How to build trust with my rescue cat who's afraid of petting?

Question

Trying to get her to feel more comfortable when being petted. She is a rescue, former owner surrended her along with sibling. I think she was abused, but nothing in information given me and their testing didn't reveal injuries. Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 2 years and 4 months old | 13 lbs

Jessica Desrosiers · Accepted Answer

Time and patience! If Princess is skittish in your new home it may just be she needs some time to settle in and relax. If she was abused or not handled much before coming to your home, she may also take longer to bond or just never be quite as cuddly. A few things you can do: Let her approach you instead of forcing interactions. This can help her gain trust and make things less stressful. If she does approach, offering your hand for her to sniff before petting, giving a favorite treat, or just talking in a calming voice can help. Pheromone diffusers and collars are great for reducing stress and anxiety and may help her to relax some and settle in. Treats are friends! Hand feeding her meals, giving treats when she approaches, and rewarding her for when she is calm and not nervous can help build trust as well. Playing with toys, if she likes them, such as a feather on a string can help increase bond and interactions without petting that may be too stressful for her, while still letting her interact and have fun.

How to build trust with my rescue cat who's afraid of petting?

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