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.
Fear can lead to flight, freeze or even fight. Fear aggression is common when the fearful cat cannot escape or does not have a safe place to hide. Here are some helpful tips to ease the discomfort that your cat is feeling now: Make your cat feel safe.
It's not uncommon for cats to be scared of people they don't know. They may be affectionate and calm with their family but fearful when other people visit. There are several reasons for this, including: Lack of exposure.
Please allow at least 3 months for your shy cat to adjust, but be mindful that others may need a little extra adjustment time. Your cat appreciates your patience. Know that with time, kitty will give you all the love they have!
Fearful cats usually do best in relatively quiet homes. They are often not suitable for young children as children can easily scare them with loud noises or sudden movements. Many fearful cats slowly become more confident as they get used to their living space and daily routine.
Previous scientific research has shown that cats don't just purr when they're happy, but also when they're distressed or afraid. There is also a theory that purring is a defence mechanism, and a way for cats to keep calm in stressful situations, as the vibrations produced can help to keep cats relaxed.
Sleeping with you provides them with security and an extra defense if a predator should launch a nighttime attack. They sleep with you because they trust you, they know you're not a danger and you can also provide an extra layer of defense if needed.
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. At any time, if the cat seems to be angry or scared, stop.
Loud noises
In the home, cats are often scared of noisy household appliances, especially if they didn't become accustomed to them as young kittens. Vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, printers, washing machines and hairdryers are common culprits.
Think food puzzles to engage minds and bodies, vertical space for climbing and surveying their domain, scratching posts, safe outdoor access (like a catio), window perches and interactive play. “Play is an important part of relieving stress,” Delgado says. “It helps cats release those feel-good hormones.”
Providing they are not caused by an underlying medical reason, if your cat is stressed it may show one or more of the following signs: Inappropriate toileting, such as urinating out of the litter box or spraying. Trouble toileting. Fighting/attacking you or other pets.
Kneading to Mark What's Theirs
Cats are territorial creatures, and one of the ways they safeguard their turf is to scent-mark their belongings. By kneading their paws on the surface of something (yes, including you), they're activating the scent glands in their soft paw pads, thereby marking that item as theirs.
Growling, hissing or spitting indicates a cat who is annoyed, frightened, angry or aggressive. Leave this cat alone. A yowl or howl (they sound like loud, drawn-out meows) tells you your cat is in some kind of distress—stuck in a closet, looking for you or in pain. Find your cat if they're making this noise.
An anxious cat may have physical reactions such as increased heart and respiratory rates, panting, trembling, and salivation. The most obvious behavior changes are increased movement, hiding, destruction, and excessive vocalization.
If your cat is healthy, but hiding, leave her alone. She'll come out when she's ready. To force her out of her hiding spot will only make her more fearful. Make sure she has easy access to food, water and her litter box from her hiding place.
Cats like peace and quiet. Household conveniences, like vacuum cleaners, can easily disrupttheir nap time.
Whether large or small, all cats should be held with two hands, writes Cat Behavior Associates. To pick up your cat safely, behavior expert Marilyn Krieger tells Petcha, "Place one hand under her front legs and position your other hand so that it supports her back legs and hind quarters.
Most cats will adjust within one to two weeks. If you have a multiple-animal household, it may take several months for everyone to fully adjust.