How can I help my shy, anxious cat feel comfortable with new people?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Vera. I would leave food out at night, but put less out each night and offer more of her daily allotment during the daytime. You can also place treats or canned food where she has been hiding. It may take a few more weeks, but her confidence should build and she will be comfortable enough to come out. I hope this information helps you!

Lovely Mars! You cold try with Zylkene (check the website: http://www.zylkenepet.co.uk) but if she refuses to eat is quite difficult to administer without pilling her and increase her distress. Try to offer nice and smelly food, her favorite, to encourage Mars to come out from the create. Create a cosy environment (a small rooms is ideal) where she can feel safe without people getting in and out or strong noises. If the problem persist I would have a chat with a veterinarian expert in behavior that will be happy to provide an home visit. Please post again on the forum for further advices. I hope the answer was helpful.

Just like people, some cats are quite introverted and it can take a fair amount of effort to get them out of their shells. For many of these cats, their “shyness” is actually a sign of stress and anxiety, which is often fear-related. Try to find something your cat enjoys – a special treat, ear scratches, playing with the laser pointer – and encourage your cat to approach you. Do not force any interaction, as this often makes stress and anxiety worse. It may take a bit of patience and time. Calming pheromones, such as the Comfort Zone® Calming Diffuser, can help to minimize some cats’ stress, as can anti-anxiety medication prescribed by your veterinarian. If these strategies are not successful, it may be best to consult a [veterinary behaviorist](www.dacvb.org) for further advice.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! She is gorgeous!! Some cats are just a bit more timid though that tends to get better with time. I would encourage you to speak softly to her and try to avoid sudden movements when interacting with her. There is a product called Feliway which can help cats feel more at ease in situations that are stressful to them and this may be helpful. Good luck and have a great day!

Hello. That actually does not sound too unusual. You can certainly offer her the canned twice daily ( my house kitty gets a spoonful morning & evening ), & then he is free to pick at the dry all day. MOST cats are good at self regulating & will not eat too much to become obese, but this is something to watch for as Aspen grows older. It is very much an individual thing, but for now Aspen can be free to eat when he wants to. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This takes lots of time and patience to improve. You can try a Feliway pheromone spray or diffuser. That often relaxes cats and reduces their anxiety. If she enjoys grooming brush her for a short time each day. Usually then they will start coming out to get groomed and be with you. The loud noises are hard and there is not much to be done other than act calmly like you are doing. I never force a cat to come out or do do things that make them anxious as this will only worsen the problem. Make sure she has a quiet, private 'safe' place to go. With time she should improve, it's hard to get over bad kitten experiences. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Princess.

Poor Sophia. Some cats never truly do warm up or want attention. But there are some things you can try. One is try feeding something she really wants by hand. Either cat treats or canned food. Or if she won't eat from your hand yet. Start by sitting still next to her food bowl when you put it out. Resist the urge to pet her initially. Let her get comfortable with close proximity. Gradually over time see how she likes being petted. Some cats may only accept attention while you're on the floor wth them or she's on the bed with you. Try to keep things in her comfort zone Feliway diffusers around the house may also help with her baseline anxiety level as well. I strongly recommend looking into Feliway for skittish cats. https://www.feliway.com/us#redirected But mostly it's going to take time. It could be months but if you are patient and gentle about it she will likely start to look for more interaction. Try not to force things and don't grab or pick her up unless necessary. Let her come to you on her terms. Good luck! Thanks for using PetCoach.