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 Photo by dhruvaraj @ flickr.com |
A shy feline parent tends to produce a timid kitten. Kittens often mimic the behaviors they seen their most important role model: mom cat.
If mom cats (queens) are very friendly towards humans, their offspring is usually cordial to humans. Queens that shy away from human contact communicate to their offspring that it’s best to a keep distance from humans.
Just as with human, there can also be a genetic predisposition to shyness. Some cats are natural calm introverts while others love to be the center of attention.
On a whole, cats do not handle change very well. They like predictable, routine events. And a move to a new environment can be scary to a young kitten. New sights, sounds, and smells can be so overwhelming that a kitten might rather prefer to hide out than explore its new environment.
Change can turn even the most outgoing cat into a shy kitten. However, if you notice any abrupt behavioral changes, such as your boisterous cat rapidly turning quiet and sullen and/or it appears ill, see your vet. There could be medical problems present.
Certain feline breeds tend to have distinct personalities. Russian Blue cats for instance are known for their quiet, reserved natures. Trying to change the Russian Blue’s natural predisposition could be quite difficult.
When a kitten has been removed from its sibling and mom cat too soon, it can miss crucial time socializing and learning the rules of cat society and human interaction. Kittens learn from other cats what’s expected of them and how to interact with people. This is why it is important to wait to adopt a kitten until it’s at least 12 weeks old. By this time, most kittens have been taught basic socialization skills.
Not all human to feline interactions are positive. Some kittens are abused and/or neglected by people. And an abused cat can carry bad memories and see all human as potential abusers. Abused kittens will often distrust humans and will run and hide when approached.
- Give It Time
If you have a new kitten, give it some time to adjust to your home. The kitten may gradually come out of its shell as it gets use to its new environment. Leave with it familiar toys. Keep it feedings on a routine schedule. Give the kitten some structure.
- Use the TV/Radio to Socialize
Playing the TV/radio when you’re away can help kittens get use to hearing human voices. That way when company comes to your home, your kitten will be prepared to here stranger's voices.
- Get Two Kittens
Having another kitten around can help socialize a shy kitten. Kittens are naturally use to having plenty of siblings around to play with. And a more outgoing kitten may show your timid kitten that it’s okay to interact with humans.
- Give Behavioral Training a Try
In severe cases, kitten shyness may be helped with the aid of an animal behavioral counselor. They can help owners figure out new strategies to reduce shyness. Behavioral counselors can be found thorough veterinarians or at your local humane society.
- Acceptance
Shyness is not necessarily a bad thing. Learn to love your reserved kittens as they are.
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