Do you have a bold, outgoing kitty? Or is your feline pal more on the shy side? Kitties may be small, but they are full of personality. Some of our feline pals are brave and courageous, some are sociable and extroverted, some are, well, rather feisty, and some are timid and shy. If you have a scaredy cat, continue reading! In this article, a neighborhood Vinton, VA veterinarian shares suggestions on how to help Fluffy thrive.

Creating a Happy, Safe, And Comfy Environment for Your Shy Cat

First and foremost, you will need to provide your feline pal with a secure haven. Kitties are both predators and prey by nature. This is probably one of the reasons they have such a unique combination of characteristics. Fluffy can be fearless about pouncing on your toes or when running after that little red dot, yet she may be terrified of the vacuum cleaner. 

Give your kitty plenty of nooks and crannies to hide in. Paper grocery bags without handles can be attractive hidey-holes for anxious cats. Fluffy would also like some boxes or an enclosed cat condo. Of course, like any other furball, your pet will appreciate having lots of comfortable beds.

Taking In a Shy Cat

Shelters welcome cats of all ages, sizes, colors, and personalities. It can be difficult to select just one furball from a collection of super cute faces! However, it is important to select a kitty that will fit within your family. Fluffy may be overwhelmed if you have a hyperactive dog, a youngster, and three other cats. That’s not to say you shouldn’t adopt a stressed kitty: it can be very rewarding to see a scared pet shine with love and care. Just think things over carefully.

Getting Fluffy Out To Come Out Of Her Shell

When it comes to bonding with cats, there are few rules, but one is unquestionably golden. Always, always, always allow the kitty to come to you when she wants attention or cuddling. At first, your pet may want to hide while she gets a sense of the situation. That’s purrfectly fine! Allow her the time and space she requires to feel comfortable.

Speak to her, check on her, and feed her treats. Just don’t focus all your attention on her. In fact, reading to your pet may be quite beneficial. This can help Fluffy become accustomed to the sound of your voice and start to feel safe.

Helping A Nervous Kitty Relax

If you’re adopting a shy cat, then you’ll want to start taking steps to help your kitty feel more at ease the day you bring her home. Start by making sure she has a peaceful and comfortable environment. An extra room is an excellent choice. If you and Fluffy live alone, leave the door open and let her out to explore when she’s ready. If you have any other pets, keep them separated at first and introduce your new pet gradually.

Kitties often have a hard time coping with major changes, such as changing households. Give your pet time to feel safe. A pet-calming product, such as treats or sprays, may help during that adjustment stage. You can also play soothing music or turn on kitty TV for her.

When your pet feels secure enough to peek her head out, try holding out a reward. You can also simply extend your hand and gently beckon her. (The ‘pssst’ sound may also work.) It’s okay if she doesn’t approach right away. Continue to try! Allow her to sniff your fingers once she feels brave enough to approach you. Next, give her a treat. You can gently stroke her forehead. If she backs off, don’t press the topic. Slow and steady is the way to go in this situation.

Helping A Shy Kitty Gain Confidence

Did you know that playing with a shy cat is one of the most effective things you can do for her? All kitties are predisposed to be hunters. Even the most timid feline is often drawn to a feather on a string or a catnip mouse. Nailing that tricky pounce can really boost your feline pal’s confidence. Consider it the kitty equivalent of scoring a goal or acing a test.

Playing also gives your furball a safe and healthy opportunity to relieve any stress she is experiencing. She’ll be able to burn off any excess energy she has as well. That can be a great stress reliever for both humans and pets. Fluffy will be a little calmer afterward because she’ll be tired out.

Make sure your tiny companion has plenty 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 really tell what she enjoys best.

Fluffy may also appreciate a cat tower. If you have a scaredy cat, look for one with at least one enclosed level. Fluffy may feel safer in a high location, so choose a taller one. This can also be helpful if you have a dog, as it gives your kitty vertical space.

We would also recommend sticking to a consistent mealtime and playtime schedule. Many of our animal companions just feel more secure when they have a regular routine. (She’ll sort her napping agenda out herself.)

Make Sure Fluffy Is Getting Proper Veterinary Care

We always recommend that people take new pets to the vet as soon as possible for a comprehensive examination. This goes double for shy kitties. You want to make sure that there isn’t a medical problem causing the pain or discomfort. If your feline friend receives the all-clear, you’ll know you have a frightened kitty rather than a sick one. If your kitty companion is really worried, your Vinton, VA veterinarian may offer medication.

Figure Out The Root Cause

It’s also important to figure out what is stressing your cat out. Kitties are actually quite emotional, and can get very scared or upset quite easily.

Here are some things that often frighten our feline pals:

• Construction Noise/Disruption
• Environment changes
• Getting new furniture
• Multicat households
• New babies
• New cat
• Moving to a new home
• Veterinary Visits
• Change in routine
• New pets
• Loud noises
• Disease
• Visitors
• Separation anxiety
• Travel
• A lack of key resources
• Cat Conflict
• Cats outside the household
• Improper socialization
• Lack of Scratching posts
• Boredom
• Discomfort
• Past Trauma

Of course, there are also kitties that are just naturally skittish. Ask your Vinton, VA vet for more tips on helping your pet feel more at ease.

Things You Should Not To Do With A Stressed-Out Cats

There are also a few don’ts on the checklist. A key one is not to let your pet go out. A shy cat will most likely flee and seek refuge, and you may have a hard time persuading her to return. Plus, cats are just always safer remaining inside, where they are protected from traffic, the weather, and wild animals.

What is the next item on the list? Never force attention on Fluffy. If she doesn’t want you to hold her or pick her up, don’t. This may backfire, making her anxious and fearful of you. Building trust takes time.

Finally, never yell at or strike your cat when disciplining her. Simply clap your hands if she is doing something wrong, such as sniffing near the door or scratching your armchair. You might also try spraying her with water. It will startle and irritate her, but it should not scare her.

Even shy cats do not all behave the same. Fluffy may decide that you are safe and want to cuddle with you at all times. Alternatively, she may choose to remain distant and only approach you on occasion. Allow her to decide when and how long she wants to cuddle. Knowing that she has a choice can be really beneficial in making her feel safe.

Visit Our Vinton, VA Animal Clinic

Do you have to bring your pet in for an exam? Have you lately got a cat? Contact us, your local Vinton, VA pet hospital, right now.