How to help my scared senior cat play, feel safe, and be a lap cat?

Question

Hi, I adopted my cat 3 months ago, he is a senior and he is very nice but gets scared very easily. He doesn't like to play very much. What can I do to encourage him to play and to feel safe and comfortable around people? Is it possible to get him to be a lap cat? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 13 years and 8 months old | 10 lbs

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. First, thank you for adopting! Especially a senior cat. Taco is probably still having a tough time adapting to his new home. It can take a very long time to find a cats inner kitten when life has thrown them some problems. I would only encourage you to have patience. It can easily take 6 months to a year for an adult pet to feel truly comfortable in a new home, yet may always remain skittish around anything new or strange. I know, I am going through this with a dog I rescued 6 months ago. I would invest in a calming pheromone diffuser called Feliway. Place 1 in each room he spends, or you hope he spends, most of his time in. Find a treat he likes. My cats love the Temptation treats. Quiet toys, like feathers will bring out his inner lion, & think about a calming supplement to also help with his anxiety. Nutramax makes one called Solliquin. I found this helpful for my guy, & he still receives one daily. I don't know if he will be a lap cat, but I would not be surprised if one day, he just jumps up & makes himself at home on your lap. I hope so. Take care.

How to help my scared senior cat play, feel safe, and be a lap cat?

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