Mary Allen
If you are taking in a shy cat or if you have had a timid stray, then you need a lot of calm and patience. With the right training tips, you will be able to win the trust of the velvet paw.
Life with a fearful velvet paw is not easy – especially if you would actually like to have a cuddly house cat. A shy cat, on the other hand, is usually reluctant to be touched or even picked up. But don’t despair. With a few simple parenting tips, you can conquer the heart of your reserved kitty.
Shy Cat Needs Space
It doesn’t matter whether the timid kitten has just moved in with you or has lived with you for a while – don’t get too close to your velvet paw. Offer her enough places to retreat: for example, beautiful cat caves, corners, or niches. But choose them so that you can still see your pet there. Observe your cat closely and get to know it better. Where does she like to sleep? What might she be playing with? However, be careful not to stare at a shy cat—this is one of the top training tips. Because this gesture could take her as a threat, which is not exactly conducive to building trust. However, indirect glances and slow blinking are allowed.
Cautious Advances
If your shy cat does approach you, try not to overreact. No matter how strong the urge to stroke it and pick it up – give the velvet paw-some space now, allow it to sniff you and get on your legs, but don’t pressure it.
Feel free to let the cat continue to get in touch with you, for example by leaving your bedroom door open at night. This way, your reticent house cat can come and visit you at night. Because all cats are curious – no matter how scared they seem.
If your shy cat is no longer constantly hiding from you, you can try to lure her out of her reserve with interesting toys. Playing fishing rods, for example, are a good first step because this toy keeps a certain distance between you and your velvet paw. At the same time, her hunting instinct will encourage her to overcome her shyness.
When no More Parenting Tips Help
How long it takes for a cat to trust you varies from cat to cat. You should definitely plan a week. If your shy cat still doesn’t trust you, you should consult your veterinarian to investigate the cause or consider whether a cat psychologist can help you. Perhaps the housing conditions are not right. Ask yourself if your velvet paw really has everything she needs. Sometimes it’s seemingly harmless things like an unfamiliar smell, the wrong position of the litter box, or an unconscious behavior on your part that keeps your cat stuck. The specialist can certainly help you.