It takes a lot of patience and hard work to make a shy cat accept you. Some cats are shy when they meet humans. It is not clear why, but often rescue cats who have had unpleasant experiences with humans will develop into shy cat. Innate nature, stress, and lack of interaction with humans are also other reasons they are difficult to approach.
If you currently have the same problem as this, it's a good idea to first read these 9 tips to build your cat's confidence. Because the wrong or too much approach can only make your cat more aggressive and afraid. Here are some ways you can help your cat:
1. Understanding that it's not your cat’s fault for being timid or shy.
As mentioned above, when you bring a new cat home, that cat may have had unpleasant experiences or lacked interaction with humans. Hence, your cat becomes difficult to approach.
A cat that hasn't been properly socialized can get scared and can even scratch the surrounding people. Therefore, you must understand the position of your cat.
Keep accepting your cat as it is.
2. Give your cat a quiet space.
Shy cats will need time to adapt. So try to give them space where they feel safe. Thus, they can build their self-confidence while exploring the place.
You can start by placing the cat in a room that is safe from the reach of people passing, of course, with all the necessities it needs such as a litter box, clean food and water, a comfortable bed, and other necessities.
After they get used and comfortable with his small space, you can teach him to adapt to a larger space.
If you currently have the same problem as this, it's a good idea to first read these 9 tips to build your cat's confidence. Because the wrong or too much approach can only make your cat more aggressive and afraid. Here are some ways you can help your cat:
1. Understanding that it's not your cat’s fault for being timid or shy.
As mentioned above, when you bring a new cat home, that cat may have had unpleasant experiences or lacked interaction with humans. Hence, your cat becomes difficult to approach.
A cat that hasn't been properly socialized can get scared and can even scratch the surrounding people. Therefore, you must understand the position of your cat.
Keep accepting your cat as it is.
2. Give your cat a quiet space.
Shy cats will need time to adapt. So try to give them space where they feel safe. Thus, they can build their self-confidence while exploring the place.
You can start by placing the cat in a room that is safe from the reach of people passing, of course, with all the necessities it needs such as a litter box, clean food and water, a comfortable bed, and other necessities.
After they get used and comfortable with his small space, you can teach him to adapt to a larger space.
3. Patience and Compassion are key
Building a shy cat's self-confidence cannot be done quickly. Therefore, patience is the main key. It may frustrate you because your cat can't adapt, but remember that each cat is unique and has its personality. So don't give up! Keep loving your cat.
4. Stay calm.
Shy cats are very sensitive to things around them. Sudden movements or loud noises can cause him to run away in fear. Try to stay calm when the cat is around you.
5. Talk to your cat.
Maybe it sounds silly if we talk or meow back to our cat. But by frequently inviting the cat to talk, your cat will get used to our presence and our voices. Try when we speak, use a soft tone and volume so as not to scare him. You can also just hum softly while sitting near your cat, it can help to get used to your presence.
6. Food is also a great way to motivate.
Food motivates not all cats, but there's nothing wrong with trying this way. The trick is to offer food, keep your distance from your cat, wait and see if your cat wants to eat it.
If your cat wants to sniff and eat, go to the second stage by putting his food distance slowly closer to you. Do it repeatedly until your cat is comfortable.
7. Let your cat come over and sniff you.
As we all know, cats recognize their surroundings by relying on their sense of smell. Before approaching and petting a shy cat, you can put your hand in a position where they can sniff it. If they rub their face against your hand, it means they trust and feel safe with you.
Building a shy cat's self-confidence cannot be done quickly. Therefore, patience is the main key. It may frustrate you because your cat can't adapt, but remember that each cat is unique and has its personality. So don't give up! Keep loving your cat.
4. Stay calm.
Shy cats are very sensitive to things around them. Sudden movements or loud noises can cause him to run away in fear. Try to stay calm when the cat is around you.
5. Talk to your cat.
Maybe it sounds silly if we talk or meow back to our cat. But by frequently inviting the cat to talk, your cat will get used to our presence and our voices. Try when we speak, use a soft tone and volume so as not to scare him. You can also just hum softly while sitting near your cat, it can help to get used to your presence.
6. Food is also a great way to motivate.
Food motivates not all cats, but there's nothing wrong with trying this way. The trick is to offer food, keep your distance from your cat, wait and see if your cat wants to eat it.
If your cat wants to sniff and eat, go to the second stage by putting his food distance slowly closer to you. Do it repeatedly until your cat is comfortable.
7. Let your cat come over and sniff you.
As we all know, cats recognize their surroundings by relying on their sense of smell. Before approaching and petting a shy cat, you can put your hand in a position where they can sniff it. If they rub their face against your hand, it means they trust and feel safe with you.
8. Be playful with your cat.
The eighth way to make cats comfortable with our presence by inviting them to play. If they are still difficult to approach, you can start sitting near the cage by giving them space. Use a stick or other cat toys you have. Call out their favorite names and let them come closer as they become interested in playing.
9. Train the cat to spend time in the open room.
When the cat is comfortable in his private room or near you, invite him to spend time in an open space.
Real open spaces provide new experiences for cats, such as the sound of a telephone, people talking, or other strange things.
Therefore, always pay attention to his reaction, whether your cat is still shy or shows his confidence.
These are 9 ways you can build confidence in a shy cat. We hope it is useful.
Written by Odi from HenloCat.
Photo #1 Juan Goyache on Unsplash
Photo #2 Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash
The eighth way to make cats comfortable with our presence by inviting them to play. If they are still difficult to approach, you can start sitting near the cage by giving them space. Use a stick or other cat toys you have. Call out their favorite names and let them come closer as they become interested in playing.
9. Train the cat to spend time in the open room.
When the cat is comfortable in his private room or near you, invite him to spend time in an open space.
Real open spaces provide new experiences for cats, such as the sound of a telephone, people talking, or other strange things.
Therefore, always pay attention to his reaction, whether your cat is still shy or shows his confidence.
These are 9 ways you can build confidence in a shy cat. We hope it is useful.
Written by Odi from HenloCat.
Photo #1 Juan Goyache on Unsplash
Photo #2 Ioana Cristiana on Unsplash
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