Garyclancy Pets Care Blog!!

The particular causes and triggers of cat anxiety and behavioural issues can vary. However, in terms of nervousness as a household pet, it’s likely a cat wasn’t acclimatised to humans/other cats/living indoors etc. during the socialisation phase (second to seventh week) of its young life. In particular, cats that didn’t come into regular positive contact with humans during this phase tend to display a negative response to their new place as a household pet in an environment of humans.

Anxious cats often hide under beds, in shadowy corners etc. during daylight hours (sometimes even refusing to leave the perceived safety of their hiding place to use the little tray) It’s only when the house is quiet – at night – they surface to feed and explore.

Acclimatising an anxious cat is not a case of imprinting, the time for which has passed. However, there are certain taming habits and routines that can be sensitively put in place to teach a nervy cat that its new home and occupants pose no threat. Patience is perhaps the most important element in all cases.

Alteration of cat nutrition and feeding habits is usually considered to be one of the most effective paths to reducing the anxiety of a cat. Spending time with the cat in a “safe” space (e.g. quiet room free from too many hiding spots) and feeding them by hand can help a cat get used to humans.

As long as an anxious cat isn’t afraid of other cats (i.e. not enough interaction with its own kind throughout the first seven weeks of life) it can help to get a second cat that’s been properly socialised with humans. The anxious cat can learn behaviour from the socialised cat by example.

For more cat advice, contact Hills Pets