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Why is my cat still so shy and skittish after all these years?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 5 years and 1 month old | 12 lbs

Just a curiosity I got my cat as a kitten a few years ago he was and still is very shy and a bit skittish he will sleep on my bed when I'm not in it and if I walk in the room he sits up realy quick and if I continue into the room he will jump down and hide under the bed. when I feed him if I'm moving around behind him he runs away but he lets me pick him up sometimes he jumps up on my chair and in my bed with me when he wants to be petted and he purrs why is he still so shy after so long Just us

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 15th, 2017

Some cats are simply naturally more skittish than other cats. They have different personalities, just like humans, and it's great that he does seek you out for attention. I definitely would reinforce that behavior in Stinker by giving him the attention as he wants it, and lavishing him with treats and praise when he comes to you for love and attention :-)

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    Cats have different personalities just like people. He could just be a shy boy and only seeks you out when he wants attention. As long as he is healthy I wouldn't worry too much. If there is a certain kind of treat or certain toy you know he likes, you could reach out to him by offering an occasional treat or tossing the toy for him to play with. I had a very shy cat and that just her personality. She came out of her shell a little when we moved and she had more access to look outside and was around other people, but it took time and she still hid when anything startled her or people she didn't know came by.

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