2007-03-04 08:03:51 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
I have one that is but she was abused by two teenage girls before their mom gave her to me. She adores me and is very affectionate but you let one of my grandchildren walk in and she is gone and hides out until they leave. A teenage grand and her mom stayed with me for a couple of months while my ex husband was terminally ill and this cat would never let that kid touch her. She was ok with my daughter but was scared to death of the teen. Who knows what your cat has been through to make her like that. Good Luck and God Bless
2007-03-04 08:33:12 · answer #1 · answered by moonrose777 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree, if you aren't the first owner, the cat could have been abused. If it seems to be more like loud noises or sudden movements that scare it, the cat could just be skidish...for whatever reason it doesn't seem to feel safe. Make sure it feels safe and loved and maybe you need to show it sometimes that you will "protect it" from whatever shadow and dust bunny is scaring it. Also, do you have any other pets? It could feel threatened by other animals in the area, always putting the cat on edge (while the dog's there and for days after we've discovered). My parents' cat gets like that and just hides under the bed and growls when I bring my puppy over, even though she's just as big as him. He wants to play but she can't tell that and gets scared. Also, we had a dog that would run away from us for a while because she thought we were going to put her in her pen. But she got older and we let her stay outside all the time and she got better...then it started again and we didn't know why till we saw the neighbor's kid hitting her with his plastic sword. Also something to keep in mind if the cat goes outside or anything. Hope it helps...Good Luck
2007-03-04 16:14:15 · answer #2 · answered by acdshottie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of factors could be involved. Knowing some details about your cat's type, history and environment might help someone give a more pinpoint answer. Some breeds tend to be higher energy, that could be a contributor. Very little handling when they're kittens can make them more nervous. I've got a cat that is at least part oriental and was born feral. He was rescued at about five weeks and he's afraid of a lot of stuff. He's an indoor cat for going on two years and he's getting better, but unfamiliar noises, even coming from outside can panic him. If there isn't something extra agitating in his current environment, my guess is something in his first few weeks.
2007-03-04 16:26:59 · answer #3 · answered by buster 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I saw your question, I immediately thought of my own cat! She was scared as a kitten and I figured it would pass. But EVERY time she hears the doorbell ring or hears a strangers voice, she'll run. I think its because she has had a bad experience with someone coming to my house. She isn't scared of my family or me but does run when we try to grab her because well, she doesn't want to be caught! If she's a kitten, give it time. She may just need time to get used to her environment. If she's older, like mine, then she had some bad experience with what ever scares her. You can tell because she will react to certains sounds or sounds that are similar. I hope this helped!
2007-03-04 16:13:54 · answer #4 · answered by lil p 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is in their nature to be wary but they are also very curious- take a look around his surroundings and watch to see what triggers him- can be a number of things- Our cat hates the vaccuum and after it has been turned on will stay behind the couch for 3-4 hours after!
2007-03-04 16:09:39 · answer #5 · answered by T J 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She's so scared of everything because everything is very new to her. (Her surroundings) Talk not as loud, and reward her alot. She'll come out of the fraidy-cat stage very soon.
2007-03-04 17:40:38 · answer #6 · answered by Terry Z 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Somebody has been mistreating it. Kids especially like to surprise cats with loud bangs and other noises and watch them jump and run. Cats are distrustful by nature and this treatment makes them much worse.
2007-03-04 16:10:20 · answer #7 · answered by Grist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you adopt a stray cat? It may have been abused in the past, so now it is afraid. Pay lots of attention to your cat, and let it know you love it and won't hurt it.
2007-03-04 16:10:39 · answer #8 · answered by Helen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my cat is just like that too, like when you walk up to her, she just runs away. I feel bad for her. My mom thinks she was possibly abused when she was a kitten.
2007-03-04 16:11:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to her calmly. Play with her with distance toys (such as fishing-rod toys). Always feed her at the same time, in the same place.
Avoid grabbing her, do not yell at her, or do anything she might find threatening.
Give her lots of love and patience.
2007-03-04 16:08:57 · answer #10 · answered by Ms. S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋