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Shy cats

Concerned that your cat is too shy to socialise around other people? Help your cat relax with our expert guide on shy cats.

Shy cats

Concerned that your cat is too shy to socialise around other people? Help your cat relax with our expert guide on shy cats.

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How to look after a shy cat

If you’re wondering why your cat is shy around strangers, or are worried about helping a scared cat adjust to their new surroundings, our guide might just help. Shyness can be shown in many ways, from a cat hiding to freezing in place or even appearing skittish. So if you’ve created a safe and loving home environment, why is your cat fearful and what can you do to help your shy cat relax?

tabby-and-white cat hiding behind a door frame with a yellow curtain in the background

Five ways to help a shy cat adjust to a new home

  1. Give them places to hide. A cardboard box is ideal!

  2. Keep to a routine. Aim to feed and interact with them at the same time each day.

  3. Get to know their body language. Do they seem stressed or anxious?

  4. Be calm and gentle around them, and teach young children to do the same.

  5. Be patient. Take the time to earn your cat’s trust.

Why is my cat so timid?

Like humans, a cat’s behaviour and character are shaped partly by their experiences as a kitten. These experiences create your cat’s personality and most adult cats appear confident enough to face most situations. 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 them being scared of these experiences will increase.

Timid behaviour could be caused by:

  • genetics. Some cats are naturally more cautious than others
  • lack of socialisation. If cats do not socialise with humans, particularly during their first eight weeks of life, they may be stressed or frightened by human contact
  • bad experiences. If your cat has been harmed or scared in the past, they may be more wary of people

Signs of fear in cats

Signs that your cat is scared include:

  • running away
  • retreating to hiding places
  • dilated pupils
  • flattened ears
  • cringing and cowering
Cat body language
A tortoiseshell cat with yellow eyes hiding inside a grey fleecy cat tunnel

How can I help my cat overcome their shyness?

Does your cat recoil from your touch or spend most of the day hiding behind the sofa? There are many reasons why your cat might be shy, nervous or timid, but you can often help your cat to unwind by being patient, calm and sensitive to their needs.

Most importantly, never lose your temper or force your cat to interact when they're not ready. By taking your time and gradually earning their trust, your cat will be much happier.

My cat keeps hiding. What can I do?

Hiding is a way of helping shy cats cope with being afraid or anxious. If your cat disappears to a cupboard or under a bed when a stranger enters the house, try to leave them to it. Let friends and family know not to seek them out in their hiding place too.

Often, cats also like to hide somewhere up high. This allows them to look out onto the surroundings and keeps them calm when they might be feeling worried.

Cats hiding

How to help your shy, nervous or timid cat

You can help your cat to feel safe and secure by:

  • providing plenty of refuges where they can hide. Cats de-stress more quickly if they can hide, preferably somewhere high and dark, such as behind sofas or on shelves
  • preventing other cats from entering your home by windows, doors or cat flaps. Make sure your cat is not being bullied in the garden or intimidated by other cats through windows or doors
  • maintaining daily routines so your cat knows what to expect
  • using synthetic scent pheromones (available from your vet). These can help reassure your cat and reduce stress
  • sitting quietly near your cat so they can get used to you in their own time. Ignore them while you read a book or take a nap so they don't feel pressurised or anxious in your presence. Do this while they are eating, or give them a small food treat so they associate you with a positive experience
  • letting your cat approach you. Direct approaches are extremely threatening, so don't force attention on your cat
  • blinking slowly at your cat. Narrow your eyes so they are half open and then turn your face away slowly to reassure your cat that you are not a threat. Why do cats slow blink?

As your cat becomes more confident

Your cat should gradually relax as they learn that you do not present a threat. As your cat becomes braver you can try:

  • talking to your cat quietly in a calming tone
  • rewarding your cat with a treat if they approach you. At first, give the treat as soon as they approach, but gradually increase the time between the approach and the treat. Over a period of weeks, work up to calmly stroking your cat once or twice before giving the treat
  • using small toys you can gently throw for them, such as a ball of foil, scrunched up paper or a ping pong ball. Fishing rod toys allow your cat to interact without feeling threatened by close contact

My cat wasn’t nervous in the past but has recently become anxious. What can I do?

Perhaps your cat used to be a fearless feline and now jumps at every little noise? Any change in your cat’s behaviour shouldn’t be ignored. There could be a multitude of reasons why your cat now appears to be scared.

Before you do anything, contact your vet for a thorough check to ensure your cat is not in pain or has an illness. If needed, your vet will be able to refer you to a cat behaviourist who will be able to advise further.

Finding a behaviourist

How can I choose a kitten that won’t be a nervous adult?

While it isn’t possible to guarantee how your kitten’s personality will develop, you can limit the risk with our guidelines on choosing a kitten. ‘Socialising’ a kitten happens between two and seven weeks old and helps to prepare them to cope with the world while their brain is still developing, so you’ll need to make sure that the breeder you’re purchasing your cat from is aware of this.

Kitten socialisation

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Managing cat behaviour guide
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