It is normal for cats to be timid. Just like us humans, different people have different personalities. Some people like to socialize, party, and play games, while others like to be alone. , some people will be shy or scared when meeting strangers or being in unfamiliar environments. In the same way, cats are also like this. Today, Pet Lover is here to talk to you about why cats are timid and what to do if a cat is timid.
The reasons why cats are timid
1. It’s by nature
In fact, from some aspects, timidity is a cat’s nature and it’s a way for cats to protect themselves. Instinct, and it is precisely the timidity and shyness of cats that allow cats to survive in the cruel natural survival law of survival of the fittest. Timidity shows that the cat is highly alert. In the wild environment, the cat is a hunter, a lone ranger and a lonely assassin. If it is not always vigilant and cautious, then what it may lose may not be as simple as a meal. It may lose everything. It's life.
2. Lack of necessary socialization training
Although different cats have different reasons for being timid, there is one common reason why many cats are timid, and that is, Cats lack necessary socialization training. If a cat has not interacted with humans when it was young, it will definitely be afraid of seeing humans when it grows up.
3. Physical reasons
Cats are aloof and like to hide their little secrets. If a cat has a physical problem, it may also become timid, because, in In the wild environment, if a cat has a physical problem and a potential opponent knows about it, then the only thing waiting for it is death. Therefore, cats will be timid and scared, and they will hide quickly when there is any disturbance.
Of course, cats as pets today may not encounter such a cruel reality, and this reason is relatively rare. However, cats have always had the instinct to hide their physical problems. If you feel that your cat has a physical problem or you are not sure whether there is a physical problem with your cat, it is recommended to consult a professional pet doctor and let a professional pet doctor help solve the problem.
What to do if the cat is timid and shy
1. Let the cat stay quietly in its hiding place for a while
If the cat has just been brought home If you have a new cat, they may hide because they are afraid of the new environment. At this time, all you have to do is close the doors and windows, prepare the cat’s food, litter box, water and other necessities, and then let the cat hide. Let that room be quiet for a while and don't disturb it.
2. Make sure the environment where the cat stays is quiet
Don’t make loud noises in the room where the cat is hiding. This will only make the cat more scared. In fact, the cat is scared at this moment. It is also evaluating the new environment around it. If the cat feels that its surrounding environment is safe, then the cat will come out soon. Then, we can also talk to the kitten in a gentle tone so that the cat can slowly get used to the owner's voice.
3. Let the cat come to play with you on its own initiative
When many people bring a cat home, because they are happy and excited, they will greet the cat with exaggerated actions and words. , or pull the cat out when it is hiding. In fact, this is wrong. This will only deepen the cat's fear and make the cat even more frightened. If the cat thinks its surrounding environment is safe, it will come to you to play on its own initiative, so don't be impatient.
4. Tempt the cat with delicious food
You can take some small snacks and gently throw them in front of the cat to see how the cat reacts. If the cat eats them, throw them away. As time goes by, slowly reduce the distance between you and the cat, and then praise the cat in gentle words. Slowly, the cat will start to get close to you.
5. Play with the cat
If the cat comes out of its hiding place, then you can start to play some gentle interactive games with the cat. For example, take a cat teasing stick and tease the cat. If the cat is attracted by the toy, reward and praise the cat, and then spend more time playing with the cat. Gradually, the cat will get close to its owner.
6. Don’t make sudden big movements when approaching the cat
If you want to get close to the cat, you should approach the cat with gentle and gentle movements, and don’t make sudden big movements, otherwise It will scare the cat away.
7. Leave escape routes for cats
It is best to leave multiple escape routes for cats at home so that they can avoid unwanted people or pets. Then, you can also set up some cat climbing frames at home to increase the cat's vertical activity space, so that when the cat is scared or frightened by other pets, it can hide in high places, increasing the cat's sense of security. .