AnimalFriends Presents
The Timid Cat (aka the “fraidy cat”)
We all know that cats love a consistent routine (even more than treats)!
Over the years, a cat can develop a very consistent routine at home: the path he takes to get to his food, thetime of day he curls up in that sunny window, his favorite place to perch as he watches the day go by. When in ahome, cats become accustomed to the type of food they eat, the location of their litter box, their human’s voice,the smell of the coffee in the morning, the feel of their favorite cozy sleeping spot, the alarm clock going off at aparticular time, or that tasty treat before they go to bed. All these things give a cat a sense of comfort andconfidence. They like knowing what is going to happen every day, and having some control over their dailyroutine.
As humans, we enjoy a change of pace now and then. We like to sample new food, listen to different music, stayup late reading a good book or sleep in late the next morning. But cats don’t have that need; they don’t believe“variety is the spice of life!”
Now, think about what happens to a cat when he is brought into a new home. He now has a new bed to sleep on,is eating a different food from a different bowl, is seeing strange faces, hearing strange noises, has a new litterbox with different litter, is awakened with lights at a different time, and has no favorite hiding spot to escape towhen he needs a break. When you think about it,it is amazing that not every newly adopted cat initially hides in the corner or under the bed.
Fortunately, some cats can cope with change better than others, and even though they still experience stress,they have the confidence to take on new challenges put in front of them. But for some cats, the changes are justa little too overwhelming. They need a little extra TLC and a boost of confidence to know that everything will beall right.
This is where you can make a difference!
Approaching your kitty
First, take some deep, relaxing breaths .Your approach should be similar to the way you would approach a new baby. A soft,soothing voice, with slow movements are a must when interacting with a shy cat. Cats often feel intimated if you are looming over them, so get down on their level. Keep your manner calm and focused on the cat. Giving the cat slow, deliberate blinks with your eyes will communicate to your new feline friend that you are not threatening and don’t intend to do any harm. (But be careful not to stare! In kitty language-staring is considered very rude and threatening. )
The Safe Room
The best way to make your shy kitty feel comfortable in his new home is to do it slowly. We know you will be excited to show Kitty around his new digs, but he will do best if he can take it slowly-one room at a time.
Initially, having a “safe room” to call his own will help with your kitty’s adjustment period. The room should have all the cat creature comforts-food, water, litter box, toys, and of course, some nice snuggly places to hide out. By giving your shy cat this place to start out with, you will help take away some of the scariness of his new “big world’ and allow him to always have that special place to retreat to when things get too overwhelming.
Don’t be surprised if your new little love runs under the bed or behind the dresser. That’s okay. He just needs some time to take in all the new changes and it is much easier to do so in a small hiding place. Respect his need to gather his wits and don’t give in to the temptation to drag him out. We want Kitty to know that if he gets too stressed out, he can always come back to room and feel safe and secure.
How long it will take a shy cat to come out of hiding will really vary from kitty to kitty. Remember, your new friend will be with you for years to come-waiting a few days or however long it takes- is a very short time to help ease the transition. You want your new cat to know that his new home is safe and truly a “home sweet home”.
Now don’t be discouraged-There are some ways to help the process along…
Play Therapy and Medals of Bravery
Play therapy is a great way to help build a cat’s confidence. Many times, the gentle wiggle of a shoestring or a quick darting of thelaser light will encourage the little guy to come out from hiding in the hopes of capturing prey.
Playtime is a great way to help the kitty become more self- assured as it allows him to capture his prey and feellike he is “King of the Jungle.” Plus, playtime is great way to interact and let your kitty know that you are wonderful fun person. Just be mindful ofwhat toy you are using. A big giant bird flying across his path, or a noisy jangly ball may be too much for him to handle at first.
All cats have something they can’t resist…whether it’s cat treats, tuna, or just a soft scratching behind the ears. Find your cat’s soft spot and use it as a reward with any signs of bravery. If he sticks his head out from under the bed, lets you pet him while in his hiding space, doesn’t run away when you come into the room..anything. The steps may seem small to you, but remember that it is a very big accomplishment for your shy sweetheart and he should get a medal anytime he shows any bravery.
The first Steps out of the Room
It is important to remember that it can be very intimidating for a shy cat to leave the security of his safe room. You never want to force a cat to come out if he doesn’t want to. Doing so may cause kitty to become mistrustful and undo any progress you’ve already made.
Look for the signs that the kitty wants to come out. He should approach the door of the room and appear interested in what is going on outside.You might want to start leaving the door open while you are in the room with him so he can start getting used to the new outside his door. Remember to give rewards as he makes those tentative steps.
Take a moment and look at your home through the eyes of the cat…Are there a lot of people racing around? Is there a loud conversation taking place in the other end of the room? Are there other animals waiting for him to emerge? A nervous cat may think twice about wanting to leave the safety of his room. It may be a wise decision to wait until there is a quiet time to start making introductions.
Once those tentative first steps are made, rememberto keep watching for signs on how well he is coping. If your kitty shows signs that he has had enough of “big world” for now, make sure he has the ability to escape back to his room safe room or gently carry him back there.
Over time, your little “Fraidy Cat” will become more confident. Cats are curious little creatures, and often once out of their room, they will be exploring every new nook and cranny. If you keep the experiences positive, give rewards when they venture out of the room and don’t push them when they are not ready, your kitty will transition nicely. Before long, they will make your home theirs.
With alittle patience, persistence and a calming attitude, you can make a huge difference in helping a frightened catwith his transition to your home. Nothing will warm your heart more than seeing that scared little kitty blossom into a happyconfident little cat.