Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Cat Behaviour Guides => Topic started by: dean_1101 on November 25, 2019, 00:08:25 AM
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I'm visiting my girlfriend and her cat happy is acting weird like she's afraid and wants to hide and stay away from me
I've tried to stay low keep calm approaching her she has let me pet her but 90% of time it's like she's afraid
What tips have you got to make her less afraid
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Hi, and welcome Dean, :welcome:
Have you tried using pheromone diffusers such as Feliway or Pet Remedy? There are also Beaphar Calming Spot On, and Zylkene which is added to food, not sure how it works, it's essentially a milk protein, but it does. It stopped inappropriate behaviour between my five.
You can get Pet Remedy as a spray too, put it on your hands and then rub over the cat. It does help.
I hope that's of assistance. :hug: :hug: :hug:
Paula.
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:welcome: to Purrs.
You could always try bribery as well Dean. Cheese flavoured Dreamies work great with our lot but am sure your girlfriend will know what treats her cat prefers.
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Hello Dean. Welcome to Purrs. :welcome:
It can feel really hurtful when any animal appears afraid of us, or reluctant to engage. Cats are particularly aware of potential change and so may appear more wary. Although it feels counterintuitive, it's worth just ignoring her altogether. This may reduce any perceived threat she feels, and allow her to be curious a nd approach you instead. If Happy seems more willing to approach, you could use Dreamies or Thrive treats which most cats seem to love - just putting one on your knee or an open hand may tempt her to take it.
With some cats, this can be a very slow process. We have three cats, of which two were semi feral. Whilst they're now very affectionate with us, we still can't pick them up, so be aware that a touch or stroke may be all that will ever be on offer. Something many of us have found too is t h at shy cats often feel safer approaching us if we're lying down, so worth trying that too.
Well done for wanting to try, and to be open to winning her friendship. Too many people jump to wrong conclusions and think "cat doesn't like me/hates me wants to kill me/is jealous" and usually only the last one may hold any grain of truth.
I hope Happy will relax around you and you can enjoy her company too. :)
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Hi Dean and :welcome: to Purrs.
Being very fond of animals, I am always slightly upset if a cat, or dog, appears scared of me :( However, in reality, it is rarely about me per se. Like people, some cats are bold and friendly, others take a while to accept new people. It's great that you want to make friends but it sounds as if Happy is one of the latter kind. You have been given some great ideas here so I thi nk it will just be a matter of time and patience.
Meanwhile, please stay and have a look around the site and join in if you wish.
Please forgive the larger font. We have a member who is visually impaired and this makes it easier for her to read.
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Hi Dean Welcome to Purrs :welcome:
This link may help: https://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php?topic=14319.0