Timid Kitten Behavior

"DEALING WITH TIMID KITTENS"

Information provided by:
Gail Price
Founder, Dumpster Cats
(302) 834-2859
dumpstrcat@aol.com

There are many things you need to do to work with a shy cat or kitten in order to turn it into a fairly social pet. It CAN happen, it just takes a little effort. Alley Cat Allies recommends letting the kitten adjust to its new surroundings gradually. Don't try handling the kitten right away, even though its tempting because they are so cute. The most important thing to do is be patient and give the kitten time and space. You will be rewarded in the end.

Let the new pet adjust to your home SLOWLY. Start it off in one room, like a bathroom or a large closet with a light. It is essential that the cat is NOT let out to roam a big home all at once, or this will make it scared and hide from you, making the situation worse -- especially if there are others to frighten it, like kids or pets. A cage is fine for small kittens for the first few days, if a bathroom is too inconvenient. Make sure there is access to a litter box, plenty of fresh water, and soft, warm bedding for it to sleep on. A blanket or something that smells of the kitten's previous home might make it more comfortable in the new surroundings. Because you are allowing it to get used to small confines at first, it will recognize where the litter box is and use it, and train itself. After you start to allow the kitten access to the rest of your home, it will still return to the first place to use the litter box as long as there is nothing there to frighten it away.

It is best to keep the kitten in a place where you can pick it up without having to chase it around and you won't scare it too much. A timid kitten will undoubtedly fear and resist being picked up. You need to work with it on a regular basis to overcome this fear. By taking a young kitten by the back scruff of the neck like a mother cat does, you will be able to position it the way you want. The kitten instinctively will squirm and probably scratch, so be gentle but be careful. Speak softly and do not lose patience. Remember these exercises are for everyone's benefit!

Play with the kitten gently and quietly when you think its ready for the first steps to socialization. Dangle some string or a toy and try to get the kitten's attention. Most kittens cannot resist the urge to swat at a toy. Don't make any loud sounds or sudden gestures, just speak softly and try to get it to play with you. Once it realizes it has nothing to fear from you, it will begin to relax and may even run across your lap while playing. It will enjoy your company and have fun playing, even if its not totally comfortable with touching yet.

Wrap the timid kitten up in a towel or small blanket so it won't scratch you (or escape!) and then hold it on your lap while gently petting it around the face and head. The kitten will eventually begin to relax and trust you, and with time it will begin to purr and enjoy the experience. Once you can handle the kitten without too much resistance, you can start allowing it to roam around the house. In the beginning, it may run from you or cower when you reach to pet it. Make it a point to catch the kitten at least once every day and hold on to it so it will not regress back to running and hiding from you. The kitten will learn to trust you more and more every day.

Win the kitten over with food rewards. (Remember, contrary to popular belief, fish is BAD for cats, and difficult to digest! Try healthy turkey or chicken treats instead.) Often the kitten will be hungry enough to stay still and allow you to pet it while it eats the snack. Before long, the kitten will not mind being petted at all. Try offering some of its daily cat food to it from your hand. It should associate taking food from you with being provided for by its mother.

Follow these tips with patience, understanding, and love. Gradually, your timid little kitten will begin to come to you for affection and before you know it, the bashful baby will be growing into a lovable, sociable cat!