imagine. You just adopted a new feline family member. As you ride home in your car, you’ll be thrilled to have the newcomer in the carrier next to you.
When you finally get home, the whole family is eagerly waiting when you open the door to the cat cage. And yet, while you’re all standing there grinning and ready to welcome your new cat home with some affectionate snuggles, nothing happens.
You stare and find your new cat curled up in the back of the harness, showing no sign of joining the party. You gently reach for them, only to have them run past you and camp in a hard-to-reach spot under the couch, where they spend the next four hours.
Disappointing, right? But if you have a shy cat, it’s probably all too familiar! Many cats are nervous or frightened, especially if they are uncomfortable. But can a shy cat be permanently shy? What can you do to help them feel more confident?
frightened cat behavior
A frightened cat may appear indifferent, indifferent, or even angry! But it’s important to remember that they’re not rude; they’re just scared. If done right, you can develop a great relationship with them. So, what behavior should let you know your cat is scared?
First, they may avoid people, animals, or other sources of noise. They may also ignore you if you call them, and run away if you approach them. If they are distressed or threatened, you may hear them hiss or growl at anyone or anyone who comes close.
Also read: How to introduce a cat to a new home
Your cat’s body language may also give you some clues. If their ears are pulled back, their teeth are showing, their tail is puffed up, or their pupils are dilated, they are likely to be scared and don’t want company. Speaking of their tails, in addition to being swollen, they may frantically swing from side to side, and if a threat gets too close, they may snap their claws at it.
Why is my cat afraid of everything?
Sometimes your cat seems afraid of everything from loud noises to strangers and local tomcats. Some fears are legitimate. After all, who wants to be beaten up by local hooligans?
On the other hand, sometimes your cat’s anxiety can become a real problem and prevent them from having a good quality of life. For example, let’s say they hide for days every time you make a delivery, triggering other stress-related conditions like cystitis or excessive grooming. In this case, you may need to step in.
How do you calm down a frightened cat?
If your cat is really scared, you should first try to determine the cause. If the cause is obvious, such as noisy kitchen appliances or a dog visiting, try to fix the problem as much as possible.
If you’re not sure why your cat is afraid, or if you can’t control stimuli (such as fireworks), you can take other calming measures. Anti-anxiety and sedative medications, such as drop-in diffusers and sprays or oral supplements, can be very effective.
Consult your veterinarian if you are unsure which product is best for your cat.
8 Ways to Help a Shy Cat Become More Confident
If you’re the pet parent of a timid cat, try these steps:
#1 Take it easy
Talk to the frightened cat quietly, and pet them gently if they seem to be enjoying themselves.
No matter how hard you try, you can’t fix a frightened feline overnight. If you try to rush them or push them to change, you won’t be able to earn their trust and you will fail. It’s important to take baby steps and never go too far outside their comfort zone.
If you want your cat to stop responding to something, you can try controlling the exposure. However, when you expose your cat to anything that makes them anxious, you should do so gradually and stop if they react.
#2 use positive reinforcement
Help your cat connect you with good things by using really tasty treats.
You may notice that even the most food-oriented felines don’t care about treats when they’re frightened. However, as long as you approach them slowly, calmly, and quietly, you should be able to get close to them over time.
As you make progress and they feel more comfortable with your presence, reward them with tasty treats. Once they’re comfortable with you near them, move on to gentle petting, perhaps tickling under the chin or behind the ears. Treats and fuss can become rewards over time, depending on whether your cat likes food or attention!
Also Read: The 7 Best Treats for Calming Cats
#3 read their body language
If your cat is alert but relaxed, with ears facing forward, this is a good time to start gentle interactions.
If you understand how cats communicate through their body language, your bond will deepen. So, if their ears are pushed back, their tail is wagging, or they’re bending over to try to lose sight, they probably don’t want to be bothered.
READ ALSO: 5 Visual Signs of a Stressed Cat and How to Help
On the other hand, if their ears are forward and they’re purring, they’re probably inviting you to join them. Remember, it’s not just about knowing their body language. It’s about following and respecting their wishes.
#4 create safe space
Provide a comfortable bed in a quiet part of the house where your cat can retreat when feeling overwhelmed.
When your cat is scared, it may seem counterproductive to let them hide somewhere. After all, wouldn’t that encourage them to hide? Well, giving them a guaranteed safe place and making them feel safe can give them more confidence knowing they can seek refuge if needed.
Their safe space should be in a quiet part of the home, preferably off the ground so they can observe their surroundings. Make it cozy with a blanket, and using pheromones or calming sprays can also help.
#5 do what they like
Find out your cat’s likes and dislikes so you can interact in a positive way.
If you want to encourage your cats to come out of their shells, it’s best not to force them to be something they’re not. So don’t pick them up if they’re not the cuddling type, and don’t keep waving them in front of them if they don’t care about your new cat toy!
Also read: 6 Subtle Signs Your Cat Loves You
If you interact with them the way they like, they’ll start to trust you and associate you with positive feelings. This should give them more confidence over time.
#6 delete trigger
Try to create a safe and calm environment in your home where your cat can relax and thrive.
If your cat is frightened, it’s best to remove any potential stressors from their environment. Even if you can’t control the cause of their stress or fear, you can still create a better environment for them.
So stay calm and quiet, turn the volume down on the TV, and avoid yelling or sudden frantic movements.
#7 use sedation
Some very frightened or stressed cats may benefit from special medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
Anti-anxiety medications and sedative products can be very effective, especially when they are used in conjunction with other methods to boost a cat’s self-confidence.
Using a pheromone or calming diffuser in the room where they spend most of their time, or spraying it in their hideout should help make them feel calmer and more confident.
#8 Get expert help when you need it
Contact your veterinarian or animal behaviorist if you are unable to make progress with a fearful cat.
Some cases of feline phobias are so extreme that they affect your cat’s quality of life, and possibly yours, too. If you and your feline friend are struggling with stress and shyness, it’s time to consult an expert.
Veterinarians and certified feline behaviorists can provide support, advice and even medication if needed.
in conclusion
It’s only natural to want your feline family member to be outgoing and affectionate. However, many cats are shy or fearful, especially in new surroundings. Fortunately, with a little patience and proper technique, you can improve your cat’s self-confidence over time.
As their confidence and trust grow, so will your bond, and you and your feline companion can live in harmony.
frequently asked questions
How long will a cat hide when it is scared?
If your cat hides because it’s scared, you might think they’ll reappear soon because they’re hungry, thirsty, or need to go to the litter box. However, you will be amazed by the staying power of your cat.
It is not uncommon for cats to hide for 12 hours or more when frightened, only coming out when they feel safe. Ultimately, of course, they will have to come out and meet their basic survival needs.
It’s best not to use this as an opportunity to pounce on them, though. You may gain their trust if you move their food, water, and trash closer to their hiding place and let them out when they’re ready.
How can I make my cat feel safe?
It’s important to respect their boundaries and let them know they’re safe with you. By listening to what your cat is trying to tell you through their body language, rather than making them feel uncomfortable, you deserve their trust. Other ways to make them feel safe include making them a cozy hiding place and using calming sprays and diffusers.
Can a Shy Cat Be Friendly?
Every cat is different, so you can’t expect them to have the same personality. However, if you are patient, calm and gentle, you can slowly build your cat’s trust. Once your cat trusts you, they are more likely to be friendly and want your attention.
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