My cat's three years old but still really insecure..whats wrong with him?

Question

I have a three year old male cat and i've had him for around two years now. We got him from a cat sanctuary. He does that thing that kittens do, where he paws the cushion. He's meant to stop when he becomes an adult...and he hasn't. He is also really scared of a lot of things, he's not very active [although a lot of cats aren't], he doesn't chase birds, etc. What's wrong with him?...and is there a way i can help him get more confident and..well...manly? thanks loads xxx

I have a three year old male cat and i've had him for around two years now. We got him from a cat sanctuary. He does that thing that kittens do, where he paws the cushion. He's meant to stop when he becomes an adult...and he hasn't. He is also really scared of a lot of things, he's not very active [although a lot of cats aren't], he doesn't chase birds, etc. and.....he's really mean =/. He scratches a lot, and is a bit of an outcast. What's wrong with him?...and is there a way i can help him get more confident and..well...manly? thanks loads xxx

Answer 1

Sorry to say, there's probably not much you can do to change him. Part of that is his personality, part of that is his early life experience. You can keep giving him gentle love, because as a human, you have that choice. As a cat, he can only react the way his genes and his experience tell him to.

I have a 15-year-old female cat who has never gotten over her neurotic behavior. She, too, was a shelter cat. She has peed (and occasionally pooped) wherever she wants to make statements about things I don't understand (yes, her boxes--multiple!--are clean). She still distrusts my husband, though he's been around for half of her life and has never mistreated her. She hides from company. The best thing that ever happened to her was her going deaf, because it calmed her down a lot. She used to flee at the slightest noise. Now, she gets startled only when the "danger" is truly immediate, and by then it's often too late to do anything except whip around with the big eyes. She seems to have gone senile, too. She has taken to standing above her water bowl and YOWLING really, really loudly (I think she might be trying to hear herself). If you can sneak up on her and touch her, she gets startled into softer, prettier little meows.

But she's still my kitty. I still love her.

But if you must, check with your vet. There are some products out there now that are meant to calm and soothe scaredy cats. I never tried them (Timmie went deaf, first--very handy!). If you do, I'd love to know if they work.

Answer 2

Your cat is normal. The kneading is a sign of contentment; cats do this their entire lives. Some cats are just not very active. And it's a good thing that he doesn't chase birds!

As far as being afraid of things, you can change this somewhat by associating the scary thing with something he really likes (catnip, treats, toys). For instance, if he is afraid of plastic bags, place one on the floor several feet (or many feet) away from him. Immediately give him good stuff. After a few seconds, remove the bag. Do this repeatedly until he is not alarmed by the bag, then do the same, keeping the bag out longer. Gradually keep it out for longer periods and then slowly move it closer to him. When he is okay with this, start to move the bag, slowly and only a couple inches to start, then faster and farther.

Answer 3

The pawing thing he does on the cushion is normal. Most cats will do it throughout there enitre lives, It makes them feel comfy. Do not worry about that at all. As for the rest, play with him as often as possible. Try to get him interested in different things. But there is nothing wrong with your cat so do not worry. Some animals just aren't as active as others.

Answer 4

The thing he does to the cushions is called "milk kneading". It reminds him of his mother and alot of cats do this. It's not a problem. Since you don't know what happened to your cat in the time before you got him, you don't know if he was exposed to an abusive or neglectful situation. Keep giving him lots of love and play time. If it's noise that bothers him, try to keep the noise down for a while and keep things calm for him. You may just have a scaredy cat on your hands. Don't worry about it.

Answer 5

Nothing I read up there sounds abnormal. Some cats are just jumpy.

Who told you that cats stop "making biscuits" as they get older? That is something they do that is comforting to them. It's a mannerism that is inherent and is something they do when suckling. They do it from day one to day last.

If he doesn't chase birds, etc., it just means he isn't hungry.

Nothing is wrong with your cat. He's a pet, that's all.

Answer 6

The kneading action you describe is nothing to be alarmed about. It is something that cats do when they are content. As babies, they do this to their mom while nursing.

I don't think there's anything wrong with your cat. Some are just high strung and not as calm as others.

Answer 7

I wouldn't say there is anything wrong, it might just be his personality. animals are like people & can be more shy & submissive, or more agressive & dominant. he sound slike a sweet guy, maybe had some scares early in life that made him more timid, but just give him lots of love & he will be fine

Answer 8

Anthropromorphism!!

Answer 9

make him feel right at home. he probably doesn't like his surroundings or something, so give him lots of love and care, and he'll start to get to know you are your home better.

Answer 10

give him lots of attention! he'll get better.........i hope!