So, you want to meet your neighbors next door? You’re afraid to go outside? Then, this article is for you. This article will tell you how to socialize a shy cat.
When cats are nervous, it can be very difficult to determine if they are hiding their fear or trying to prove something. A cat that is trying to prove its confidence may nip or scratch at things as it tries to gain its place in the group.
Luckily, there are ways to try and help this out. If a cat seems more interested in their surroundings than the other cats, chances are there is a human around that might bring them together. By bringing them together, you can try and get them comfortable with each other so they can learn how each other is.
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Keep interactions short and sweet
It is important for your cat to know that there is a stranger around every corner. You can keep a few supervised walks or supervised playtimes each week to keep your cat socialized.
This helps create more familiarity in the community where they live, how they uses the public spaces, and how others respond to them. Building confidence is a good thing, and being exposed to other animals and humans helps this.
On supervised play dates, make it a goal to take turns playing with your cat and make sure it gets some attention. Don’t overplay your role on the date or you will end up with a “shy cat” who does not want to be touched at all.
On walks, make sure you are comfortable walking at a consistent pace together and that your cat is moving well enough on its own.
Let the cat initiate interactions
A cat should never be pushed into socialization. Instead, the owner should be ready if the cat is lonely, if they are exposed to any threats in the environment, or if they are lonely.
For example, a neighborhood household has a two-year-old outfitted in a nice environment with lots of cats would be a good thing. Or the owner is already familiar with other cats and has them come to them.
Anytime a cat goes outside, they should have their own safety equipment on. Make sure you have at least a whistle and/or an escape net made ready. These can also be purchased as recommended by the vet.
Give the cat options for escape
If your cat is a beginner at cat socialization, consider providing a few options for kitten care. These include:
– Seven ways to greet your cat (http://www.catofallagear.com/greeting-cat)
– One way to walk your cat (http://www.catofallagelabs.com/one-way/)
– Two ways to choose a spot in the house (http://www.catofallagelabs.com/two-ways/)
– One way to adjust the size of the home you want your cat to live in (http://wwwt.
Always keep the cat on a leash
When your cat is comfortable in its environment, try offering them a pet. Only try this if your cat is happy to have a walk or if you think they need to get acquainted with other cats.
A pet is a very interactive way to meet your cat. Kittens need to be kept warm and socialized before they are introduced to other cats. Take the time to get them acquainted using only your hands and a toy or food dish.
Many times cats learn how to use the bathroom alone, so no housetraining needs to take place. If the cat seems uncomfortable when outdoors, try putting him/her in a warm, enclosed space such as an indoor kittelroom or kitchen.
Make sure you always keep your pets safe by having fun games, trying out new things together, and by only letting them out for designated times.
Offer pets only when the cat requests them
When your cat is comfortable in its environment, offer him or her a pet. Not only is this nice, it is good for the cat and good for you.
While cats are housetrained, they are not dogs. Therefore, try not to socialize your cat to other cats or dogs unless he or she wants one. If the kitty does not want a dog, you can still try trying a kitten.
If you take your kitten to the vet and have them check their hips and spine at around six weeks of age, the vet may suggest a safe size range for your kitten. Try not to raise your cat as an adult unless it is mature enough to live in an apartment alone!
Remember, no matter what stage of life your cat is in, they are beautiful and unique individuals, so finding someone who meets their needs is important.
Do not force interaction or attention
A cat’s sensitivity to human interaction is very high. This is a sign that they like what you are doing!
Shy cats need attention, love, and company more than others. They are aware of you when you are walking down the hallway, sitting in your kitchen chair reading the newspaper, or just watching them as they lounge around your home.
This is not said to oppress or control, but to let them know they are loved. The more people they meet and the more attention they receive, the happier they will be.
If you think your cat may be shy, do not try mass-shooting or forcing interactions.
Make loud noises to startle the cat
Making loud noises such as a fire breathing or water sprinkling can help startle your cat into going out for a walk. These types of behaviors are very enjoyable for your cat and them enjoying it is what is most important!
If your cat is socially shy, you can make some noise just to get them to come outside. Try keeping an empty food dish or milk bottle outside to get them to come out. Or use a music player or clock as the sound made by the item.
Try putting a toy in front of your cat to see if they will play with it and see if they will pick it up. If you have a lot of household clutter, you can place items in front of a cat so they will go through them and find someone or something to play with.
Use food to get their attention
Get a few treats or a few round-tablespoons of food and bring it out in a special bowl. This can be set out every day to keep up socialization.
This can be done with any kind of cat. Depending on the length of the average cat, they can go for different amounts of food. Using a portioned-out food dish makes this easier!
Once your kitten gets their attention, have fun with that. Trying different foods will help them learn what tastes good to you and what smells good. If you find you have to give up some of your cats because they are too shy to meet the rest of the community, create a local cat shelter or cashewnetwork to take them in!
These types of cats may need another home, so look into getting one. It will help get back some of those missed opportunities to socialize, though.