My new cat is shy and hides. How do I get him to trust and like me?

If this was a semi feral cat it may take many months to years for it to come out and be social. Some cats enjoy being pet when they are eating, and some don’t like to be handled at all. She needs to be patient and not push. Gradually the cat will feel more secure and confident and Hopefully will want to be around people. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Cats, like people, have different personalities; some are very sociable and always want to cuddle, while others can be more reserved and independent. It may be partly personality contributing to his behavior, as well as adjusting to his new environment. A pheromone collar (they can be found on amazon, such as nurturecalm) may be a good option instead of feliway spray, as it is a continuous release for a full month. While the response is variable among cats, it is definitely something I would recommend giving a try. Additionally, if there is a type of treat that Vin really enjoys, I would recommend putting some down by you when you are sitting on the couch watching TV, etc. When he comes to eat them, don't force an interaction, but allow him to nibble on them and then decide where he wants to go. Over time, they can be moved closer and closer to you to encourage him to be more comfortable in close proximity. When he seems playful, play with him with a toy, etc and then allow him to leave when he is done. If he is on a feeding schedule, get his attention by opening a can or shaking food into his bowl, allow him to stand next to you and have a short interaction before you set it down. If he still seems uncomfortable after these suggestions, I would recommend either setting up a consult or reaching out to your regular veterinarian for further advice. Good luck!

A cat who was basically feral for 5 months may take quite some time to become more comfortable with handling, and she may never be a cuddly lap cat. It does sound like she is willing to have some interaction with you, so I would continue what you are doing in terms of offering her nice tasty treats when she comes to you. Also feeding her near you if she will eat with you nearby but not touching her (don't want to overwhelm her at first, just get her more used to your presence being nonthreatening). I wouldn't pick her up if it scares her just yet, and I wouldn't force her to meet/be touched or held by new people just yet. I would give her a few more months of settling in. You may also add feline pheremone diffusers (Feliway is my favorite brand) to the house and try calming supplements such as Composure or Zylkene to see if these help relieve some of her anxiety as well. You can find all these products online, or at some vet clinics.

Congratulations on your new kitten! Sometimes it takes a while to gain their trust. Try to get him to play as this will help him to bond with you. Make sure to put the toys away after the play session so that they remain fresh in his mind and always associated with you. Sit quietly near him at mealtime and gradually work up to petting him or hand feeding him. Feliway does help and I recommend to use this product but it will not alter his behavior on its own. Make sure to provide an area for climbing such as a tall cat tree or shelves as this will help to satisfy his natural instinct and decrease stress. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi there. Thank you for using PetCoach. You are doing fine. Just give them some time to feel comfortable. Avoid stress and loud noises. Don't put their food/litter box in any place where there is a lot of traffic/noise. Don't force them to do anything as this will make it worse. I suggest you try some Feliway diffusers in your house. These diffusers release pheromones that help to calm cats. It works great! https://www.feliway.com/us#redirected https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/comfort-zone-diffuser-with-feliway-for-cats Be sure to get enough diffusers to cover the square footage of your house. The other thing you can do is try to entice them to come out by using toys, especially ones with catnip. Hope this helps. Best wishes!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Mickey. Congrats on your new cat! Moving into a new home is stressful, so it takes time and patience. Move him into a small room in your home, and put in there a litter box, food, and water. Visit him a couple of times a day, praising him and giving him treats when he comes out to see you. As he comes out more and more, you can play with him and give him love. Then after a couple of days, open the door to his room to let him explore. Initially, keep the amount of time he explores short, then gradually increase the time as he becomes more comfortable in your home. Eventually, he can be out of his room full time. In the beginning, keep him in his room when you go out so he feels safe. I hope this helps!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Mickey. Yes, this will be fear. Moving into a new home is stressful for him. If he won't come out from the couch, leave him be for now. Leave food and water out, and he likely will come out to eat and drink while you are sleeping tonight. Should he come out when you are there, quietly praise him and give him treats. Each time he comes out, do this and it will encourage him to come out more. Give it some time, he should adjust. I hope this helps!