My cat is painfully shy and hides. How do I help my anxious cat?

Question

My cat is painfully shy and hides almost all day. How do I get him out of his shell?

Christie Long, DVM · Accepted Answer

Just like people, some cats are quite introverted and it can take a fair amount of effort to get them out of their shells. For many of these cats, their “shyness” is actually a sign of stress and anxiety, which is often fear-related. Try to find something your cat enjoys – a special treat, ear scratches, playing with the laser pointer – and encourage your cat to approach you. Do not force any interaction, as this often makes stress and anxiety worse. It may take a bit of patience and time. Calming pheromones, such as the Comfort Zone® Calming Diffuser, can help to minimize some cats’ stress, as can anti-anxiety medication prescribed by your veterinarian. If these strategies are not successful, it may be best to consult a [veterinary behaviorist](www.dacvb.org) for further advice.

My cat is painfully shy and hides. How do I help my anxious cat?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?

My cat is chunky. What food and steps can I take to help him lose weight?

Cat sick and still has fleas after vinegar treatment. What now?

My kitten had ringworm. Vet says in blood, untreatable, no meds?

My cat has a weepy wound she keeps licking. Does it need stitches?

Why does my cat's chin abscess keep coming back after antibiotics?

Share