dont you try to hide from you know who peek a boo i see you

At first, give the treat as soon as they approach, but gradually increase the time between the approach and the treat. Wait for your cat to come out of their own accord and ask for attention from you.Īs your cat gains confidence, start talking to them quietly in a calming tone, rewarding them with a treat if they approach you. Your attempt to comfort them may accidentally increase their stress levels. TOP TIP Don’t stroke your cat he or she is hiding.

Narrow your eyes so they are half open and then turn your face away slowly to reassure your cat that you’re not a threat Direct approaches are extremely threatening, so don't force attention on your cat Do this while they are eating, or give them a small food treat so they associate you with a positive experience Ignore them while you read a book or take a nap so they don't feel pressurised or anxious in your presence. Sitting quietly near your cat so they can get used to you in their own time.These can help reassure your cat and reduce stress Using synthetic scent pheromones (such as Feliway or Pet Remedy ).Maintaining daily routines so your cat knows what to expect.Make sure your cat is not being bullied in the garden or intimidated by other cats through windows or doors Preventing other cats from entering your home by windows, doors or cat flaps.Cats de-stress more quickly if they can hide, preferably somewhere high and dark, such as behind sofas or on shelves Providing plenty of refuges where they can hide.However, there are lots of ways that cat guardians can help a shy, nervous or timid cat come out of their shell. Cats Protection states: “If your cat hasn’t been exposed to a full range of experiences (from unfamiliar sounds to a wide range of people), the likelihood of it being scared of these experiences will increase.” This can be down to a combination of genetics, a lack of interaction with humans during their formative, first eight weeks of life or a bad experience. TOP TIP Never disturb your cat while they are using one of their hiding places (unless it’s essential) and avoid disrupting or cleaning the areas too frequently or they won’t feel safe and secure there.Ĭats are all individuals, and it may be that you have a cat that’s simply timid by nature. Being creatures of habit, if your schedule changes, then this may up your cat’s stress levels A new pet at home or nearby – cats don’t like sharing resources such as litter boxes, food bowls and special sleeping spots.

Recent changes at home, which could be anything from new furniture, a new carpet, building work or a new baby.Unexpected noises they’re not used to, such as fireworks.Some of the things that may cause your cat to hide include: If your cat disappears to a cupboard or under a bed when a stranger enters the house, try to leave them to it.” Provide several warm, ground level places, ready stocked with soft bedding and, if possible, construct some gradual steps (using a sturdy box or stool) up to your cat’s usual high place, so that they have the choice.įeline welfare charity Cats Protection adds: “Hiding is a way of helping shy cats cope with being afraid or anxious. However, stiff and painful joints make jumping up onto high places difficult – and felines love an elevated position where they can observe what’s going on without being seen. TOP TIP Even elderly cats need private hideaways.

They may be frightened or just wary about something unfamiliar and might want to keep out of the way, just in case.” The most obvious is that they do it to feel safe, and to protect themselves from whatever it is they perceive as dangerous or stressful.īattersea says: “Cats as a species are self-reliant, so when faced with a difficult situation, your cat would naturally prefer to avoid it rather than charge in and fight. There are all sorts of reasons why a cat might go into hiding. TOP TIP If you have more than one cat, make sure that there are enough options to prevent the more assertive cat from taking up all the locations and excluding the others. Providing a selection of possible options, such as some open cupboard doors, areas under beds, cardboard boxes and gaps behind sofas will give your cat a choice of places to go when they feel scared.” Rehoming charity Battersea advises: “Hiding places are one of your cat’s basic needs. That’s why all cats deserve a cosy hideaway to withdraw from the world when they need to. Even the most confident of cats need some me-time to feel safe and secure and will take themselves off somewhere quiet and private to recharge.

Dont you try to hide from you know who peek a boo i see you