What To Do About Shy Cats??

[MULTICATMOM]

OUT OF THESE KITTYS I TOOK IN TIGER LILY'S THE ONLY SOCIAL GIRL. SHE SLEEPS BESIDE ME & GENERALLY "HANGS OUT" I KNOW SOX & DAISY ARE HERE, I CATCH GLIMPSES AS THEY FLY BY. THE CAT TREATS I PUT BEHIND ME ON THE RUG, DISAPPEARED! I WAS WATCHING THE DOOR, NO CATS IN OR OUT...SO, MY ? IS WHAT SHOULD I DO? WHAT IS THE "NORM" FOR SHY CATS? DO I JUST WAIT THEM OUT?

[emily_the_spoiled]

I guess my best advice is to give them time and let them come out at their own speed. I took in a rescue a couple of weeks ago and she is still hiding under the bed and comes out only at night. I had one that spent almost 6 weeks hiding before he was comfortable enough to show himself and even then he hid when I had company over.

They know they are some place where they are safe, so they will eventually show themselves. I have found it helpful to "talk" with the guys so they get used to the sound of your voice and associate it with something good.


Good luck and don't worry about them

[moosmom]

MULTICATMOM,

THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO IS GIVE HIM ALOT OF LOVE, PATIENCE AND TREATS. IF YOU HAVE TO GO BY HIM, MAKE LIKE HE'S NOT THERE SO HE WON'T FEEL THAT YOU'RE COMING AFTER HIM. GIVE HIM LOTS OF TREATS AND WHISPER TO HIM, SLOWLY BLINKING YOUR EYES.

WITH LOVE AND PATIENCE (NOT TO MENTION TREATS) HE'LL EVENTUALLY COME AROUND.

GOOD LUCK AND PLEASE KEEP US POSTED.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Yes, wait them out, or if you can do like Moosmom said and just slowly initiate contact, but nothing aggressive or pushy. I know Jen still has a majorly shy cat (Fern) after quite a few years, and Cataholic (Minny) does too. If I remember correctly, these kitties are still relatively new to your home, so just give them time.

[catmandu]

YOU HAVE TO BE PATIENT AS SOME OF MY CATS;TOOK OVER A YEAR BEFORE I COULD PET THEM.JUST GIVE THEM ALL THE LOVE THAT YOU CAN AND THINGS WILL TURN OUT ALL RIGHT.