Give them space. Some cats will want to come to you for comfort when they are afraid, while others will want to hide or be left alone. It's always best to respect your cat's choice and don't force them to come to you if they're scared - this could actually make them feel more afraid.
If the cat seems calm enough you can try to pet the cat gently. Again, don't push things. Start slow, pet the cat for a minute or two the first day, and work your way up to more time. At any time, if the cat seems to be angry or scared, stop.
Your cat may show the following behaviors when she is fearful: Hiding. Aggression (spitting, hissing, growling, piloerection [hair standing up], swatting, biting, scratching) Loss of control over bladder and/or bowels.
Fearful cats usually do best in relatively quiet homes. They are often not suitable for young children as children can easily scare them with loud noises or sudden movements. Many fearful cats slowly become more confident as they get used to their living space and daily routine.
Give them space. Some cats will want to come to you for comfort when they are afraid, while others will want to hide or be left alone. It's always best to respect your cat's choice and don't force them to come to you if they're scared - this could actually make them feel more afraid.
Pacing and hyperactivity often go hand-in-hand with hypervigilance, and these symptoms might mean your cat is feeling defensive and panicked. Your cat might not be able to relax, and will roam around, pacing your house; this behavior can be a tell that they are feeling anxious and are in need of some relief.
It helps to play soft music and use calming scents to make the environment more comforting to the fearful cat. Talk softly and move slowly around your cat. Avoid staring at your cat or approaching them directly because this can seem threatening to a cat.
Offer your cat treats and toys to soften their fear. Encourage interaction with toys cats can't resist but give it space. A long feather wand is perfect because the cat can play with you while keeping what it perceives as a safe distance. If your cat is very timid, place treats near your cat and step away.
Please allow at least 3 months for your shy cat to adjust, but be mindful that others may need a little extra adjustment time. Your cat appreciates your patience. Know that with time, kitty will give you all the love they have!
Some cats are ready to get to know you immediately while other kitties may take several weeks to initiate any kind of interaction.
There's no telling how long your cat will need to feel safe, secure and ready for interaction after a stressful event. Whether it was a loud noise, an overfriendly human or a territorial feline that caused him to become frightened, be patient and give him some time to come around.
When you take on a cat or kitten it may be quiet and wary for the first few days or even the first few weeks until it gets used to you and its new environment. However, some cats remain very fearful despite a gentle welcome and time to settle in.
How long does a cat stay spooked? A spooked cat can recover within a few minutes to a couple of hours. However, some cats may take longer to calm down, depending on their personality and the intensity of the frightening experience.
Help them feel cozy and secure.
This will reduce their exposure to things that might frighten them. Make sure to cat-proof by blocking off any small spaces where the cat might try to hide but do provide several appropriate hiding spots such as cardboard boxes, a cat carrier with the door propped open, or a cat tree.
Shock can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma or an allergic reaction. It is imperative that you consult a veterinarian immediately if your cat goes into shock. No matter the cause, shock can be life-threatening if not treated in time.
Other shy or fearful cats may be that way simply because they're genetically predisposed to higher levels of arousal. For these cats, it will take a long time to calm down and learn to trust new environments and people (which they may never fully do).
What are the signs of fear? When frightened, some cats may hide, try to appear smaller, pull their ears back and be immobile. Other cats may show signs of agitation or aggression, such as dilated pupils, arched back, pilo-erection (hair standing on end), and hissing.
If you suspect your cat is suffering from a trauma, establishing a calm safe environment for them is critical. This can include pheromone or essential oil therapy in diffusers and playing calming music to muffle loud noises to create a peaceful atmosphere.
Use affection, treats and toys to lure them out of hiding later. Spend some quiet time with your cats. Read a book or engage in some other quiet activity, and every few minutes put a treat near them. Frequent short sessions are preferable.
Signs of shock include rapid breathing (which may be noisy), rapid heart rate with a weak pulse, pale mucous membranes (gums, lips, under eyelids), severe depression (listlessness), and cool extremities (limbs and ears). Your cat may vomit.
Your cat may never become a constant companion by your side like a dog would be, but you should be able to both give and get some affection from your cat eventually. Until your cat is comfortable and happy, bonding will remain an issue.