Purring animals often appear confident and fearless. But in reality, they can be shy and fearful of their surroundings. There are several reasons for this, but sometimes it’s just their genetics. Other times it is due to a traumatic past. Fortunately, there are many ways you can interact with shy cats. When interacting with a shy cat, move slowly so as not to frighten it.
Create a comfortable environment that includes plenty of places to hide and keep loud noises to a minimum. Always wait for your cat to come to you and use soft, gentle tones when talking to her. Establishing a consistent routine will help your cat feel more comfortable, as will using treats every time the cat shows courage.
Shyness in cats manifests itself in different ways. Some fearful cats appear nervous and scared, while others go home where they feel safe. Even if you have created a safe and secure environment for your cat, it may not be enough to stop her from being afraid.
Why is my cat so shy?
There are many reasons why cats feel nervous and hesitant. It usually comes down to:
• Genetics: Some cats are naturally fearful.
• Upbringing: Cats that are not properly socialized can become shy and fearful of people.
• Past experiences: Trauma and abuse can make cats fearful and nervous.
Likewise, environmental factors can cause a purring friend to become shy and withdrawn. They include:
• Other pets in the home
• Loud noises
• Rampant children
• Moving to a new home
• Unfriendly owners
To ensure a comfortable and happy life for your cat, you may want to consider teaching it to be less shy and more confident when in your presence.
How to increase a cat’s confidence
With effective socialization techniques, you can boost your cat’s confidence so that she feels less shy and more comfortable around you. It is important to remember that it will not work for all cats. But you can make yours feel happier in their environment, regardless of their personality. To boost your cat’s confidence, try the following:
• Offer physical contact
• Create a routine
• Create a safe environment
• Provide places to hide
How to get a shy cat to trust you
Building a bond with your cat is a rewarding process. After all, this is probably why you chose your pet. But it’s not always easy to do, especially if you’re dealing with a shy cat.
However, all is not lost. With some time and patience, you can get your cat to trust you. Follow these steps to get started:
• Respect your cat’s space
• Don’t get angry with your cat no matter what it does. Yelling and scolding her will only scare her more.
• Watch body language
• Learn your cat’s limits
• Positive support – reward her with treats when she is braver and comes to you
How to get a shy cat to come to you
It’s only natural to want to pet and play with your cat. This is difficult to do when you have a shy cat, so you should encourage her to come to you when she feels comfortable. Maintain a quiet, calm presence at all times. In this way, your cat will start to feel less shy.
Motivate your cat to come to you with these easy methods:
• Sit quietly near your cat for a while, allowing her to sniff you.
• Talk to her in a calm, gentle way.
• Stand still if your cat approaches you. Sudden movements will scare her.
• Give your cat a treat after it approaches you. Gradually increase the amount of time it takes you to give your cat a treat.
• Gently toss a ball or other toy to play together.
• If your cat runs away, do not chase it. Try again when she seems calmer and less anxious.
Bringing an insecure cat out of its “shell” is rewarding, but not always possible. A shy cat can still be a good pet, but you will need to respect its boundaries and be gentle when interacting with it.
Illustrative Photo by Doğu Tuncer: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-a-domestic-cat-16112164/
