Just Adopted Very Skittish Cat What Do I Do?

Bringing home a new cat is super exciting! You probably can’t wait to snuggle and play. But what if your new cat is scared and hides all the time? You might be thinking, “Just adopted very skittish cat what do i do?”

Lots of people experience this. It’s totally normal. Lots of cats are afraid when they go to a new home.

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Why Is My Cat So Scared?

Cats can be scared for lots of reasons.

Not used to people: Maybe they didn’t meet many people when they were kittens. This is especially true for cats who were strays.
Bad experiences: Some cats have been treated poorly. They might have been abandoned or even hurt by people before.
Just plain shy: Some cats are just born a little more timid than others!

Think about it like this: If you moved to a whole new town, you’d probably feel nervous too! Your cat needs time to adjust.

Making a Safe Space

The first thing you need to do is create a safe space where your cat can relax.

Pick a quiet room: It could be a spare bedroom, a bathroom, or even a big closet.
Give them everything they need: Put their food, water, litter box, and a comfy bed in the room.
Add something familiar: If you have a blanket or toy from the shelter, put that in the room too. Familiar smells can be really comforting!

This room will be their home base. Let them explore it without bothering them. It’s important to let them feel secure before meeting the rest of the family.

Building Trust

Building trust with a scared cat takes time and patience. Here are some tips:

Talk softly: Use a gentle voice when you talk to your cat. Loud noises can be scary!
Move slowly: Sudden movements can make them jumpy. Approach them calmly.
Don’t force interaction: Let them come to you when they’re ready. Never pull them out of hiding!
Food is your friend: Put some yummy wet food or treats near their hiding spot. Move it closer to you a little each day. They’ll start connecting you with good things.
Playtime is magic: Play helps your cat feel more confident. Try a feather wand or a toy mouse. Keep your distance at first, then move a little closer as they warm up.
Gentle touches: If your cat comes close, try offering a fist for them to sniff. If they head-butt you, that means they like you! You can try gently petting their chin.

Extra Help:

Feliway: This is a spray that makes cats feel calm. You can get it at the pet store. Ask a grown-up to help you with this.
Calming treats: These treats have special ingredients that help cats relax. You can also find these at the pet store.

Meeting the Rest of the House

Once your cat feels safe in their room, you can start showing them the rest of the house. But do it slowly! One room at a time is best.

Keep their safe room open: They need a place to run back to if they get scared.
Block off scary hiding spots: You don’t want them to hide under the couch and get stuck!

It might take a while for them to feel comfortable everywhere. Be patient!

Going to the Vet

Taking a scared cat to the vet can be tricky. Here are some tips to make it easier:

Get them used to the carrier: Put the carrier in their room with a blanket and some treats inside. Let them go in and out whenever they want.
Ask about a quiet waiting area: Some vets have special areas for shy animals.
Talk to your vet about calming medicine: If your cat is really scared, medicine can help.

You Got This!

Adopting a scared cat might seem hard, but it’s worth it. You’re giving a shy kitty a chance to have a loving home. Just remember:

Be patient. It takes time for cats to adjust.
Give them space. Don’t force them to interact.
Use positive reinforcement. Make them happy to see you!

With a little love and patience, you’ll help your cat become a happy and confident member of the family!