2006-09-13 04:15:03 · 16 answers · asked by BahamaBlue 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
The trick is consistency -- that is, you have to be consistent in how you treat the cat, how you interact, and how you play with her. You can start by something as simple as half an hour a day of focused attention, just you and the cat.
Our most recent rescue cat was abused before we got her. We were always surprised that she wanted to be around people at ALL, but not surprised that she wasn't as affectionate as the other cats (we have five, including this one). So my wife took it upon herself to give the new cat what she called "nice kitty time." For 30 to 45 minutes in the evening, she'd take the new cat up on the bed, hold her down, and pet her slowly, while speaking in a calm voice. At first the cat wiggled and wanted to get up, but my wife kept stroking her gently while holding her still -- exactly what a mother cat does to her babies, by the way (only my wife wasn't licking the kitten :-). After half an hour or so, she'd let the cat go. Initially it would hop down from the bed and trot away.
But little by little the cat learned that "nice kitty time" really WAS nice, and she became more social with us and with the other cats. She's now a friendly, funny, talkative little cat, and she loves being around us -- in fact just now she walked into the room where we're sitting, meowed at us a couple of times in her funny, grumbly little way, and sat down on the floor. She's happiest when she's in the same room with us, and that makes us happy because she wasn't always like that.
So you could do the same thing -- pick something you and the cat like and do it regularly, for a period of weeks. (My recommendation: get a laser pointer and shine it on the floor near the cat. Drives them NUTS.)
One other tip I've learned from my cats -- make sure you're the one who stops the fun first. This is the equivalent, for cats, of those TV shows where the main character gets shot at the end of the last show of the season, and everybody is WILD to see the season premiere and find out if he lived or died. If you leave a cat wanting to play with you, the next time the cat sees you it will remember that it wanted to play with you -- NOT that it's bored of you and through playing. I do this not only with my cats, but with cats in the neighborhood; there's a nice little tabby on the corner (my daughter calls him Joshua, I don't know his actual name) who has become our friend by doing this. When I walk to school with my son, we always stop and pet Joshua, but we take just a few minutes because we're on our way to school. The next time we're there, Joshua is ALWAYS happy to see us and walks up for a scratch under the chin.
One final thought: make Friday "New Cat Toy Day." That is, once a week, blow two bucks on a new cat toy -- a jingly ball, a bundle of fluff on an elastic cord, or one of our other cats' favorite thing in the world, a big marshmallow (hours of fun batting it around the kitchen). Here, the consistency is in how you treat the cat -- but the variety keeps it interesting. We've seen documentaries about zoo animals, and that's something the best zoos make a point of doing. Keep your cat engaged, challenged, and make sure she's bonded to you, and you'll have a lifelong friend.
2006-09-13 05:08:59 · answer #1 · answered by Scott F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Hiding" for cat is not normal behavior and should be a signal to you that something is wrong with her physically. You definitely should have a workup from a vet to determine if she is ill.
Sleeping a lot is normal cat behavior. Playing with her would be fun for both of you. And you must not neglect the possibility that something physically is not right with her.
2006-09-13 05:10:24 · answer #2 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you play with your cat it will want to be around you. Sometimes I wish I could turn this on and off. Right now my cat wants to play and keeps jumping on my lap. I wish I could turn it off for awhile. It is beginning to like it when I spray him with a water bottle.
2006-09-13 04:25:32 · answer #3 · answered by Barkley Hound 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Socialize her! Also remember your cat is an individual with their own personality and mind and they will do what they want to do. Get lots of fun toys for her to play with, and encourage anyone that wants to, to interact with her on a daily basis.
2006-09-13 04:18:24 · answer #4 · answered by Sarah H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I gave Mine Cat Nip , an she runs for alamost a Hour around my Condo. I started leaving a lil dab here an there through out the condo .. she jolts from one pile to another .. lol
2006-09-13 04:23:17 · answer #5 · answered by lilredhead 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Timidness has nothing to do with activity. It is personality and that you cannot change. If your cat is fat and lazy or you are worried...adjust her diet. Play with her often with a cat teaser or cat fishing pole.....You cannot change who a cat is. But you CAN keep her from becoming sedentery.
2006-09-13 04:18:51 · answer #6 · answered by Jaded Ruby 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Spend time with her everyday, play with her. Socialize her with other people too so she isn't afraid to be around your friends, etc. When she goes into hiding throw some toys around that she can chase and stuff so that will keep her preoccupied and will keep her distracted from hiding.
2006-09-13 09:30:27 · answer #7 · answered by PrincessShine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey-- you have a CAT! They sleep at least 18 hours a day. Don't expect too much of her.
2006-09-13 04:22:51 · answer #8 · answered by kreevich 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't listen to the person who said your cat need to be outdoors, just play with your cat daily & she wont leave u. Oh & when your vaccuming make sure you dont scare her with it becuase i makes cat more scared. most girl cats r shy but some arnt. good luckk :)
2006-09-13 05:11:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
play with her must be an out door cat
2006-09-13 04:22:27 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋