The Way of Cats

Drawing out scaredy cats is a process where we make a space for the cat that they are too timid to make for themselves. If a cat has been traumatized by ill treatment, or is simply shy and overwhelmed by all the recent changes in their life, we must “turn down the volume” for them so they have a chance to calm down and think.

This will give them more confidence, and they will venture out more and more.

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The first step in a calmer space is to use signals the cat can understand even if they are under stress. Fleeing is the panic mode setting in, and the cat should not be thwarted in seeking hiding places, or dislodged from them if possible.

Rescue Remedy, (see below,) found in health food stores, is a safe, natural calmer that you can put in their water. A Feliway, (see below,) dispenser is like cat pheromones; undetectable to humans, but broadcasts calming messages to the cat. The cat has to calm down before they can think clearly enough to properly interpret our overtures. A perfectly sweet gesture can be misunderstood by a cat who fears the worst, and panicked cats always fear the worst.

We can quicken the process by making our presence reassuring. Before we leave for work, make a fuss about calling them, and leave treats or a toy somewhere, so they can find them and think nicely of us.

Go into rooms where we know they are hiding, and talk softly to them and about them. Get down on the floor when we do this, if possible, or sit in a chair. When they do see us, we will have a lower, less threatening profile. They want to study us, so make it easy for them.

Even if they aren’t there, make a few minutes of playtime. Rattle some toys around, talk about what fun we’d be having… if only they were here.

Be patient with every sighting. Enjoy every second more they accept our presence and find something to enjoy in it. As the process goes further, it will pick up speed.

Some scaredy cats find the wide open spaces of their new home a bit intimidating. Whether they have spent a long time in a shelter cage, or were trying to survive on the street by hiding, many scaredy cats are used to small spaces where at least they knew what was around them and could see it coming.

Help them reorient themselves by giving them their own spaces to hide in. Cat tunnels, a box with a blanket in it, or other spaces that we give to them can coax them out from under the bed. If we have a serious case, we can give then their own room, or even a dog crate, where they have quick access to their litter box, water, and food. This might be what they used to. Even though it is not the ideal we would like for them, we must be patient and let them grow into it. Litter box issues are solved if we give them such easy access, and not making them negotiate territory they are still not sure of.

When we are home, we can feed them special treats, which will help create a bond. This is not being cruel. This is helping the cat feel secure.

There’s one more thing you can do. All cats love to hear their origin stories. We can’t tell the stories without putting love in our voice. Make a bedtime ritual to where ever they are at bedtime, of telling how we got them, and how glad we are.

That might be the first thing they come out to hear.

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