Shy Cats Need a Little Extra TLC

 Many people confuse feral cats for socially shy cats. There is a difference! A feral cat is un-socialized and tends to be fearful of people.  A socially shy cat has been abandoned and left to fend for itself.  Working with a shy cat takes time and patience for their true inner cat to shine. Operation Hood is in need of fosters who are willing to work with these cats so they can regain their confidence and help them learn to trust again. If you are interested fostering one of our shy cats and willing to socialize it in your home, please complete the foster application below.  Join us in making a difference! 
Slick
Slick was an abandoned kitty that we took in. He prefers not to be picked up but will follow you around to get pets and has the sweetest meow. He loves to explore and has become an amazing foster dad to many kittens our rescue organization has taken in helping little ones with no mother learn the ropes of what being a cat is all about. He grooms and plays with them and shows them love! Slick needs a home with someone who is ok with not picking him up and who would like a smart and caring kitty who seeks attention. Did we mention he loves treats too! If you are interested in fostering this sweet boy please contact us!   
Tess
Tess was rescued with her litter of kittens from under a shed near a busy highway. Her babies were adopted and now Tess needs a home where she can be the center of attention. She does not like to be picked up and has started accepting being petted but is insecure about human contact and will need someone who is patient to work with her to regain her inner confidence. Check out her ear hair curls ♡  PS: She is treat and food motivated.
Amber
My name is Amber! I need a foster home that will allow me time to settle in and adjust to the new things around me. My current foster mom is super nice, but she just is so busy and I need more 1:1 for my inner cat to really emerge so that I can find my forever family. I know they are out there and I just need time to build my courage to trust humans again. If you would like to foster me please submit an application. Love, Amber

Tips for Socializing a Shy Cat

According to Perry's Place Heaven on Earth, a shy or under-socialized cat, sees the world can be a scary place.  If a cat feels threatened by the world around them (even if these threats are imagined), they can quickly withdraw from social activities and spend all day hiding under a bed or in a closet. Here are a few tips to help socialize a shy or fearful cat.
  • ​Make their world smaller. Cats are territorial animals. Too much territory can be overwhelming so it is important to start small. Set your cat up in one room in your house, i.e. a bathroom or small bedroom. Be sure to put a litter box, food, water, toys, and a bed in the room. Minimize hiding places if you are putting your shy cat in a bedroom by blocking access to under the bed or closing closets. If placing a cat in a bathroom, ensure that the toilet lid is closed and lock chemicals or cleaners in cabinets or remove them from the room.
  • Read your cat! Pay close attention to their body language. Shy or fearful cats pin their ears against their heads; they are wide eyed or pupils dilated. Shy cats often lick their lips and/or their whiskers are pressed against their face. Their bodies are huddled, muscles tense or lean away or poised to flee. Shy cats tend to tuck their tail under their body or their fur looks puffed up.
  • Give them time. The first step to earning a cat's trust is to prove that you're not trying to grab or do anything to them. If your cat is extremely shy, get it used to your presence before trying to make physical contact.  Start at the opposite side of the cat's room and slowly move closer to the cat over time. Try to avoid making noise or quick movements. Let your cat get used to your voice, your smell, and your energy.
  • Create a confident hunter. Get your cat used to playing with toys. Don't dangle toys in the cats face as you will only scare or annoy him/her. Build your cat's confidence, teach it to play, and eventually the cat will become more interactive with you.
  • Bridge the Gap. There are a few ways to start petting a cat. The first technique is to use a wooden or plastic back scratcher. The scratcher feels goods and will likely allow your hand access later on.  The second technique is to use a toy, such as a wand toy. Gently pet the cat with the toy and over time, slowly move your hand down the toy until your are able to pet the cat with your hand.
  • Reward interactive behavior. Ultimately we want the cat to be the one to initiate social activities like petting and cuddling. One way to encourage this is to reward the cat with play or with a high-value treat when it moves toward you to sniff or touch. Allow the cat to disengage when it wants to.
  • Make the world bigger.  Once the cat becomes confident in the smaller room and has consistent relaxed body posture and will play, eat, and socialize with you, you can begin to allow access to the rest of your home. 
  • ​Patience is key! Socialization is not a straight line. A cat might make great progress one day and backslide a bit the next. That’s okay. In the end, progress is up to the cat, and it’s our job to be patient and encouraging!
For more information on socializing a shy or fearful cat, visit Heavenly Cats No Cats Under the Bed:  Socializing a Shy or Fearful Cat.