Question: About five months ago, I adopted two beautiful cats, a 5-month-old, and a 3-month-old. The older one is getting along just fine. But the other one is so scared of everyone; he hides all day long and does not come out to play. We have tried to play with him, with his toys and all he does is run away. When I try and groom him, he shivers so badly, it?s sad. He urinates on my daughters? beds when we’re not home. I’ve tried everything, but nothing works. - Deborah
Answer: Your cat sounds like a very stressed-out kitty. Many cats have a strong genetic predisposition to fearful behavior. In addition, often they have gotten poor starts in life with no socialization. These factors combined can make for a real fraidy cat. Follow the tips below to help him come out of his shell.
1. Give him some space. Give him time to himself in a room with a litter box, food, water and toys. Close the door and don’t let the other cat in at that time. If his favorite person can be with him at this time, all the better.
2. Give him safe passage. Make sure that he can get to all of his resources (food, water, resting spots) without encountering the other cat or any people that he is afraid of.
3. Enrich his environment with toys, hiding spaces and high resting spaces. This alone can really change a cat’s behavior. You can find two articles on cat enrichment on the articles page of my website: www.flvetbehavior.com.
4. Try a Feliway diffuser. This is a readily available product that may help to reduce his anxiety level.
5. Do not force him to be with any particular family member, feline or otherwise. Pulling him out and forcing him to be held or spend time with the family will only make him more phobic.
Dr. Radosta
Lisa Radosta DVM, Diplomate ACVB
Florida Veterinary Behavior Service
PO Box 210636
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33421-0636
561-795-9398
www.flvetbehavior.com
Read more articles by Dr. Radosta | Ask her a question
No comments:
Post a Comment