Nervous Cats, Wining the Trust of a Timid Cat

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.

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 reoccurrence.

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.

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.

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! You may have to persevere, but often your pet will eventually accept and enjoy your petting.

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.

About The Author

Larry Chamberlain is a lifelong cat lover and webmaster of http://www.best-cat-art.com - Cat art posters, art prints, cat calendars and cat collectibles. Great cat gifts for yourself or your cat loving friends! Larry@best-cat-art.com



Celebrities Discover The Amazing Chihuahua!

Some say it started with the Taco Bell dog. A... Read More

How Intelligent is Your Dog

It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence... Read More

Boston Terrier - The Costs Of Owning A Boston Terrier

Having a dog is a little like having a baby.... Read More

How to Start a Pet-Sitting Business

Everyday someone asks me, "How do you start a pet-sitting... Read More

Natural Dog Shampoos are Good for Your Dogs Skin and Coat

A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ...Does your... Read More

Whats In Your Dog Food?

According to holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks, the maximum life... Read More

Housebreaking Your Dog-Potty Training Canine Style

Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More

Get Your Dog Safely Through a Storm

Thunder storms affected pets differently. Some hardly notice them, others... Read More

Doggy Dental Care: Teeth Cleaning 101

Your dog's dental health is so important for his total... Read More

Wisdom... Wolves!

Wolves are magnificent and majestic creatures that have shared this... Read More

DOG ID TAGS-Identify and Protect Your Dog With Any of These Methods

The American Humane Society estimated that last year alone; fifteen... Read More

Wormy Dogs? - Understand Dog Worms Infestation and Their Symptoms

Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to... Read More

First Aid for Parrots

Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always... Read More

What You Should Know About Your Dog And Frustration

Because your dog lives with humans, he's going to have... Read More

Old Fashioned Flea Control

Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More

How to Make Your Pets Healthier and Happier

Pets are family members and should be treated as such.... Read More

So You Want To Own A Ferret?

You've seen them in movies and on TV shows, and... Read More

Dog Crate Training: The Basics

Dog crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More

A Review of Cat Fancy Magazine

Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is... Read More

Pet Owners Are The Majority Population In The U.S.

According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More

The ABCs of Beaks

Beaks, Bills, Face Knives, Beakers - whatever we want to... Read More

Dealing With Canine Ringworm

Ringworm is an annoying, highly contagious fungal disorder that is... Read More

Puppy Training that is Safe for Your Puppy

Puppy training can and should begin the day you bring... Read More

Lemon Tetras

Glassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear to... Read More

Which Breed Is Right For You?

Why does one breed appeal to a person over another?... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language: