Poor Makis... Please Help!

**Gato'smum** · 05-24-2008, 12:41 PM

My Grandma's cat, Makis, is extremely timid. He spends most of his time in a box in her basement and cringes at any loud noises. She adopted him from a rescue shelter in Greeley, CO, so he was probably abused; However, she's had him for almost three years, and he's still a scaredy-cat (no pun intended)

She really wants to help Makis be less timid. She even told me yesterday that she was going to try subjecting him to loud noises so he'll get used to them, but I think that would be too traumatic for him; if anyone has any suggestions, feel free to post them- I'll be listening!

**mamaducky** · 05-24-2008, 01:18 PM

Oh, the poor little guy! I'd have to agree with you that abuse is likely part of Makis' history.

I also agree with you VERY STRONGLY that subjecting him to loud noises would be really upsetting to him, and would not achieve the desired results. If she does that, then Makis might start associating the loud and traumatic noises with her -- and that would make it even harder for them to build a close and trusting relationship!

Has Grandma had Makis to the vet to be examined, and to discuss this problem? That would be a good first step.

My vet -- and many, many of my PT friends -- recommended a product called Feliway. It is a synthetic pheromone that comes in a spray or a plug-in diffuser, and helps cats feel calmer and more comfortable. It made a big difference in my multi-cat household in just a matter of few days, and I think it would definitely be worth a try in Makis' case.

Now, having said all that, there are cats who just tend to be timid and not "people" animals -- and that might be Makis' basic personality. However, I'm sure his vet will be able to help Grandma come up with some strategies to help him be happier and better adjusted. God bless her for adopting from a rescue shelter -- and the best of luck to all of you!

Hugs,
Diana

P.S. Here are a couple of links with further advice about dealing with timid cats -- hope they help!

http://www.gardenstew.com/about92.html

http://www.best-cat-art.com/nervous-cats.html

**cristy** · 05-24-2008, 06:54 PM

I agree with Diana. PLEASE don't let Grandma scare him like that!!! I don't have any advice on the "scaredy-cat" front, since I've never really dealt with any super shy cats. I do think that normal house sounds shouldn't be avoided, but extra noises are not the answer!

I'll say a prayer that things work out quickly for this little guy and your Grandma!

**mamaducky** · 05-24-2008, 08:34 PM

Hi again --

Just wondering; "Makis" sounds like a Greek name -- is it?

If that's the case, no WONDER he's being difficult..!

Hugs,
Diana
Owned by 3 Cats
Married to a Greek Guy

**Gato'smum** · 05-24-2008, 08:44 PM

yes, it is. My grandma lived in Cyprus for several years. I don't remember what 'Makis' means, but I do know that the name of her other cat, Nessa, mans "forest nymph".

**moosmom** · 05-24-2008, 09:52 PM

Your Grandma needs to have company over more often so Makis can get used to everyday noises. Poor baby. He sounds feral, but that isn't necessarily the case. Lil A was feral but since coming to live with me, she's still scared and will run and hide when someone comes over, but she's come so far since then.

Feliway is a good product. They sell an herbal calmer that I use on my cats. Just a couple of drops in water will do it.

Tell Grandma to lay off scaring him. It'll only make things worse.

**genoismypet** · 07-07-2008, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by mamaducky

Oh, the poor little guy! I'd have to agree with you that abuse is likely part of Makis' history.

I also agree with you VERY STRONGLY that subjecting him to loud noises would be really upsetting to him, and would not achieve the desired results. If she does that, then Makis might start associating the loud and traumatic noises with her -- and that would make it even harder for them to build a close and trusting relationship!

Has Grandma had Makis to the vet to be examined, and to discuss this problem? That would be a good first step.

My vet -- and many, many of my PT friends -- recommended a product called Feliway. It is a synthetic pheromone that comes in a spray or a plug-in diffuser, and helps cats feel calmer and more comfortable. It made a big difference in my multi-cat household in just a matter of few days, and I think it would definitely be worth a try in Makis' case.

Now, having said all that, there are cats who just tend to be timid and not "people" animals -- and that might be Makis' basic personality. However, I'm sure his vet will be able to help Grandma come up with some strategies to help him be happier and better adjusted. God bless her for adopting from a rescue shelter -- and the best of luck to all of you!

Hugs,
Diana

P.S. Here are a couple of links with further advice about dealing with timid cats -- hope they help!

http://www.gardenstew.com/about92.html

http://www.best-cat-art.com/nervous-cats.html

Hi, where do u get that product and is it safe to use around a 9 yr old boy? My cat is very scared of a lot of different sounds and she is one and a half, so I have tried giving her lots of attention and extra xo's but nothing seems to work. I just need to make sure it won't harm my son at all. Thanks

**mamaducky** · 07-10-2008, 03:49 PM

Hi there!

Feliway can be found at pet stores and a number of other places; I've gotten it from PetSmart, my vet's office, and Amazon.com!

It's very safe, and though our cats seem to be able to smell it, we people have never been able to! It's totally harmless as far as your son is concerned -- no "fumes" or anything else disagreeable.

Catty1 gave me a fantastic suggestion about using the Feliway spray on a stretchy collar; you just spray a little on each day, and it goes where the cat goes (instead of having to worry about which particular areas to spray, or using the diffuser).

Best of luck!