When we adopt a cat, it is normal for it to be alert, to even run away from us and to hide under furniture. But as the days go by, and above all, by showing him that he can trust us, that fear will pass ... or not.
It is sad, but sometimes for many days that pass the furry one continues to show fear. How to help a scary cat?
Why is this so?
In order to help you we have to know what are the causes of fear and / or anxiety that our cat feels:
- SocializationIf the cat did not have contact with humans when it was a puppy, or if it was separated from its mother at a very young age, it is more than likely that this fear is caused by this reason.
- Negative experiences: abandonment, mistreatment, traumatic accident, ... Any of these situations can turn even the most affectionate and sociable cat into a very fearful one.
- Adapting: Our cat may have been growing up in the street and some volunteers -or ourselves- have brought him food and water, but in these areas there are many dangers. Cars, bad people ... If he wanted to survive, he had to stay alert so he could escape it all.
How to help you?
Regardless of the cause, we must help our furry by being very patient with him and letting him take the first step. We never - seriously, never - have to make you do anything you don't want to. Therefore, it is very important understand their body language and, yeah, act like we're a cat (no it's not a joke 🙂). It may seem silly but the simple gesture of slowly opening and closing his eyes a few times a day while looking at him helps a lot to feel comfortable. Why? Because in cat language that is a sign of trust and affection.
In addition, we can try to conquer him through his stomach. To do this, we can give you cans from time to time. While he eats, we will take the opportunity to caress him or, if he is very afraid, to sit near him.
In the case of children, we have to explain to them that we must not run towards the cat or chase it. It is an animal that now more than ever needs to be in a quiet home, where it is respected and care as it deserves. If we don't do it like that, it could attack to defend itself.
I hope it has been useful to you.