Try using wet food or treats to tempt the kitten close to you. Feed them the food off of a spoon or tongue depressor but don't try to pet them until they're reliably staying close to you during feedings. Use toys to build confidence, for exercise, and as a fun way to bond.
Some cats are ready to get to know you immediately while other kitties may take several weeks to initiate any kind of interaction.
Tips to Ensure Your Kitten Isn't Overly Fearful. Young kittens, like most newborn animals, are usually virtually fearless, but as they mature, they can gradually become less trusting of new situations and things. And a little fear is normal — a healthy dose of it could literally save their lives.
Until your kitten's four months old, they shouldn't be left alone for long periods of time during the day. Get them used to being alone by leaving them for five minutes each hour and gradually extending it. With some breeds, it may be beneficial to consider adopting two kittens for companionship.
“If the kitten is under seven weeks of age, continued positive experiences and socialization will gradually help any shy kittens,” Arguelles says. “If it's past the seven week mark, owners will have to work with the kitten slowly to build trust and develop a relationship.
Picking up your kitten and holding them to help them feel safe and loved is a big part of bonding. ”If your kitten isn't used to being held, start off holding for a short time and then put her down before she starts to squirm. Do this several times a day to help her feel more comfortable about the process.
Offering “Treats”
Offer them “treats” often. It is especially effective to offer them a couple of spoonfuls of human baby food a day (meat only). Kittens LOVE baby food! Start by putting a little bit of baby food on their mouth or nose if they will not come to you.
What are the signs of fear? When frightened, some cats may hide, try to appear smaller, pull their ears back and be immobile. Other cats may show signs of agitation or aggression, such as dilated pupils, arched back, pilo-erection (hair standing on end), and hissing.
Prop the door open so she can come out when she's comfortable or retreat if she is spooked. Speak quietly in a happy tone of voice, encouraging her to come out. Fluffy may not hesitate to explore right away, or may not come out for hours. If she continues to hide, leave the room and come again in 30 minutes.
Signs of Emotional Trauma in Cats and Dogs
Trauma can also manifest as “shaking, hiding, urination and/or defecation when the trigger attempts to interact, howling, pacing, excessive vocalization, and panting,” says Pia Silvani, director of behavioral rehabilitation at the ASPCA's Behavioral Rehabilitation Center.
Training your kitten can start by teaching a simple behavior like sitting on command. Right after you ask your kitten to sit, you can use a clicker or voice commands like 'yes' and 'good job' the moment his or her bottom hits the ground. As soon as your kitten sits, bring out a reward, like treats or cat food.
Reprimand your cat gently.
Avoid screaming, as this can upset your cat. Simply say, "No" when it engages in a negative behavior. If your cat stops the behavior when you ask, reward it with treats, a toy, or praise. If your cat does not listen when you say "No," try adding a small clap as well.
For some kittens, this settling in period might be over within hours, while for others it could take days or even weeks. For very timid cats, the process could even take 4 to 6 weeks. Just rest assured that this is normal, and be patient.
The number one reason that cats may refuse to be held is due to a lack of socialization. Cats, like dogs, require intentional socialization activities when they are young in order to develop trust and become acclimated to the presence of humans.
This means that the best place for a kitten to sleep is a secure spot, sheltered from draughts and warm enough is the best set up. It is a good idea to have the kitten close to you for the first few nights. Find a cosy place next to your bed and you can even choose a spot up off the floor if possible.
No. Here's the problem with spraying a cat with water: The only thing the cat learns is that when he sees the water bottle, it's time to run. “Run whenever you see this bottle” is not a particularly useful cue to teach, and running to escape punishment is not a positive way to interact with your cat.
A small kitten could injure himself if he jumps or falls off the bed. Or he could be hurt if you or your spouse roll over on him accidentally. Wait until he's of a size to make that an unlikely risk.
Physically harming your cat can actually make the situation worse and cause her to lash out or become withdrawn. Also, cats have a hard time associating the physical punishment with the bad behavior, so you're not actually training her to stop doing it.
When you start, always move your hand slowly towards the cat and let the cat smell your hand before you touch him/her. If the cat seems calm enough you can try to pet the cat gently. Again, don't push things. Start slow, pet the cat for a minute or two the first day, and work your way up to more time.
Well, when they're lost from their territory – your home – fear is likely to be their greatest feeling, rather than hunger. In fact, the Missing Animal Response Network has found that cats will often hide for one or two weeks after becoming displaced from their territory.
Many fearful cats slowly become more confident as they get used to their living space and daily routine. Going to a new, strange environment can throw some of these cats off and cause them to regress at first.