What to do if the cat is afraid of people?

First you need to figure out whether the pet is really afraid of people or, perhaps, he just does not like to be in a noisy society. If the reason lies in the temperament of the animal, the owner will have to put up with it.

All cats are different: some love attention, while others avoid company and noise. At the same time, it is important that such introverted cats do not show aggression towards guests, they calmly accept their affection, they just prefer silence to the company of people. In the event that a pet falls into hysterics at the sight of strangers or even its own owner, it is worth taking action.

It is necessary to start the fight against fear by establishing the reason why the cat is afraid of people.

1. Cruel treatment. Most often, people are shunned by “wild” animals, that is, those who grew up on the street or in a shelter. Perhaps the cat was treated badly by a passerby, or it was beaten by the previous owner. One way or another, the pet is distrustful of all the people around him – old injuries make themselves felt.
2. Lack of socialization. Usually, when it comes to the need for socialization, dogs are often mentioned. However, for cats, this process is no less important. An insufficiently socialized pet will perceive strangers and animals as potential sources of danger.
3. Features of physiology. It is not uncommon for a pet to experience fear only of males. It is believed that the reason lies in physiology. The female voice is high, it is closer to the sound of a cat’s “speech”. And the male, on the contrary, is too low, and therefore is perceived by cats as unfriendly. But this is not always the case.

To understand why a cat is afraid of men, remember if someone from your environment was cruel to a pet. This group, for example, may include a veterinarian who gave injections to an animal. Perhaps the pet remembered the offender, and now all men are enemies for him.

How to deal with fear?

Not all cat owners are eager to help their pet. Some are convinced that sitting in a room or under a bed during a party is not a problem. Meanwhile, such chronic stress directly affects the nature of the animal and its health.

In overcoming fear, it is important to show your pet that strangers are not enemies. It is necessary to neutralize the negative that the cat experiences every time it senses a stranger. How to do it?

1. In the process of dating, you can not impose on a cat the society of other people against her will. If the pet was picked up, and he rests, you should not hold him, it is better to let him go.
2. If the cat is afraid of a person, a treat will help to establish contact. Positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to train animals, including cats. A delicacy should be treated by a person who seems dangerous to a cat.
3. A cat rod will also be a great helper in the process of socialization. Practice shows that the hunting instinct of most pets still prevails. The trick is that the “enemy” is far enough away from the cat, and it is he who initiates the game.
4. During therapy, try not to gather large noisy companies at home, invite one person at a time or a couple of guests. Moreover, it is advisable to do this until the pet is completely addicted to these friends.
5. Do not self-administer medication to your cat. The use of sedatives is possible only on the recommendation of a veterinarian.

There are many reasons why a cat is afraid of humans. Most often, the lack of socialization affects. If with a young cat this process goes quickly enough, then adult pets are extremely reluctant to make contact with strangers. Be patient, because the fight against fear can take several months.

February 19 2018

Updated: February 21, 2018