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What do I do if my cat is scared? Why is my cat hiding? Are you shy or have a problem? How should I act to help him? Solve your doubts in this essay.
Sometimes one of our cats is very shy, scared, run away, etc. and this worries us enormously since we want to help him but we do not know the reason for his attitude either. So the first thing we will solve will be to know the reason why the cat is afraid or shy.
Domestic cat vs wild cat
Before inquiring about the possible reasons that make a cat afraid or scary we must differentiate between these two types.
A wild cat or feral cat is mainly one that barely has contact with a human, either because he was born wildly or because circumstances have led him to it. Normally these cats totally avoid contact with humans, feeling that we are a threat or simply fearing the unknown.
These types of cats want to live in freedom and ideally, the environment would allow it. Initiatives such as controlled colonies help make this happen, but neither are the cats that live in these colonies prone to contact with people.
So, what we want to know is what happens with the other cats, those who live with us (domestic cats).
Reasons why a domestic cat is fearful or shy
As with people, there are very different reasons that make a cat have a concrete behavior. In general, the pussycat behaves in a nervous, shy, and scary for the following reasons :
Character or genetics. Obviously, the character of each cat greatly influences the way it behaves, and often within that character, there is a genetic load. Do not forget that the cat has had to face terrible situations throughout history, such as persecution and massacres by a human beings. Another possible cause of this ‘inheritance’ may be that her mother is a feral cat and the kitten learns from her.
Trauma or bad memory. If the cat has been mistreated, beaten, etc. It is logical that he acts with fear and that he does not trust people. If this traumatic situation occurs in the first months of life, then the kitten is more likely to act with fear. When the trauma occurs as an adult cat, the subsequent behavior tends to be more with ‘violent’ reactions or reflexes of this type than with fear, but it can also be the case.
Changing environment. As we have said several times, the cat is a territorial animal and, normally, a change of environment can affect its behavior. One of the usual situations in which a cat is afraid is when it comes back home, so it is important to follow these tips to introduce a new cat at home.
In all these cases we are talking about cats that are shy or afraid of people, but it also happens that cats show themselves in front of other animals or objects. Even the presentation between the two cats is crucial so that the relationship between them is good.
The importance of cat socialization
As we have commented, the relationship between a wild cat and a person is usually practically impossible. The difference between that cat and a domestic one is its degree of socialization.
The time to socialize a pussycat is usually from 2 to 8 weeks, although some say it can last up to 12 weeks. In any case, the first months of life of the kitten are very important for their socialization, so the contact that during that time has had with all types of humans (of different sizes, races, ages, sexes, etc.) is key.
This does not mean that we have to adopt kittens from a very young (the first 3 months are better to be with your mom) or that in the first months of life, we have to expose the kitten to constant visits, but it is interesting that we try that if the circumstance allows it, know people of pequeñito, of prudent way and whenever it is of pleasing for the cat.
The pussycat that during that time has not had contact with humans will be more difficult to be socialized with, being even impossible in many cases. Forcing a wild cat to live with humans can be harmful, turning the kitten into a cat that always lives in fear, hiding, etc.
Tips to follow in front of a scared or shy cat
The main thing is to respect the rhythm of the cat, not to force anything, observe and be very patient. Following these guidelines can help the cat to be less and less fearful:
It generates a quiet environment without noise. Cats have a strong sense of hearing, and any strange noise can put them on alert. A scary and shy cat will be happier in a quiet house.
It facilitates spaces in which the cat can hide or climb high. The fact that it has places such as boxes, houses, high spaces, etc. It will make the cat feel more secure and that he does not have to fight a great race whenever something causes fear. When the cat feels that threat, it will most likely hide or climb somewhere, so if you notice that you have these types of spaces nearby, you will probably ‘dare’ more.
Do you know why cats like boxes so much?
Sobórnalo with food, game, or candy. The word bribe may sound bad, but we refer to giving ‘rewards’ or things that the cat likes so that, little by little, we gain their trust. Each cat has its preferences: specific prizes for pigs, chicken, sausage, etc. or simply play with your favorite toy.
Watch your body language. Like us, the cat uses its body language to communicate. In the next section, we will detail more about how to act in front of the pussycat.
The body language in front of the scared cat
The cat interprets our movements or our way of addressing him as he interprets those of other species or his own.
Therefore, we must take into account things like:
Our body position. The fact that we are bigger than the cat can intimidate him, it is preferable that when approaching the pussycat we should slowly crouch or squat, and not approach abruptly and stand up. In fact, it is even better to make a sort of detour than to go directly to the cat, as they themselves do between them when they go in peace.
The tone of voice. Cats are more friendly to voices that are sharper and softer than loud voices. As much as you tell him to calm down, if the tone is not right he can play against you.
Look. For the cat, a direct look is a challenge, so it is better not to stare at him but to look away or look at him out of the corner of his eye. It can also help you blink or blink slowly, and wait to see if it returns a similar gesture.
The cat sends, we must have patience
We insist that the cat is the one who sets the guidelines, and that we should not force the cat to be less fearful, or we will achieve the opposite.
Normally cats have short attention spans, so progress may be slow. That first dares to leave a little while, then a little bit more, etc.
It is also very likely that first take confidence with those at home and, on the contrary, flee every time visitors come. And this situation may never change, many cats prefer to hide when someone is a stranger.
Interestingly, people who, when they come to your home, avoid a relationship with the cat (those people who say that ‘they do not like cats very much’) usually have a body language and a slow, non-threatening attitude to the house cat (They do not persecute him, they do not try to touch him, they do not look at him directly, etc.) The pussycat will perceive his non-threatening gestures as something friendly and, therefore, will be closer to these non-cat lovers’ guests.
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