Petting a cat can be more difficult than it looks, especially if you are dealing with a very nervous animal. A tense, aggressive, or frightened cat may not know how to react to your affectionate attitude, interpreting love gestures as acts of aggression. You may want to pet, hug, or hug your beloved feline as often as you wish, however you should take the animal's temperament into consideration when you want to give it affection.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Make a Shy Cat Comfortable
Step 1. Offer the cat a place to hide and feel comfortable
You may be tempted to force a nervous cat out of hiding, but this will not improve your relationship with him. Instead, if you manage to lure the cat out of hiding you will pass the ball to the animal, so to speak, leaving it to the decision to interact. If you provide your cat with a place where they feel safe, they may be less stressed and more likely to venture outside.
Even if you want to make sure the cat can hide for a while, you need to make sure there are no dangers present. Above all, make sure the cat can't escape
Step 2. Leave some distance between you and the cat
Don't force a nervous animal to have contact with you. It can be frustrating to care for a cat who doesn't trust you or doesn't want to be with you, but you'll need to focus on developing a long-term relationship. Forcing him to do something unwillingly will only make you lose his confidence.
Step 3. Stimulate the cat's mind and body
Provide him with toys and equipment, such as a cat tower, that will make him happier and more fulfilled. A shy cat may be afraid of you, however they may overcome their fear of playing or receiving a treat. Happiness will increase the chances that your cat will overcome shyness and feel more comfortable with you.
Step 4. Learn that a shy cat may never feel completely comfortable in your presence
Some specimens are reserved by nature or have suffered trauma that made them fearful. While it is important to try to make the cat happy and satisfied, the cat may not be able to overcome its psychological problems. Make an effort to socialize with him, but don't think that failing to make your cat eager for your affection is a failure.
Step 5. Make sure the cat sees that you are feeding him
Food is a powerful engine for a cat, so if they learn that you are their food source, they may be more willing to show you their affection. If he's really very nervous, meals may be the only time you can get close. Stay close to his bowl, making sure you keep a distance that doesn't discourage the animal, but it should notice your presence.
Method 2 of 3: Reading a Cat's Body Language
Step 1. Look for signs of fear in the cat
Don't make him feel anxious if he's already stressed out. When his hair is standing on end or blowing, it means he doesn't want to interact with you. At that point you can do two things: walk away and give the cat its space, or you can try to conquer it by offering it food from a distance. However, you shouldn't try to gain his trust by forcing him to have physical contact: the cat may be afraid of you and may scratch or bite you.
- Remember that a cat will rely on its survival instinct when it feels threatened. If he runs away or attacks you, he is in fear.
- You can also observe a cat's tail to judge its relaxed state. A low and puffy tail is a sign of fear, a straight tail indicates a happy cat; when he is seated, if he keeps his tail relaxed and motionless it means that he is comfortable with you, and if he keeps moving it means that he is annoyed.
Step 2. Remember that a cat may decide not to be petted at any moment
Stop stroking if it shows signs of discomfort. He may warn you that you are stimulating him too much with a small bite or growl. If the cat you are petting has these attitudes, stop petting him immediately and give him some space.
Step 3. Look for signs that the cat wants to be petted
Purring is the clearest sign that your cat appreciates your attention. His body should be relaxed and he might press it against your hand if he truly appreciates your caresses.
The cat may even direct your hand where it wants to be scratched. This is a positive sign, the pet appreciates what you are doing and would like you to do it somewhere else
Step 4. Remember that just because a cat rubs against you doesn't mean they want to be petted
A cat may even purr and then decide they don't want your attention anymore. When petting a very nervous cat, be prepared to quickly stop petting and remember that you could get bitten or scratched. This is the price to pay for bonding with a shy cat.
Method 3 of 3: Petting a Cat Correctly
Step 1. Draw the cat towards you
Once you find the cat, sit on a piece of furniture or on the floor, but not too close to the cat. Try to get up to the cat so you don't overpower it. You can look in his direction, but not in the eye. Call him by name. He will respond by looking at you, turning an ear in your direction, stopping the activity he is doing or by slowly getting up, reaching out and leaving the room; he may not even react in any way and ignore you.
If the cat recognizes your presence, start patting you on the knee and calling him again in a soft, gentle voice. You could even lure it with food
Step 2. Let the cat sniff you and rub against you without trying to pet it
A shy cat needs to get used to your scent before they get comfortable with you. If he approaches and rubs himself, he is letting you know that you are part of his territory. It doesn't necessarily mean that she loves you, but it is a good sign and is the first step towards gaining her trust.
When the cat has rubbed against you a few times, hold out your hand for him to sniff. The cat may rub your hand with its cheek, and in that moment, you may begin to gently discover where it wants to be stroked
Step 3. Make sure the cat sees you before attempting to pet him
Don't surprise a very nervous cat. You might even sneak up on a shy cat, but you won't gain their trust. Instead, make sure the cat sees you coming; if he allows you to caress him, you will know because he will not move away.
Step 4. Stroke the cat in specific areas of the body
Start on the back or under the chin. Also try scratching the area between the shoulder blades or under the neck. There are spots that he can't reach easily, which is why cats love to be scratched there.
Gently pat the cat in the direction of hair growth, as many cats do not appreciate having their fur stroked against the grain
Step 5. Avoid stroking sensitive areas
For example, avoid touching the belly of a very nervous cat. Some people enjoy cuddling on the tummy, but if the cat is already upset, this is more likely to put him on the defensive. Some cats interpret belly strokes as a clear invitation to playfully chew and scratch your hand.
- Many cats don't like being touched on their paws.
- Some cats may bite you without warning if you caress them too much. Often the safest choice is to stroke them only on the head, neck, and under the chin, if in doubt.
Step 6. Be patient
Gently pat your new friend and find out how he wants to be gently stroked or scratched. If the cat leaves, act as if you are glad you can do something important.
Step 7. Gradually increase the duration of petting the cat
Don't expect a shy cat to endure long periods of cuddling. Pat it a little on the back and then let it pull away. This will begin to create a physical bond between you and the cat and gain its trust.
Advice
- Don't be afraid of the cat. If you are afraid, the cat will have it too.
- Cats love to be stroked on the head, under the chin, along the back and behind the neck (especially if they wear a collar). Limit yourself to these areas if you want your cat to stay close to you. Avoid touching their legs, tail, lower back, and especially their belly.
- When the cat is just awake, it is usually calmer and more likely to allow itself to be touched. Even tired cats can ignore your petting and take a nap.
Warnings
- It is possible that a cat that does not want to be touched is suffering from feline hyperesthesia syndrome and becomes extremely agitated when stroked. In this case, in fact, being stroked or brushed causes pain rather than pleasant sensations. There are various ways to help these cats, including (but not limited to) clicker training, more time for play and movement, and medication.
- Do not touch the cat when it eats or is in the litter box: it may react with a territorial attitude and scratch you.
- Sometimes he may nibble and paw you in a playful way. Stay calm and say "Enough" firmly. The cat will likely stop and stare at you. It is a good time to take your hand away and stroke it somewhere else, so as to continue taming.
- If the cat has hooked on your hand with its claws, don't pull it off - you'll end up with long, deep scratches. Let the cat pull your hand towards him. Typically, he may nibble on you a little or just pull his nails back when your hand is closer.
