How to Train Shy Cat

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How to Acclimate a Shy Kitty to New People, Places and Things

shy cat

Google.com images, lolkatz.com

Cats are sometimes shy by nature. Adopted cats can be timid. This article will help you turn a shy kitty into a cuddly cat. Here's what has worked at our house to acclimate a shy kitty to new people: Knowing when to show affection to the cat. Knowing how to pet her if she is shy. Using a soft baby-talk "puss puss" voice when speaking to the cat. And, having several comforting rituals in the home.

Things You'll Need:

• a shy kitty
• cat comfort spray
• patience
• safe haven for cat
• cat brush
• Nutri-cal gel ~optional
• Greenies cat treats ~optional
• feeding schedule
• a "puss puss voice"
• your pointer finger
• bells & feathers on a stick, cat toy

1. 
   
   Step 1
   
   
    
   
   
   big man, small cat
   Use your "puss puss voice" when speaking to your shy kitty. It's similar to baby talk. Speak softly, in a high tone and use sweet words: "That's a goooood kitty, puss puss puss". Ask friends and house guests to use a puss puss voice. Loud, low voices tend to scare a shy kitty. It's fun to hear a 300+ pound lumberjack of a man go along with this. LOL It does work, try it. Give it time.
   
2. 
   
   Step 2
   
   
    
   
   
   good smells
   Schedule feeding times. Measure food so half the food is doled out, twice a day. Wash & dry your hands. Get your fingers into the food and then put it down for the cat. I learned this tip from Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer. He puts his scent on the dogs' food to bond dog to people and it can work with cats too. Putting a T-shirt you've worn to bed into the cat's bed so they are comforted by your scent can work also.
   
3. 
   
   Step 3
   
   
    
   
   
   comfort the cat
   Spray the areas you want your cat to be comfortable in with one or two mists of cat comfort spray. Mist once every 24-48 hours. It has scented hormones it in that naturally relax a feline. Use it on your favorite easy chair or the sofa guests will be sitting on when they visit. Use comfort spray when cat comes home from a shelter, after a move to a new house and mist the blanket inside kitty carrier before going to the Vet.
   
4. 
   
   Step 4
   
   
    
   
   
   ouch!
   Cats have long memories. Avoid a 7 year old niece or nephew pulling cat's tail so she never trusts him again. Teach children to be kind to your kitty. Ask them not to pick her up. Tell them to sit still and wait for the cat to come to them and to be gentle. Explain that the cat's tail is not a toy, don't close doors or step on it either, please.
   
5. 
   
   Step 5
   
   
    
   
   
   safe haven
   Safe haven. A small kitty condo or cat bed can be designated the cat's "safe haven". Cats are very smart. If no human EVER touches her when she is on that bed or condo, she will not leave it even if 20 noisy kids come stomping in after Little League baseball practice, etc. The trick here is to never ever let anyone touch the cat on her safe haven.
   
6. 
   
   Step 6
   
   
    
   
   
   the dreaded vacuum
   The vacuum. Cats generally shy away from the running vacuum cleaner. Some cats are terrified of it. Although no one has ever chased them with it or ran over their tail, they just fear it. The best way to deal with the vacuum is to let a scared kitty hide and coax her out afterwards when you're done.
   
7. 
   
   Step 7
   Smoking. Many cats run away from a lit cigarette. If you allow smoking in your house or are having a party and smoking is permitted, your cat may be very shy or hide. Might as well spare her the second-hand smoke and let her hide or ask guests to smoke on the patio outside.
   
8. 
   
   Step 8
   
   
    
   
   
   bonding
   Use a pointer finger to entice a shy cat closer to any person. Use a healthy treat such as "Greenies" teeth cleaning treats or a dab of Nutri-cal vitamin gel. Get down low on the floor or kneel down to cat's level. Hold out one pointer finger (with treat on it or not) and let cat sniff. This is how they check out new people and things. Let cats' natural curiosity melt shyness away. Often they will rub their mouth and head into your hand after sniffing and *viola*! Gently pet cat.
   
9. 
   
   Step 9
   
   
    
   
   
   entice cat
   Pet a cat without spooking her. Sit down in sunny spot or easy chair. Jingle a bells & feathers on a stick cat toy. Once the cat is in close proximity and is interested in the toy, put it away. Read a book or Sunday newspaper, remaining still. Wait for cat to climb into your lap. Kitty will curl up, sleep, allow petting and purr; after a few tries. This is especially helpful for bonding a shy cat to a young child because the child stays seated. Once cozy on the lap, brush kitty with a soft baby brush to really bliss her out. Purr purr purr!!