Tips for a shy cat

[Elliania]

Hi there! After losing our much loved boy a couple of years back, we've just been approved to adopt from a small rescue. The cat they have matched us with (we can say no and they'll leave our application on file for a future suitable cat) is a very timid & shy ex-stray. This is quite new territory for us as all the cats we've had previously have been relatively outgoing.

Any tips for a shy cat? We're going to confine her to our kitchen/front room as it's got some nice hiding spots, we can hang out in there without being on top of the cat & they can choose to come see us if they want but other tips (aside from bribery with food!) would be appreciated.

Time and patience. I had two very timid cats. It took years for them to come out of their shells. But was so worth it

See what the cat is like when it is home with you. She may not be so shy when she's not in rescue and has realised she is on to a good thing.

Otherwise I strongly recommend Cosmas Snackies from Zooplus. Bribery will get you everywhere and even next door's cat knows the sound of the Snackie tin.

@Toddlerteaplease

Time and patience. I had two very timid cats. It took years for them to come out of their shells. But was so worth it

This is our thinking - we'd both like a cuddly cat but absolutely don't mind a bit of work to help make that happen. The rescue said she's come on well with her fosterer so that makes me hopeful it will be a case of weeks/months rather than years! :)

@AnnaMagnani

See what the cat is like when it is home with you. She may not be so shy when she's not in rescue and has realised she is on to a good thing.

Otherwise I strongly recommend Cosmas Snackies from Zooplus. Bribery will get you everywhere and even next door's cat knows the sound of the Snackie tin.

Oo I've not heard of those treats, I'll investigate! She's been in the foster home for a while so has been adjusting to house life since she was rescued - hopefully that groundwork will mean she can begin to feel comfortable with us sooner rather than later.

It might be different when she comes home.

We adopted a new dog, he's 8 months.

His previous owner came to see where he'd be moving to and he said he was timid. Never seen a cat before.

He's not timid! He's settled right in. Loves the cats. I just think this home was better suited to him than his last was.

Stick treats. Many cats have shown distain for dreamies or other treats but none have managed to ignore the pull of the sticktreat. Just picking up the packet has them running. This includes two strays we were trying to trap for cats protection. Count your fingers if you try to handfeed it

shop.coop.co.uk/product/ff0fd73c-64f0-4d11-9ce9-becf59f7b266

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One of the Youtube channels I subscribe to (kitten academy, so mostly focused on pregnant strays and kittens) was talking about just this yesterday. The recommendation was actually that the room they're in should be comparatively compact and actually not have hiding spots that are too accessible, like under a bed or behind a wardrobe - tgat would make it difficult to engage with them at all. A covered 'cave' cat bed or tall cat tree would be fine though, because it allows the cat to retreat a bit without disappearing altogether. Then they basically spend all their spare time in that space with the shy cat, reading or watching TV (but with headphones on), distributing treats as a reward for whenever the cat is brave enough to get close. The car is usually firm friends within a week or two. Best of luck with your new furry overlord.

Oh lord, what would I do for an edit function ... we're obviously talking here about making friends with a cat not a car.

Ours was timid when she got here but after 6 months is much more confident. I tell her she’s my big brave girl all the time.

She’s never been timid around food.

I have a very timid rescue girl. She is not shy at all with me now, very social, sits on my lap, loves cuddles, quite vocally demanding.

I am yet to get her to engage with strangers though, she runs and hides. I went away for a few days and had a cat sitter, and the sitter didn't even see her for the first two days. It's a shame, I hate that she feels she has to run off when I have people over.

Sorry forgot the tips! I let her hide for the first few days I got her, but spoke gently to her even if I couldn't see her. When she eventually emerged after the first few days I didn't approach her, just spoke to her. Even now I don't make sudden movements around her as she runs off.

Made friends with her after about 4 days by getting down to her level and offering my hand and toys, but did it in a way that she has quick access back to her hiding place. She did huff her nostrils in disgust the first time she smelt me, and growled, which was dispiriting but she soon changed her mind.

One of mine is very timid and shy. Had him a few years now he is v relaxed with me but hides from visitors and is under the bed at the sound of the door bell 🤣 all I can suggest is keeping things as calm and quiet as possible for the time being.

Friend has a cat who I have only seen in pictures -- cat is scared of all new places, ppl. Cat hides under duvets all day if home alone. I have seen so many pictures, same cat is very confident with her regular ppl. And has had to adjust to many housemoves, cat can do this if required. See how it goes?