How to Socialize a Shy Cat

I just brought home an adorable feral kitten a week ago. But when I opened her carrier, she fled under the couch. Since then, I’ve seen no signs of her, except some food missing from her dish. I want to give her a loving home, but she is too scared to come out of her shell. She needs to be socialized—but where to start?

1) Recognize the importance of patience. Your kitten may have a traumatic background, or simply limited human interaction. She needs time and patience for you to build her trust. Be patient as you work through the socialization process with her.

2) Give your kitten a small room. Include everything she’ll need—food, water, litter boxes, toys, and bedding. Shy cats progress better if they live in a small space at first. Then they don’t have to worry about venturing out to get food and encountering people.

Looking for an outside cat shelter? Look no further! Check out our cedar houses at www.undercoverpethouses.com

3) Use sound to your advantage. Cats are highly sensitive to sound, and shy cats are easily frightened by loud noise. Keep sound levels down, and use a soothing voice with your kitten. Call her by name, and talk to her often. Always keep the pitch and volume of your voice low and gentle.

4) Allow your kitten to approach you. When she finally peeks out of her hiding spot, resist the urge to rush over. Hold your relaxed hand out, palm down, and let her decide how close to come. Give her time to get used to you.

5) When she is ready, acclimate your kitten to handling. Start by petting her head for a few minutes, and speak to her in a gentle, calm voice. After petting her, give her a treat. Do this several times a day, with longer sessions as she gets used to human touch. You can also incorporate playing with toys to help your kitten express natural instincts.

Socializing a shy cat can be a difficult process, but it is well worth it to have a happy, well-adjusted cat! What are your best tips to socialize a shy or feral cat? Have you socialized a shy cat? Share your experience in the comments below!

www.undercoverpethouses.com -We sell the best outside cat shelters. Your outside cat will love it!