What is the best approach for a shy cat?
Basically so far I’ve been lying on the floor calling the cat and hoping he would come to me, is this the best approach?
Cats do not like to be approached head on, so you have that down.
I wouldn’t even call him. Just be there quietly, don’t make any sudden moves…read or something calming. This lets him know that you are not scary.
Even though cats are carnivores, they can be victims of predators, so you do not want to act like one. Think of how much bigger you are than he is.
He was probably traumatized in some way, and you need to gain his trust and let him see that you won’t hurt him.
Placing food near and away from you to begin with is good. Then gradually bring it closer.
Be patient.
December 19th, 2009 at 2:23 am
leave them alone and let them make the 1st move.
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December 19th, 2009 at 2:34 am
try tossing food to it and talking ery softly to it.. it’ll eventauly come to you just have lots of patience
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December 19th, 2009 at 2:47 am
get a stick and a string, and get it to play. cats are suckers for string. my grandma’s cat is the same way.
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December 19th, 2009 at 3:05 am
What is the best approach for a shy cat?———–IF THIS IS A JOKE—THEN i’LL OFFER UP THE OLD PUNCH LINE:" UNIQUE"(=’you-sneak’)UP ON IT"—-this is a very,very old joke—at least 20 years old.
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December 19th, 2009 at 3:25 am
well, you have to be patient. I usually just stick out my hand in front of the cat’s nose and let the cat come to you. They will usually gently rub against your hand.
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December 19th, 2009 at 4:09 am
Cats do not like to be approached head on, so you have that down.
I wouldn’t even call him. Just be there quietly, don’t make any sudden moves…read or something calming. This lets him know that you are not scary.
Even though cats are carnivores, they can be victims of predators, so you do not want to act like one. Think of how much bigger you are than he is.
He was probably traumatized in some way, and you need to gain his trust and let him see that you won’t hurt him.
Placing food near and away from you to begin with is good. Then gradually bring it closer.
Be patient.
References :
December 19th, 2009 at 4:26 am
Try leaving him alone – almost ignore him. I had a very shy cat for years and it took ages for her to learn to trust me. Every time I tried to get her to come to me, pick her up, etc, she would just freak out even more. I tried just totally ignoring her – I would read or watch tv on the couch or at the same time bounce a wire toy up and down or wave a laser pointer (or flashlight) around while still pretending to ignore her.
It might take a while but eventually he’ll wonder why you’re ignoring him and he’ll make the first move! Or he’ll come attack the toy you’re waving around. Don’t try to pick him up or anything if he does come to you like this. He will learn to trust that you aren’t going to hurt him and soon he’ll be more friendly to you. Don’t be surprised if he takes a shining to you and ONLY you, though! After 12 years, my cat still never liked strangers and would run and hide every time somoeone came over.
Good luck! Just have patience because it could take anywhere from days to weeks to months!
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December 19th, 2009 at 4:53 am
approach by giving something she likes to eat
anyway thats an animal
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December 19th, 2009 at 5:07 am
I have had experience with this. My first foster cat would not come out from under my bed while I was present. Well, for a while until she turned around. But anyway, just keep talking to the cat from a safe distance. Let it know you won’t hurt it but don’t be too pushy. Give it some wet food then gently and slowly pull the dish closer to you. At the same time pet the cat. It will help show the cat not only that you won’t hurt it but you will help it. You are giving it food and not trying to take the food away.
Good luck.
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December 19th, 2009 at 5:35 am
I would leave it alone for a while. Let it get comfortable with it’s surroundings. After that, don’t make any sudden, loud, obnoxious movements. Let him earn your trust.
I have been blessed with the most nervous, shyest cat ever. He cries anytime someone other than me or my boyfriend picks him up, he hides from everyone else, he is suuuuch a baby. But I love the little guy. When I know he’s scared to death, I hold him, calm him down and he knows he can trust me.
Good luck.
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December 19th, 2009 at 5:55 am
Let the cat come to you, don’t try to force the situation. If you are sitting on the floor, quietly, the cat will eventually come over to check you out. Don’t make any sudden movements, let him sniff you out. After he calms down a little you can try giving him a treat when he comes to you, or playing with him.
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