How To Get A Shy Cat To Come To You? is a question many cat lovers ask. Shy cats are less likely to trust others, and bonding with them requires more effort and attention.
Even though shy cats can be challenging to get close to, they make the best companions. For example, some people don’t get a cat because they believe it will be too difficult to win over a shy cat.
This article will explain how to get your shy cat to come to you and trust you. You’ll also learn how to ensure your scared cat feels comfortable in its new home.
So, keep reading to learn more!
9 Best Ways To Get A Shy Cat To Come To You
If you have a shy or fearful cat, you may have trouble getting her to come to you when you call. The following are some ways to get your shy cat to come to you:
Give The Cat Time To Adjust
When you bring a new cat home, give it plenty of time to adjust to its new surroundings. Keep the cat in a quiet room away from other animals and children. Let it explore and get comfortable at its own pace.
Speak Softly And Quietly, But Speak Often
When you’re around a shy cat, speak softly and quietly. Never shout or make loud noises. Instead, sit down next to the pet cat and talk to it in gen, the voice, and talk often. Let it know that you’re there and that you’re friendly. Gradually, the cat will learn to trust you.
Move Slowly And Quietly
Sudden movements or loud noises can startle a shy cat and make her run away. Shy or fearful cats can easily get scared if people move quickly, talk loudly, or create a loud noise.
Besides, things falling on the floor, loud music, other cats and pets appearing, and changes can scare shy cats. So, always move slowly and quietly when you’re around a shy cat. So let the cat approach you on its terms.
Make Sure The Cat Have A Hiding Spot
Shy cats hide because they feel insecure and exposed. Therefore, you should provide your shy cat with a hiding place. It could be a cardboard box, a hut-type cat bed, or anywhere else the cat feels safe.
The shy cat retreats to the hiding place whenever it feels overwhelmed or scared. Be sure the space includes everything it needs a comfy bed, a clean litter box, food, fresh water, a scratching post, and toys.
Once the cat gets used to you and your house, you should be able to move the litter box, food, and water to a more suitable location.
Try Giving Treats
One of the best ways to attract a scared cat to come to you is by offering it treats. Cats need food, water, litter, and shelter. In addition, give the cat its favorite foods or treats.
Tasty food always entices timid cats. When the cat sees that you have something it wants, it will be more likely to come to you. Cats tend to prefer tuna fish and will respond to it well.
A shy cat may be afraid to eat with people nearby until it gets used to the house routines and motions. So, leave the food and water bowls outside the cat’s favorite hiding place.
Engage Your Cat In Playtime
Shy cats need time to get used to their new environment and learn to trust people. One of the best ways to do this is through play. Playing with your shy cat will help them feel more comfortable around you and other people.
Choose toys that your cat responds to and play with them often. It will help the cat relieve stress and have fun.
Additionally, try to engage the cat in interactive playtime. It will help the cat bond with you and build trust. For example, you can use a fishing pole toy with feathers or a laser pointer.
Pay Attention To And Respect the Cat’s Body Language
Shy cats usually avoid human contact and hide when they feel intimidated or scared. So, keeping an eye on the cat’s body language and respecting its boundaries is essential. It will help you figure out what your kitty is trying to tell you and when to engage with them.
By understanding your cat’s body language and vocalization, you can avoid making matters worse and increase their sense of trust.
Also, avoid picking up scared cats as they don’t like being held. If you must pick up the cat, do it slowly and gently. Put the cat down as soon as it shows signs of discomfort.
Be Patient
The last way to get your shy cat to come to you is by using patience and persistence. It takes time for a shy cat to get used to people and its new environment.
Don’t give up on your shy cat too soon. Instead, sit near your pet cat or in the same room and let them come to you when they’re ready.
If you’re patient and follow these tips, you’ll be able to form a strong bond with your shy kitty in no time.
Why Are Cats Shy Or Fearful?
Cats may appear shy or stand-offish for a variety of reasons. For example, it could be due to genetics, lack of socialization when they were kittens, previous bad experiences, or even their personality.
In some cases, it may just be that the cat is waiting to get to know you better before they start showing themselves off. With time and patience, most cats will eventually open up and become more comfortable around people.
How Long Does It Take For A Shy Cat To Come Around?
When you first get your shy or fearful cat, give it time to adjust to its new environment. For example, it may take a few weeks or months for a new cat to feel comfortable enough to come to you.
Don’t force the cat to come out of its hiding spot or approach you during this time. Also, avoid picking up or chasing your fearful cat or making sudden movements, as it could scare the kitty and worsen the situation.
Some cats are naturally shy or fearful, while others may have had a traumatic experience that has led to their shyness. If you’re unsure why your cat is shy, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
How To Tell If A Shy Cat Likes You
A shy cat may show the following signs when it feels more comfortable around you and likes you:
- The cat starts to spend more time around you and Follows you.
- Sleeps in the same room as you or an open area instead of hiding places.
- Sleeping on you.
- It brings you toys at night.
- Purr and kiss you when you pet it.
- It comes to you when you call its name.
- The cat meows when you speak to it slowly and in a soothing voice.
- Play with you more.
- It rubs against you or gives you a “head butt.”
- Show signs of relaxed body language such as a loose, relaxed tail and unclenched paws.
Seeing these signs means your shy cat is gradually becoming more comfortable around you.
Final Words
Hopefully, these tips will help you get a shy or new cat to come to you. Remember, creating a bond with shy cats takes more effort and attention.
Make sure your shy kitty has everything it needs to feel comfortable, such as a cardboard box to hide, food, water, a litter box, and toys like wand toys.
With a bit of love and patience, you’ll be able to form a strong bond with your shy kitty in a few days or weeks, and it will become a loving member of the family.
Do you have a shy cat at home? How did you socialize with your shy kitty? Do you have any tips to share on how to get a shy cat to come to you? Please let us know in the comments section below!
