If you adopted a fraidy-cat cat, did (s)he ever become less fearful? How long did it take? How'd you help?

Answer 1

I got a fraidy-cat kitten. My other kitten is the very opposite, so I think he's to credit for taking her out of her "shell". She used to be scared of everything and would hide under the bed all day and all nite (except when she came out to meow). When she started playing with the other kitten, he's more adventurous and likes to explore so she would be his copycat. Now, she is still timid, but not so much afraid. She will still run away sometimes if I try to pick her up, but all you have to do is love the kitty.

I spent a lot of time with her and pet her a lot and played with her and her toys. I got her to trust me, so now she's not so bad. When I first got her, I couldn't even get near her. I've had "fraidy-cat" kitten for about 3 months and I'd say she's getting better with each day. The more she's adapted to the environment.

So if you're having trouble with a "fraidy-cat" cat, spend more time with him/her and be interactive. The more time you spend and the more "hands on" you are, the cat will learn to trust you and there's a good chance the fraidy cat inside will slowly disappear.

Answer 2

I have four cats in my household currently, and one dog. One of the cats had been abused before I adopted her and it took her many months to realize that she was safe, and we would treat her gently and not hurt her.

Now she is pretty much a lap cat unless someone comes into the home that she is not familiar with, then she goes back into hiding mode for awhile. The best thing you can do is just talk gently to her and do not make any quick and sudden moves that will frighten her. It will take time. You just have to be patient, and it will happen.

It did help in our house that there were other animals that she saw being treated in a loving and kind manner. (Okay, they are all basically spoiled rotten, I'll admit it.....) Try to avoid having a lot of noise around the "fraidy-cat, loud noises can be really jarring to an animal that does not feel comfortable.

Just be patient, and you will soon be having a hard time remembering when the cat was fearful. Some cats are naturally more stand-offish than others, but you will see improvement in a few weeks of time. Have a good day.

Answer 3

Definately! My oldest cat, Precious, is an adoptee and when we first got her, she was scared of everything. She had been badly abused by her previous owners and suffered broken ribs, a broken hip, several wounds, etc. We continued therapy and treatments with her once we took over her care from the foster home she was in. We knew she would be "special" and we'd have to have patience with her but we were determined. She was scared of everything!! If you even sneezed or laughed, she would dart off and hide for a long time. Eventually she got mean, a couple of months into it. Still, we stuck with her. Just giving her her own space, being patient with her, and always showing her love no matter what. We never gave up on her. She was 9 weeks old when we got her (roughly) and she is now 7. Just within the last 2 years has she really calmed down and has become a very lovey lap cat, let's anyone pet her and love her. I think due to how she started out in life (the whole litter was found this abused) it just took her time to trust us not to do the same thing to her. Took her time to accept that she was safe now. I'm so glad we neevr gave up on her. She deserved a good chance in life and I'm glad we could give her that. To see her this happy now makes me so happy!!

Answer 4

Hi, I have a cat that I picked up off the street roughly a year ago. He was flea infested and extremely dirty, but he was beautiful. He was always hissing and always frightened. I, just like you, hoped to see the day when he would stop being afraid. He has gotten better, but he is still frightened 90% of the time. On a very rare occasion does he allow me to come close enough to pet him if he is too comfortable or sleepy to run, or I can lure him with food, but then he's off and running again. I love him regardless. He was beautiful as a kitten and he has grown to be a gorgeous orange and white cat, and is very tame. I am taking him to get neutered on Friday because I know that even with his faults he is going no where. Just learn to accept it, and just like me, don't give up the hope that one day he will change, and accept him if he doesn't. It's no different than any relationship you have with a human being, accept them for who they are because you cannot change them, and if you are trying to change them and cannot, then you should not be together. Good luck with your cat!

Answer 5

I adopted a 4 yr old cat from SPCA this summer. She spent a lot of time under the bed the first few days. Once she got to know us she became less fearful until she wouldn't leave our side, following us around. Now she is content to be on her own although most times she is close by, or will meow if she is far from us.

Answer 6

Once you have a scardy cat, they are almost always going to be easily frightened. This is due to trust issues. The best thing you can do is try not to yell, scream or hit your cat, most likely this cat has experience one of these things to make it not trust humans. Be patient and loving, offer up treats and toys. Give this kitty some time to trust you and your relationship may improve, however, this cat will never be completely trusting. It's in the cats nature to allow itself to be burned only once. She'll snap out of it somewhat. Good luck.

Answer 7

I did the same thing, adopted a cat. She cried all the way home, once in the house, I showed her the litter box, went thru the new cat thing. Well, she hid in her cat box for 3 days, hid under sinks, in closets, you name it. I just would wait till she came to me, I would pat her, she would run, but always came back for the affection we showed her. We pretty much ignored her, fed her, water, the whole thing.Then in about 3 wks. she was feeling more comfortable with us and the house. WOW, did she change. Now, she RULES the house. You may want to try the same as we did. GOOD LUCK AND DON'T GIVE UP.

Answer 8

My cat was 10 years old when I adopted her (she was my Sister's Mother-In-Law's (who passed on) cat). Cindy (cat's name) was afraid of everyone and everything. She's now been with me for five (5) years and she's come out of her shell. It took alot of patience and soft words, but she's come around and actually enjoys when company comes over now.

I allowed Cindy to explore the house at her leisure. I didn't force myself on her (picking her up, cuddling her, etc.). I let her come to me when she felt the time was right (which didn't take too long).

Have a lovely rest of the day. Happy Early Thanksgiving.

Answer 9

My Cat was a hissy fraidy- cat and wouldn't calm down. We fed him and showed that we cared for him and he eventually became a loveable cat. now he can't stand being away from us. It took about a month for him to start calming down

Answer 10

I adopted a cat that was once abused. It took him a few weeks to become adjusted to us. Just walk toward him slowly, try not to be loud, avoid loud noises, touch him gently...he will eventually warm up to you once he doesn't see you as a threat anymore.

If he hides, let him. He will come out when he feels safe. Grabbing him out from under a bed, etc. is going to make it worse.