Fear is common and a perfectly normal, innate, and adaptive behavior in all animals. However, if fear isn’t addressed, it can develop into serious behavioral and health problems, so if your cat is showing fear or shyness you should always deal with it proactively.
Although it’s possible that a fearful cat has suffered abuse or bad experiences, most of the time fear results from a combination of a genetic predisposition and some lack of exposure with positive experiences. Many cats are fearful at first in a new environment and need a little time to adjust.
For severe shyness and fear disorders, get help from SF SPCA’s board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Don’t live in the Bay Area? Search locally for a veterinary behaviorist (Dip ACVB), or a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB or ACAAB). If your cat shows mild to moderate shyness or fear, here are some pointers.
Fearful cats usually do best in relatively quiet homes. They are not suitable for young children as children can easily scare them with loud noises or sudden movements.
Many fearful cats slowly become more confident as they get used to their living space and daily routine. Going to a new, strange environment can cause a fearful cat to regress at first in a new home. However, if you follow the procedures outlined in this handout this should only be temporary. The amount of time it takes a cat to settle into a new home varies from case to case. Some cats may take a week; others may take months, depending on the individual personalities.
At first you should confine the cat, preferably to a small, quiet room, ensuring that the cat has some appropriate hiding spots but cannot hide in any inaccessible places (e.g. closet or under the bed). You should provide hiding places that are easily accessible and comfortable. Be sure to place the litter box within easy reach of the cat, but away from food and water.
Keep the cat confined until he feels comfortable in the room and shows signs of wanting to explore the surroundings.
Let him explore the rest of the house gradually (too much territory all at once may be overwhelming). If at any point during this process he regresses, confine him back to his “safe” room for a few days and start over by only allowing access to one room at a time.
If you have other pets, do not introduce them until the cat has bonded with you and is reasonably comfortable in the home. At this point you may also start to slowly introduce the cat to other people, but be sure not to overwhelm him.
Many fearful cats bond to their caretaker(s) and make wonderful pets but retain a shyness towards strangers and hide when people come over.
For more information call 1.415.554.3030 or visit us online at sfspca.org
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