My cat is the meaning of a scardy cat. He is always under the bed, so when we leave for work every day I shut the door to my room so he will stay out and play, but everyday when I come home he is in the cupboard, even though I put a jug infront of it to keep him out, he still gets it open. About two weeks ago we got another cat to play with him, and he is still in the cupbaord when I get home. The new cat is just fine and playing when we get home and you would think he would be the scared one because it is a new place. We have had him about 2 years and the new cat about 2 weeks. Please Help? I don't know how to make him come out and play and enjoy life, it is not that scary.
2007-03-12 17:19:21 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Most "scaredy cats" got that way becuase of some traumatic experience as kittens. You cannot force a scaredy cat to "go out and play" until he feels secure enough in the environemnt. What you need to do with this kind of cat is to work his confidence gradually. This can be done by confining him in just ONE room in the beginning. Opening up your whole house or apartment for him in the hopes that he will explore and have "adventures" is actually counter-productive for this kind of cat - at least until he gets his confidence up. The big space actually intimidates him and will make him want to... guess what? HIDE! So, confine him in one bedroom with all his necessities for a few days. You may put the other kitten in there too. The timid cat will be more likely to come out and play snce the space is not too intimidating for him. Have ambient or "white noise" like a radio playing soft classical music. This has a calming effect on cats and mutes the intimidAating noises coming from the outside world. As he gains more confidence in his surroundings, you can begin opening the door of that room just a bit so he and his freind can go out when they are ready to. It is important that you DO NOT seal off a timid cat's hide-away places. These are important for him psychologically. He will be much more inclined to venture out if he knows he can readily bolt back into his hidey-hole in case he needs to.
2007-03-12 17:54:13 · answer #1 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If he wants to stay under the bed maybe you should let him. Put his bed and toys under there. If he feels secure under there and he is allowed to be there maybe eventually he will feel more secure in general and come out.
I think keeping him away from the place he feels safe during the day probably stresses him more. Maybe leave little trails of treats leading out from the bed for him to follow. Leave really cool toys just out of reach so he has to come out to get them.
He'll get there eventually. Good luck
2007-03-12 17:34:42 · answer #2 · answered by Charlie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
introduce your old cat to the new one, and maybe keep the old cat in a different room
2007-03-12 17:33:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some cats are naturally shy and it sounds like you have one of them. Not much you can do.
2007-03-12 17:26:40 · answer #4 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to him, tell him he is ok. and pet on him.. Do this a few days he will be running about in about a week or less
2007-03-12 17:44:26 · answer #5 · answered by Kitten 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he is probably cared of you because you jacked him off, lol
2007-03-13 09:11:58 · answer #6 · answered by wonder 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋