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Why Are Some Cats Shy?

Why Are Some Cats Shy?

Shrinking away from your touch. Hiding underneath the bed. Watching you with wide eyes. It might be hard to connect with a shy cat at first. All you want is to be best friends with your cat, but it isn’t easy to build a relationship when it feels like your cat is scared of you. 

 

So why is your cat acting timid and shy? You might be meeting all your cat’s physical needs, but how can you help them feel more secure and encourage them to come out of their shell? 

 

Why Is My Cat Shy?

From evolution to individual personality, there are a lot of reasons why your cat might be a bit shyer than most. These causes could be at the root of your cat’s behavior.  

 

Survival Instinct

Cats are closely in tune with their evolutionary instincts, including their highly developed survival instincts. They’re bred to assess danger quickly and flee in response to perceived danger.


A shy cat might simply be in a state of adrenaline: fighting, running, freezing, or even becoming aggressive out of fear. 

 

Lack of Security

When you bring a cat home for the first time, they may be quiet and anxious for the first few days—or even weeks—until they adjust to the new environment. But some cats may remain fearful even after they’ve had time to settle in. 


Cats are a naturally solitary and wary species. In order to feel comfortable around others, they have to feel safe and secure in their own home. Any outside stimulus like new people entering the home, loud noises, or frequent activity can spark this anxiety, even if the cat has been living with you for months or years. 

 

Personality 

Shyness or anxiety doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. Many cats are born with a predisposition to anxious behavior. This could be due to a lack of socialization at a young age, but sometimes it’s just part of your cat’s personality. 


By creating a quiet, stable environment and developing trust with your cat, even the most fearful cats can become wonderful lifelong partners. 

 

Medical Conditions

Some cats are naturally shy, however, if you notice a sudden change in your cat’s behavior, it could point towards an underlying medical condition. If the change seems abrupt or unusual, you should always take your cat to the vet to rule out any medical issues. 

 

Making Your Cat Feel At Home

It’s not always easy to build a relationship with a shy cat, but with a bit of work and a lot of patience, you can help your cat overcome anxiety and feel secure at home. Here are some tips to help you get there: 

  • Offer a safe space to hide, like underneath a bed or in a well-guarded corner
  • Place a cardboard box upside down over the bed to offer greater security
  • Speak to the cat in a calm, soothing voice
  • Wait for your cat to approach you—don’t overwhelm them
  • Use a calming pheromone

The Bottom Line

No matter why your cat is shy, you can still build a life-long relationship with your new feline friend. It might take some time to earn the trust of your shy cat, but that only makes it more satisfying when your new friend purrs or curls up in your lap for the first time. 

 

Make sure your cat has everything they need to feel right at home—as soon as they get there. Take a look at some of our pet products to stock up on everything you’ll need. 

 

 

 

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