are typically afraid of people and are not used to interacting with other animals. These animals may have spent their first year in a shelter or situation where they didn’t receive sufficient attention.
Some cats are afraid of people and have separation anxiety. These are typically best suited for a quiet home.
In most cases, these cats would do well in a home with a low-key atmosphere. To minimize their changes, keep their beds and food bowls away from the main walkways.
If a cat is hiding in something, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. It’s essential to consult a veterinarian as it could be a year since the last visit.
How to Get a Shy Cat to Come To You?
If you have a scared or timid cat, you may have one that prefers to hide under a bed or in the closet. A shy cat needs a bit of socialization to get used to living in a new home. Anxiety and shyness are some of the common issues that cat owners experience when it comes to adopting them.
Give Treats
Treats are an excellent gift for timid cats, who are always eager to eat. Before and after an interaction or activity, use treats to lure them into hiding places.
It will break their bond and prevent them from performing an activity. You can also show them food by calling their names while hiding.
Take It Easy
A new cat in a new environment is often confused. Before you can start interacting with your kittens, it’s crucial that you first establish a small space for them.
It will allow them to get used to their new surroundings and develop a sense of belonging. You should also provide them with food, water, and litter boxes. It will help them feel more comfortable and confident.
Having more time with them will show them that you are a friendly person, which will help them stop viewing you as an enemy or a threat. You can also talk to them in a low-key manner and sing their favorite songs.
Do Not Give Up on Your Cat
You should not rush to make your cat’s life as usual as possible. Give the animal time to adjust to its new surroundings and get used to you. Some people give up on their cats when they cannot get used to them.
Understanding their vocalizations, body language, and facial expressions will allow you to improve your relationship with your cat. Commitment and compassion will also help you get to know your animal better. After a while, they will start coming out and exploring.
Read also: How To Tell If A Cat Has Been Abused
Remind Yourself That New Cats Are Shy
Before adopting a new cat, you must ensure that you and the animal are not at fault. Cats are very cautious until they get used to people and noises.
Adopting a new animal can be very challenging for them. They may have been traumatized by their previous life, and opening up to new people can be challenging.
Why Are Kitty Cats Shy at First?
A cat is a creature of comfort and status quo. It does not respond well to changes in its environment. Its usual response is to distance itself from the situation. It may also react if pushed aggressively. For cats, hiding is a normal response to a frightening situation.
Some cats are afraid or shy because of an illness. If this behavior persists, a vet should check it right away. Some cats respond to people by hiding or running away. It might trigger this response if you plan on introducing a new pet to the household, such as a dog or cat.
If a cat is an outside cat, it may have been startled by a wild animal or a stranger, or it may have experienced a fight. These experiences could turn her into a shy-acting animal. Noise, such as thunder or fireworks, can also send a cat under the bed for a long time.
Phobic shyness is a condition that occurs when a cat is not socialized correctly after being unweaned. This condition usually occurs when a young cat comes from places with various noises and people.
Try the Snug Retreat to Your Shy Cat
An excellent way to introduce a new shy cat to the home is by placing it inside a safe and comfortable environment, such as a snug retreat. This type of enclosure can help the cat get used to the sounds and sights of the home. You can also use it when the cat needs to be close to a secure location.
A small enclosed space known as a “snug retreat” is usually a medium-sized dog crate, which you can use to house a cat bed, litter box, and water bowl. You can use this type of space for several hours daily to allow the cat to relieve itself and relax. The retreat door is closed when the cat is not inside, so only the cat can access the litter box.
Most cats enjoy sleeping inside a small enclosed space known as a “snug retreat.” They often run to bed at night while looking for a place to rest. Some cats also like to have a blanket over their retreat to make it seem more cave-like.
If a cat enjoys sleeping inside a small enclosed space known as a “snug retreat,” it would be more desirable if you would make it a place to get treats or catnip.
Conclusion
How to get a shy cat to come to you? When it comes to socializing with a shy cat, you can best be patient with it.
You can start by taking the first small step at a time and gradually build up to a point where it is comfortable with what you are doing. If it becomes uncomfortable, try to help it feel successful and safe by returning to a previously mastered step. Also, keep moving slowly and quietly.
Those scared may hide, freeze, or hunch down into the smallest possible position. Cats about to bite or suck may freeze in one position, and their heads may turn to the side. Their tail may move back and forth or growl or be silent.
