However, some cats are particularly shy and fearful.
You will see that you must reassure a cat as soon as it is adopted by trying to spot the signs to relieve its fears.
Let's see together how to make your cat less fearful...
How Do I Know my Cat Is Fearful?
There are several clues that may lead you to think that your new four-legged friend is fearful:
The first and easiest to spot is that your cat is constantly hiding in places where it feels like it cannot be seen and reached: under a bed, in a closet, on the top of a tall piece of furniture. He feels protected away from any possible aggression.
Your little ball of hair starts to growl and spit, bristling in a defensive posture every time he thinks he is threatened. His pupils are dilated and he is ready to run or pounce.
A fearful cat is a stressed cat that tends to sweat at its paw pads. You can see this by noticing that he leaves small wet traces under the ground or on its scratching post.
Your cat jumps, frightened at the slightest noise. It is therefore that he is fearful.
How to Make my Cat Less Fearful
A fearful cat is a cat that must be protected from all fears, from too many changes in order to avoid stress and anxiety.
Never forget that he has suffered a trauma in his childhood and that this is why he is fearful.
Do Not Invade a Fearful Cat
Under the pretext that you want to reassure your fearful cat and show him affection, do not invade him. Don't force physical contact or forced cuddling.
Don't force him to come out of hiding. Give him food, show him where his bowl and crate are, and let him do it.
As time goes by, seeing that you give him his independence, he will eventually come to you, having understood that you do not represent a danger.
Tips for Getting in Touch with your Fearful Cat
Your human size makes you look like a giant in front of your fearful cat. Bend down, stand at his height and give him some distance so you don't enter HIS space.
Don't stare into her eyes. Let him come to you gently, quietly. It will, even if it's not the first time it's worked.
Don't worry, be patient, the cat is curious by nature, and even if he doesn't show it to you, you intrigue him.
As we said earlier, don't stare at your cat because it will be stressed. On the contrary, adopt feline language by blinking and looking around. The blink is a reassuring gesture for him. It is said that when the cat blinks while looking at you, it is because he is hugging you with his eyes.
Do Not Force a Fearful Cat to Do Anything
Whether it's to eat, to be cuddled, to be carried, don't force your cat.
Let him gently discover his environment and calm down.
It may take time, but every day is a positive step forward.
If a boisterous child comes to visit, try to isolate your cat in another part of the house so that your cat is not frightened by screams, by the sound of falling objects, or that the rascal starts to chase him and make him want to pull his tail. Children are not always tender.
Tame your Fearful Cat through Play
Most cats love to play. Try to make gentle contact through this. Simulate games that will remind him of his hunting instincts.
If he comes to you, if he participates with pleasure, reward him with a treat. He will associate your presence with a greedy reward.
Try giving your reward a tiny light caress and he will realize that your hand is not a danger.
A fearful cat can gently heal its inner wounds. You just need to give him time, be patient, and you will see that your patience will pay off.
Your cat will learn to appreciate your presence and it will slowly come to you.
