Once a scaredy cat always a scaredy cat?

[BarryStar]

Our ginger tom is nearly three and scared of his own shadow, god love him. He was born here on ds1's brand new bedroom carpetwith us so has never know anywhere else, but he's so timid and lacking in confidence. He's been neutered, and seems very healthy.

It doesn't really bother me as such, except he's so beautiful and cuddly and handsome, I just want to cuddle him sometimes. He did lose his brother about a year ago (knocked over, sadly) but his behaviour has always been like this.

Do you think he might change as he gets older or is this how he will always be?

We've got a British Blue shorthair. He's 8.5 now.
He was very timid when we got him, I don't think he was socialised properly.
He is fine with our family of 4, my MIL and my hairdresser (who comes every 6 weeks).
When the doorbell rings he nearly freaks out and has the most worried expression on his face.
If he sees the window cleaner at the window he goes into meltdown and has to hide under the nest of coffee tables.
He's even been known to spot DH down the garden, not recognise him and run and hide in sheer panic.
The good thing is, is that he is not one of those friendly sort of cats that would rub around peoples legs and let them stroke him, and maybe try to steal him as he is so beautiful when he goes out the front of our house.
Something just got posted through front door and he jumped whilst sat next to me!
I think if your cat is anything like mine, he'll probably stay a timid shy chap, but we love them all the same!

Mine started off brave and confident but is going really nervous around other people, we think someone hurt/tried to hurt him,

If DH ever finds out what happened there will be ructions.