Nervous cats hide from people, they do not readily present themselves for petting, and may seem downright scared of you.
Probably, this was not exactly what you had in mind when you decided to get yourself a pet. So, is it at all possible for nervous cats to overcome their timidity and learn to trust you? The answer is yes, but you will need patience, patience, and patience.
Understanding Why Some Cats Are Timid
It is usual for a kitten to be cautious and timid for the first week or so in its new home, but some kitties remain nervous of you no matter how loving and caring you are to them. Kittens that spent the first weeks of their life in the company of humans and other pets, along with the associated sounds and smells, are far less likely to be nervous cats. They will accept sharing their living space with humans more readily, and be more likely to accept petting.
Your cat may have had a nasty experience before coming to your home, and is naturally apprehensive of a reccurrence.
Gentle Handling and Daily Routine
One way to gradually get a nervous cat used to petting is to gently wrap your pet in a thick towel, to prevent it from scratching you, and gently stroking its head. Talk to your cat softly as you do so, and only use a light grip; never hold your cat extremely tight.
Set aside a time each day to perform this bonding ritual and your shy cat may grow to trust you enough to stroke it without the towel, remember patience pays.
Feliway Cat Calming Spray
Lightly spraying a towel or crate bedding with a feline pheromone spray before use can help some nervous cats feel more secure and relaxed in their environment.
Creating a Safe Space with a Crate
Great results have been obtained by owners of nervous cats by using a pet crate. Cover the sides of the crate with card or a blanket so that your cat can see through the front but still feels protected. Put the litter tray in the crate and perhaps your cats favorite toy.
Start by using the crate in a room that humans are not using, but from where your cat can hear the sounds of the house. Then, move to a place where the humans of the house can be seen carrying on their normal activity, talk to your pet soothingly.
Gradually your cat may learn that there is no threat to it from you, and you may achieve enjoying your cat’s company outside the crate without any sign of nervousness.
Using Treats to Build Trust
Bribery can often work wonders with nervous cats. Try a offering a tempting healthy treat, if your cat is hungry enough to overcome its fear and stay still to eat its treat, stroke it gently, don’t make sudden movements.
Some cat owners choose to use calming treats as part of this process. Gentle calming chews formulated for cats may help take the edge off anxiety, making it easier for a nervous cat to accept interaction alongside patience and routine.
Dual Texture Chicken Flavored Calming Chews
Each chew features a blend of L-theanine and thiamine to support a calm nervous system, along with chamomile, a natural herb known for its calming properties.
You may have to persevere, but often your pet will eventually accept and enjoy your petting.
Patience is the Key
Never lose patience, and remember that your nervous cat is not rejecting you, it is just an in built protective reaction to something that has given kitty cause to be wary of humans. Love and perseverance will often win the day, and you will be rewarded by your cat’s affection.
