You adore your cat. She is healthy and beautiful and you are eager to shower attention on her; if only you could find her!
Some cats are naturally shy and use hiding as a way of coping with everyday stresses. With your help, your cat can become more comfortable in her surroundings.
- Keep your kitty´s feeding schedule consistent. Creatures of habit, your cat will be find reassurance in a predictable schedule.
- Shhhhh, don´t scare your cat. Some cats have a hard time adjusting to loud noises and sudden movements. Slowly introduce your cat to the noises around your household by keeping the radio or television on low volume. Let her familiarize herself with the common sounds of each room in the house.
- Get her acquainted to your voice. Talk to your cat quietly. Try getting down on the floor at your cat´s level when you talk to her so that she feels less threatened. If you don´t mind the sound of your own voice, consider talking to yourself or reading a book or magazine out loud. This will help your cat readily recognize your voice; a voice that she can count on for comfort and safety.
- Shhhhh, don´t scare your cat. Some cats have a hard time adjusting to loud noises and sudden movements. Slowly introduce your cat to the noises around your household by keeping the radio or television on low volume. Let her familiarize herself with the common sounds of each room in the house.
It can take a while, sometimes months for a cat to become at ease with its new owners and home. Even after your pets have developed a comfort level with you and your home, they may always be shy around strangers. If you are going to be out of town and someone else will be caring for your pet while you are away, prepare your cats in advance for the change in their routines.
- Have whoever has graciously volunteered to care for your pets start coming by the house a week or two before you actually leave. This will give your cat an opportunity to get to know the caregiver while you are around.
- Have the volunteer actually start feeding your pet prior to your departure. Your cat will associate the pleasant behavior of feeding time with the stranger in your home, making her more comfortable.
Stressful situations are not good for your pet´s health. It does take additional time and energy to prepare your cat for a change in its routine, but your pet will be grateful for the comfort and safety you have provided and it will help your cat live a healthy and stress-free life.
