my cat is about 4 months old. she is terrified of me. its because on 2 seperate occasions, i accidentally stepped on her as i was getting out of bed. everytime i go to pet her or even near her, she runs away or screams like i am hurting her. is there a way to get her to trust me?
2007-01-02 19:25:45 · 15 answers · asked by whatever 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Yes but it takes a lot of time and effort. You need to slowly let her get used to you. If she hides don't pull her out, do not go to her let her come to you and also try hand feeding her.
Put a little bit of food on your palm and just sit very still in the kitchen and let her eat from your hand do not try and pet her or touch her at all as she eats. It is a bonding exercise that helps her to associate you with good things.
She needs to slowly get used to you and when she is ready and trusts you she will be much more affectionate.
The more you attempt to force affection on her and hold her when she does not want to be held the worse it will be, she needs to feel like she has control and is safe.
Do not completely ignore her but never pole her out from under the bed or from a hiding spot or pick her up if she tries to run. Just offer affection if she doesn't want it she won't take it. This will train her that she has the choice and eventually she will figure out how to ask for attention.
2007-01-02 19:29:17 · answer #1 · answered by Lillithin 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Let her do her own thing for a while and give her some space. Also try not to step on her!! ;) Seriously she'll come to you when she's ready. You can try putting her food dish or treats gradually closer to you but don't make any sudden movements while she's eating. One of my cats stayed in a closet for a couple of weeks when I first got her and now she is the sweetest pet ever. I think things will work out for you over time if you are patient.
2007-01-02 20:29:01 · answer #2 · answered by steph c 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do nice things for the cat that builds trust. Like feed the cat treats out of your hand. At first the cat might not come close to you if it is scared so just sit on the floor or blend down far and throw them closer to the cat so it will eat them and like them and bring them closer and closer to you so the cat get more and more comfortable with being closer to you and knows you won't hurt it, and being that being close to you is a good thing because the cat gets treats.
2007-01-02 19:31:34 · answer #3 · answered by The Stig 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should keep her in a safe place always. Even if it means to put her in a pet taxi at night. It will take a while for her to get over being traumatized so you will just have to have patience.
Show her that you will never hurt her again even accidentally.
2007-01-03 00:46:29 · answer #4 · answered by kathyk214 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need to establish some trust with your cat, who is obviously a bit traumatized from being stepped on. First of all, when you have a kitten/small cat, it helps to develop what is referred to as the "kitten shuffle", that is, to walk without lifting up your feet, shuffle them over the floor to avoid stepping on your small kitty, until she gets bigger and/or you get used to her being around. Dont pursue your cat or try to force her to interact with you. Try getting some sort of a "chase" toy, like a kitty wand with feathers on it, like they sell in pet stores. Get down on the floor so you do not seem so big to your cat, and try to get her to play with the toy. Try giving her some cat treats, and don't try to pet her unless she comes up to you. Talk in a gentle voice, and don't make sudden movements, especially with your arms or feet. I have had several "scaredy cats" and all of these things helped them to calm down. It will take some time and patience, but if you are persistant you can teach your cat that you don't want to hurt her. Good luck.
2007-01-02 19:37:15 · answer #5 · answered by Nelly Wetmore 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The last time I accidently stepped on my parents' cat, he was also scared of me. To make up, whenever I saw him, I sit on the floor so I didn't appear so big to him, and then I offered him some treats. First he refused to come near me and then after a while he's taking it from me. After 'punishing' me for days, he decided it was safe for him to sleep on my lap again. Whew!
2007-01-02 20:18:49 · answer #6 · answered by Speck Schnuck 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Warm a towel by placing in the dryer
Then pick up your kitten and wrap her in the warm towel
Now, whisper very softly to her and mark her.
To mark a cat you will rub your chin from her eye to her upper ear.. just soft stroking movements.
Same thing they do when they mark us.
This should work for starters.. then if you want to keep it going get some butter and put on your finger.. she is still wrapped in the towel??? ... (nodding ... good). Cats love butter.
HOPE THIS WORKS FOR YOU.
I HAVE TAMED MANY FERAL CATS/KITTENS THIS WAY
Good Luck
2007-01-02 19:34:14 · answer #7 · answered by H.O.T. Dog 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Don't approach her. That will just make her trust you less.
If you just kneel down and beckon to her, but don't press the issue, she will eventually learn that you aren't going to pursue her and hurt her. You may want to try luring her with treats; cats don't really respond well to any other type of incentive.
From now on, look before you get out of bed. :/
2007-01-02 19:31:41 · answer #8 · answered by Iris 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Kitty treats and Cat Nip. Get it stoned and it will love you forever. On cat nip of course.
2007-01-02 19:28:00 · answer #9 · answered by skycameronsoleil 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Grab your cat and sit down and watch a two hour movie. Pet her and just hold her. If the claws come out wrap a towel around her. She just needs to be near you long enough to realize that you're not going to hurt her.
2007-01-02 19:31:28 · answer #10 · answered by Tasha 4 · 0⤊ 6⤋