For many cats that come into Cats Protection’s care it can be quite an unnerving experience. The majority of cats relinquished come from previous homes, for a wide variety of reasons, but we also take in stray cats, cats that have had minimum human interactions, pregnant cats and new mothers and their kittens. All of which find being in a centre environment stressful in different ways.
Cats are
inherently solitary animals (unlike other domesticated pets). Being in an
unfamiliar setting; with the scent, sound and sight of other cats and contact
with unfamiliar faces can be highly stressful and frightening to some. Add to
this that they cannot roam freely outside and ‘escape’ from their surroundings.
Unlike humans, cats live in the moment and have no concept of the future.
Whereas we know it will only be a matter of time before they leave us to go to
their forever homes, for them being in a pen environment is indefinite.
It is
important to take into consideration that some cats will likely feel scared and
unsettled in a new home once adopted, for the first few weeks. It is important
for us to understand the common signs a cat will exhibit that is experiencing
fear and anxiety.
·
Hissing/
Growling
·
Excessive
grooming
·
Dilated
pupils
·
Staring
fixed gaze, reduced blinking, avoidance of eye contact all together
·
Ears
turned out to the side, or ears flat
·
Hiding
·
Tail
flicking
·
Tense
body with an arched back. Fur raised.
·
Walking
with a hunched posture, tail and head down
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It is very
important that when a cat is exhibiting any of these behaviours, not to ‘flood’
the cat. Flooding means to expose an animal to a fear eliciting stimuli without
the opportunity to escape. Cats like humans can have a flight, fight and freeze
reaction when scared.
Ways we can make a fearful cat feel more relaxed
and secure:-
1. All cats need a hiding place. In CP
we use a feline fort. At home this could be a box, or an igloo bed.
2. Cats need the opportunity to get off
the ground and get up high. In CP we use a feline fort. You could try cat trees
or shelving for your cat.
3. It is important a cat builds up its
own scent, so using two blankets so one can be washed when needed. A pheromone spray called Feliway. (You can
purchase this from CP centres, or online).
4. Most importantly only approach a
fearful cat when necessary to begin with. Think less is more, and aim to limit
noise as much as possible. Cats often slow blink as a sign of being relaxed, so
you can try to mimic this behaviour.
One of our cat carers recently
engaged in what we refer to as ‘Desensitisation’ with two fearful cats at the
centre; Teddy and Mickey. Both cats came from separate homes, but lived similar
lives prior to arriving. Both cats had been kept indoors and were only pets. Initially,
both cats would hide and give warnings upon entering the pen such as growling
and hissing. It is important to first let them see you and smell you without
you attempting to touch them.
During |
Had my cat Holly 3 months now.in the last week she has started to go outdoors on her own thought this would never happen.she is so gentle and i love her follows me everywhere.she is so afraid of anyone who comes to our house and hides in her corner till they have gone.not sure what i can do she comes out again as soon as they leave.
ReplyDeleteSome cats are just like that! New visitors can be scary for cats but as long as she feels safe and secure with you, and she goes back to herself as soon as they leave - then you know she is happy :)
DeleteOur cat Herbie (Obie) used to be like Holly. Now he uses his cat flap and is completely settled in the house. He still often hides when visitors come but before the lockdown this was improving. He is a little shy with strangers but once he knows they are gentle and kind he enjoys a fuss from them too. Give them time and accept that all cats, like people have different personalities. Good luck with your new cat.
ReplyDelete