Cats, despite their diminutive size, are full of personality. Some of our feline pals are brave and daring, some are sociable and outgoing, and others are timid and shy. If you have a scaredy-cat on your hands, continue reading! This post features tips from a local Westland area veterinarian on how to help Fluffy thrive.

Helping a Shy Cat Get Settled

You’ll want to make your pet feel safe from day one. As soon as you bring your kitty companion home, make sure to place her in a calm and comfortable area with all of the requisite items, such as beds, dishes, and her litterbox. An extra room is a smart choice. Your feline pal 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.

If you and Fluffy live alone, you can keep the door open and let her explore when she is ready. At first, your pet may want to hide somewhere as she learns the lay of the land. That is fine! Give her enough time and space to feel safe.

If you have other pets, introduce them gradually. Ask your Westland area vet for tips. 

Providing Your Shy Cat With A Happy Haven

Kitties are natural predators and prey. This might clarify why they have such a unique combination of characteristics. Fluffy can be fearless when it comes to following that little red dot, but she may also be scared of the doorbell.

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 nervous little buddy to hide in. Paper grocery bags without handles can make enticing hiding places for scared cats. Fluffy may also like some boxes or an enclosed cat condo.

Adopting a Shy Cat

Are you planning to adopt a feline buddy soon? Shelters house cats of various ages, sizes, colors, and personalities. It can be difficult to choose just one furball from a collection of gorgeous faces! However, it is critical 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.

Getting Fluffy Out of Her Shell

There are few rules regarding bonding with cats. However, one stands out above the others: Always allow Fluffy to come to you when she wants attention or affection.

Aside from that, talk to your little buddy, check on her, and give her treats. Just don’t draw attention to her. It’s critical to let Fluffy come to you. In fact, 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. Make sure to provide food while you are doing this.

When your pet feels comfortable enough to peek her head out, try handing out a treat. You can just simply extend your hand and beckon 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. Purrs must be earned!

Helping Your Nervous Kitty Gain Confidence

Did you know that one of the nicest things you can do for a shy cat is to play with her? Kitties are all predisposed to be hunters. Even the most cautious kitty may not be able to resist the allure of a feather on a string or a catnip mouse. Achieving that difficult pounce/jump combo may boost your kitty friend’s confidence significantly. Think of it as the feline equivalent of scoring a goal or passing a test with flying colors.

Also, playing allows your pet to relieve stress in a safe and healthy manner. Exercise may be very soothing for both humans and pets. This will help your pet release some of its tense energy. She’ll be a little calmer afterwards, simply because she’ll be exhausted. That is a good thing!

Give your tiny buddy 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 figure out what your little buddy likes best.

Fluffy may also adore a cat tower. 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 mealtime and playtime schedule. Many of our animal companions just feel more secure when they are on a regular schedule.

Take Your Feline Pal To The Vet

We always recommend that when people first adopt a cat, one of the first things they do is take their new buddy to the vet for a thorough examination. For anxious kitties, 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 cat is severely anxious, your Westland area veterinarian may prescribe medication.

What Not to Do

There are also some don’ts on the list. First and foremost? Do not let your cat go outdoors. A shy cat will most likely flee and seek refuge, and you may have difficulty coaxing her back inside. Plus, our feline pals are always safer indoors, where they are protected from traffic, weather, and wild animals.

Never push attention on Fluffy. If she does not want to be held or picked up, leave her alone. Forcing the issue may backfire, making her nervous and fearful of you. Trust takes time.

Finally, don’t yell at your cat to reprimand her. If she is doing something inappropriate, such as sniffing near the door or jumping on the counter, simply clap your hands. You could also squirt her with water. That will startle and annoy her, but it won’t hurt her.

Getting to Know Fluffy

Kitties are all unique. (Actually, that’s an understatement.) Fluffy may decide you are safe and want to cuddle all the time. Alternatively, she may want to withdraw and approach you just on occasion. Always let her determine when cuddling time begins and ends. Knowing she has a choice can be really helpful in this situation, as it will give her the upper paw, so to speak.

Purr Activation

It’s truly amazing how animals can transform with love and care. Just bear in mind that our animal companions all have their distinct personalities. Fluffy may never be the fearless, outgoing kitty who cheerfully climbs onto guests’ laps or meows to greet your brother when he comes around. However, she may rvetually come to 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 Westland area Animal Clinic

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