Cats may be small, but they have very big personalities. Just like people, every kitty is different: some are fearless and friendly, while others are quiet and shy. If your feline friend falls into the latter category, you may want to take a few extra precautions to help your timid pet feel safe and secure, and keep her happy and purring. Read on as a Southeast Denver, CO vet offers tips on caring for scaredy-cats.
Offer Hidey Holes
Cats often feel safer in small, enclosed spaces. Offer your anxious kitty hiding spots in every room. This can be a pet tent or condo, or even a spot under the couch. You can make a cute pet tent out of an old tee shirt and a wire hangar. Even a wicker trunk with a soft blanket inside and a hole in one side for access will do.
Fluffy’s Rules
Let your feline friend decide when she wants to be cuddled, petted, or held. Never force attention on a shy cat, no matter how adorable she is.
Play
Take time to play with your kitty every day. This will burn off some of Fluffy’s excess energy. Choose a toy you can control, like a wand toy or a laser pointer. After a fun, vigorous play session, your scaredy- cat will probably be tired, so she’ll naturally feel a bit calmer.
Veterinary Care
Be sure to keep up with your feline friend’s veterinary care. Medical issues can have a drastic effect on kitties’ behavior! Most cats should see the vet at least once a year, though some furballs may need more frequent visits. Ask your vet to recommend an appointment schedule.
Safe Haven
It isn’t hard to make your home feel like a luxury mansion to a kitty. Start with the basics, by making sure your furball has good food, fresh water and a clean litterbox. It’s also important to offer your feline pal plenty of toys, and make sure she has lots of comfy beds to snuggle up in. Cats also appreciate having a good window view, so they can watch birds and squirrels. Fluffy probably won’t mind having some kitty furniture of her own, either.
Do you have questions about caring for your cat? Contact us today! As your Southeast Denver, CO animal clinic, we are here to provide your nervous pet with excellent veterinary care.
